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The Crown Jewels Regency Mysteries #2
The Ruby Dagger
Deadly intrigue meets royal expectations when murder comes for the crown.
London, 1813. In the gilded corridors of St James's Palace, Lord Percy and Lady Grace face a mystery that could shake the throne itself. A murder and audacious theft of the Prince Regent’s ruby collar of state thrusts them back into a web of deception and treachery.
Tarnished by his past behaviour, Lord Percy is focused on regaining favour with the Ton. When the queen demands he deliver the murderer and the stolen jewels, he cannot refuse.
Lady Grace sees her chance to prove her value to the crown. She’ll do anything to avoid endless weeks of ballrooms and beaus, even if that means being in close quarters with the man pledged to her best friend.
As Lord Percy and Lady Grace wade deeper into London's underbelly, love and loyalty will face the ultimate trial. Especially since this culprit is willing to spill blood.
In a society where everyone has an agenda, and half the ton is suspect, they will need to watch each other’s backs. If they cannot unveil the criminal mastermind, this time it will cost them more than their reputations.
London, 1813. In the gilded corridors of St James's Palace, Lord Percy and Lady Grace face a mystery that could shake the throne itself. A murder and audacious theft of the Prince Regent’s ruby collar of state thrusts them back into a web of deception and treachery.
Tarnished by his past behaviour, Lord Percy is focused on regaining favour with the Ton. When the queen demands he deliver the murderer and the stolen jewels, he cannot refuse.
Lady Grace sees her chance to prove her value to the crown. She’ll do anything to avoid endless weeks of ballrooms and beaus, even if that means being in close quarters with the man pledged to her best friend.
As Lord Percy and Lady Grace wade deeper into London's underbelly, love and loyalty will face the ultimate trial. Especially since this culprit is willing to spill blood.
In a society where everyone has an agenda, and half the ton is suspect, they will need to watch each other’s backs. If they cannot unveil the criminal mastermind, this time it will cost them more than their reputations.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2024
716 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Morrison
71 books227 followersLynn Morrison lives in Oxford, England along with her husband, two daughters and two cats. Originally from the US, she has also lived in Italy, France and the Netherlands. It’s no surprise then that she loves to travel, with a never-ending wishlist of destinations to visit. She is as passionate about reading as she is writing, and can almost always be found with a book in hand. You can find out more about her on her website LynnMorrisonWriter.com.
You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.
You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.
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May 4, 2024We've upped the stakes! Grace and Roland are on the case again after a murder during a state dinner. This was an intense one to write for many reasons, but it was a lot of fun, and we hope you fall in love with the characters as much as we have. <3
October 27, 2024
Not a lot better than the first. Chemistry improved but the reason for these two to investigate is a huge stretch. They did her friend a bad turn. Makes me REALLY glad not to live in aristocratic London in the 1800s.
June 14, 2024
Ooo - This was a good one!
We were introduced to Lady Grace Tilbury and Earl Roland Percy in the first book in this series, The Missing Diamond. I enjoyed that story and was expecting similar with this one, but I have to say, this book exceeded my expectations 😁 The ante was upped in every respect; I was gripped by the intrigue and action, plus caught up in the deepening feelings of both Grace and Roland for each other and the seeming impossibility of anything ever being able to move forward in that respect for them. Excitement all round!
The locations, scenery, scenes, clothing and people were all beautifully described, so it was easy to visualise it all and feel like I was there with the characters.
As in the first book, it was tricky trying to ascertain who the guilty party/parties were and, like Grace, I got it half right! Loved the way the action escalated throughout the second half of the book towards the realisation of who the murderer was and subsequent confrontations - with more realisations taking place than just of who committed the murder 😘
Loved Thorne too, he played more of a part in proceedings in this instalment. And Charity was a delight, showing maturity and insightfulness in more ways than one - though I was a bit disappointed we didn’t get to witness her audience with the queen! I would have loved to have read that and what the queen would’ve said 🤨
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed The Ruby Dagger ♥️ and am very much looking forward to book 3, The Sapphire Intrigue 😁
We were introduced to Lady Grace Tilbury and Earl Roland Percy in the first book in this series, The Missing Diamond. I enjoyed that story and was expecting similar with this one, but I have to say, this book exceeded my expectations 😁 The ante was upped in every respect; I was gripped by the intrigue and action, plus caught up in the deepening feelings of both Grace and Roland for each other and the seeming impossibility of anything ever being able to move forward in that respect for them. Excitement all round!
The locations, scenery, scenes, clothing and people were all beautifully described, so it was easy to visualise it all and feel like I was there with the characters.
As in the first book, it was tricky trying to ascertain who the guilty party/parties were and, like Grace, I got it half right! Loved the way the action escalated throughout the second half of the book towards the realisation of who the murderer was and subsequent confrontations - with more realisations taking place than just of who committed the murder 😘
Loved Thorne too, he played more of a part in proceedings in this instalment. And Charity was a delight, showing maturity and insightfulness in more ways than one - though I was a bit disappointed we didn’t get to witness her audience with the queen! I would have loved to have read that and what the queen would’ve said 🤨
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed The Ruby Dagger ♥️ and am very much looking forward to book 3, The Sapphire Intrigue 😁
June 20, 2024
I enjoyed The Missing Diamond immensely, looked forward to The Ruby Dagger, and was rewarded with an even more delightful book. Action and intrigue started from the first chapter when, at a state dinner, a murder and theft of the dagger occurred just hours after it was given to the acting king of England by the ambassador from Sweden. This could result in international consequences.
Once again the character and scene descriptions made you feel as if you were there. During the investigation you can feel the tension and the growing closer between Lord Roland and Lady Grace as well as the disappointment/sadness of Lady Charity
I can’t imagine how hard it would be to pursue an investigation when you can’t mention the dagger is stolen or even search suspects the night of the theft. I liked this added handicap. Everyone seemed to have an alibi but our two friends kept digging and solved the case. However, I felt sadness for Lady Charity. I know she made the right decision and hope she finds a worthy suitor in the next book.
I enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it. I also recommend you read the first book (The Missing Diamond) to give further depth and meaning to the characters and their behavior.
Once again the character and scene descriptions made you feel as if you were there. During the investigation you can feel the tension and the growing closer between Lord Roland and Lady Grace as well as the disappointment/sadness of Lady Charity
I can’t imagine how hard it would be to pursue an investigation when you can’t mention the dagger is stolen or even search suspects the night of the theft. I liked this added handicap. Everyone seemed to have an alibi but our two friends kept digging and solved the case. However, I felt sadness for Lady Charity. I know she made the right decision and hope she finds a worthy suitor in the next book.
I enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it. I also recommend you read the first book (The Missing Diamond) to give further depth and meaning to the characters and their behavior.
June 30, 2024
A most delightful book! I thought Missing Diamond was good ! This one certainly meets that standard , a deadly mystery bequeaths the streets of London in 1813 in the gilded corridors of St James’s Palace a murder and audacious theft of the Prince Regent’s ruby collar of state thrusts Lord Percy and Lady Grace back into a web of deception and treachery. He’s after regaining favour with the Ton and the Queen demands of him the murder and the stolen jewels forthwith. Lady Grace Tilbury and Earl Roland Percy grow closer as the dilemma of not being able to mention the coveted missing dagger impedes the investigations somewhat not to mention the ambassador from Sweden who presented to the acting King…This was one fine book by Lynn Morrison and Anne Radcliffe . It has vibrancy , wit as well as grit , it has all the aplomb and circumstance and of the era flair. The descriptions are very detailed and add a lot to the ambience of the story . The feel of the characters and the depth of the writing blew me away once more . Bravo on a perfect book . Number three is going to have a job topping the first two.. Ladies Morrison and Radcliffe , over to you…I’m leaving my review voluntarily in my own words.
December 20, 2024
not as good as the first in the series
While I finish the book, and it is brisk read, I found that the story was not as intriguing or compelling as the first. The queen is unrealistically satisfied to let Grace participate in a murder investigation, something much more serious than the disappearance of her friend in the first book of the series. This book felt more formulaic: the mystery is presented, there are too few suspects, the queen and her son are continually angry that no progress is being made, etc.
There were several typos in this book as well as difficulties with verbiage. For example, the authors wrote that Roland had “little acquaintances” rather than “few acquaintances.“
The end of the story does provide a good deal of satisfaction, tying off loose ends that remained from the first book. Again, as with the previous book, there is no foul language, no sexual content, and no gory descriptions of the murder or sustained injuries. Roland and Grace continue to be likable. And while this book dragged a little, it is a relatively easy read; it is interesting and does leave one guessing until all is revealed. I would imagine that most people that read the book will find it a satisfying tale.
While I finish the book, and it is brisk read, I found that the story was not as intriguing or compelling as the first. The queen is unrealistically satisfied to let Grace participate in a murder investigation, something much more serious than the disappearance of her friend in the first book of the series. This book felt more formulaic: the mystery is presented, there are too few suspects, the queen and her son are continually angry that no progress is being made, etc.
There were several typos in this book as well as difficulties with verbiage. For example, the authors wrote that Roland had “little acquaintances” rather than “few acquaintances.“
The end of the story does provide a good deal of satisfaction, tying off loose ends that remained from the first book. Again, as with the previous book, there is no foul language, no sexual content, and no gory descriptions of the murder or sustained injuries. Roland and Grace continue to be likable. And while this book dragged a little, it is a relatively easy read; it is interesting and does leave one guessing until all is revealed. I would imagine that most people that read the book will find it a satisfying tale.
June 10, 2024
Having loved The Missing Diamond I was really looking forward to reading The Ruby Dagger and I certainly wasn’t disappointed!
Our main characters, Lady Grace and Lord Roland, are called on again by Queen Charlotte to make discrete investigations, after being on the spot when both a theft and a murder take place. There is a list of suspects to be followed up on, but everything is to be kept as secret as possible, making investigations difficult, while all the while balancing the niceties and morals of the Regency ton, to protect reputations. There is plenty of intrigue for the talented duo to pit their wits against and danger too. Could they also be drawing closer to each other?
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and love the way there are unknown details which stop you from working out all of the motivations and machinations until the end. Grace and Roland are now firmly established on my list of favourite investigative duos!
Our main characters, Lady Grace and Lord Roland, are called on again by Queen Charlotte to make discrete investigations, after being on the spot when both a theft and a murder take place. There is a list of suspects to be followed up on, but everything is to be kept as secret as possible, making investigations difficult, while all the while balancing the niceties and morals of the Regency ton, to protect reputations. There is plenty of intrigue for the talented duo to pit their wits against and danger too. Could they also be drawing closer to each other?
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and love the way there are unknown details which stop you from working out all of the motivations and machinations until the end. Grace and Roland are now firmly established on my list of favourite investigative duos!
June 27, 2024
Grace and Roland are back with a complex mystery and even more complicated relationship. After stumbling upon a body in the throne room during a state dinner, the two are once again thrown together to solve the crime quickly and with the utmost discretion. Although I had my suspicions about the culprits in this outing, I was engaged in the investigation and did not have the complete picture until the facts were revealed. While I am reminded repeatedly why I love to read about but never want to live in Regency England, these are two of my favorite protagonists, and this series is nothing short of addictive. I await Book 3 in the series with equal amounts of excitement and trepidation since it will conclude Grace and Roland's story, but I know it will be a compelling read, and I have it on good authority (both Lynn Morrison and Anne Radcliffe) that the pair will still be around in future books. I highly recommend this cozy-historical-mystery-romance.
June 25, 2024
Brilliant storyline! Stellar ending!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In this second of the series, Lord Percy and Lady Grace are called into service by the Crown to solve a murder and theft during a royal dinner. Grace is far ahead of her time and her actions are well out of the socially acceptable norms of the day which leads to a score of entertaining events! The mystery has great twists and surprises. Best of all are the various relationships that have formed from The Missing Diamond and are built upon in this mystery. These friendships override social status which quite likely occurred naturally during the era in spite of the rigid rules. Very refreshing! The historical setting is well documented and I enjoy the notes at the end of the book. Loved it and looking forward to the next in the series ~The Sapphire Intrigue!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In this second of the series, Lord Percy and Lady Grace are called into service by the Crown to solve a murder and theft during a royal dinner. Grace is far ahead of her time and her actions are well out of the socially acceptable norms of the day which leads to a score of entertaining events! The mystery has great twists and surprises. Best of all are the various relationships that have formed from The Missing Diamond and are built upon in this mystery. These friendships override social status which quite likely occurred naturally during the era in spite of the rigid rules. Very refreshing! The historical setting is well documented and I enjoy the notes at the end of the book. Loved it and looking forward to the next in the series ~The Sapphire Intrigue!
August 26, 2024
OK, this series is pretty much the ONLY Regency era one I've found that I've truly enjoyed so far, and I enjoy this instalment even more than book 1. Grace is so much more to my taste as a female lead than any of the Bridgerton women I've encountered so far, and yes, that also goes for Emily Rath's Alcott Hall characters too. And I'm delighted that
The mystery plot thread in this was an interesting one, and while I had my suspicions from the outset, I was pleasantly surprised by how that thread played out.
All in all, this was a fun read, and I'm looking forward to Book 3, which apparently is now out.
The mystery plot thread in this was an interesting one, and while I had my suspicions from the outset, I was pleasantly surprised by how that thread played out.
All in all, this was a fun read, and I'm looking forward to Book 3, which apparently is now out.
June 15, 2024
We're in the middle of the Regency period in England. Lord Roland Percy, his fiance Lady Charity Cresswell, and their friend Lady Grace Tilbury, all of whom we met in the previous book in the series, are at a ceremony with the Swedish Ambassador presenting a ruby dagger to the Prince Regent and his mother, Queen Charlotte. Roland and Grace find the body of a dead guard and discover that the ruby dagger is missing. Queen Charlotte again asks them to investigate.
A well-written delightful book with several twists and turns and an ending I didn't really expect. I highly recommend it, but also recommend reading "The Missing Diamond" first in order to better understand the back stories and relationships of the characters.
A well-written delightful book with several twists and turns and an ending I didn't really expect. I highly recommend it, but also recommend reading "The Missing Diamond" first in order to better understand the back stories and relationships of the characters.
June 17, 2024
I truly enjoyed this book, for lots of reasons. One, the characters are all well-developed and their relationships are evolving very naturally: Grace's friendship with Charity, the ways she relates to her mother, and to her lady's maid. The reader will learn more about the larger world; for example, the Queen and Prinny, the ways that members of the 'ton' act, and the constraints that make a Very Discreet investigation more difficult
The mystery itself was quite believable and not so easy to solve. I enjoyed it, and found the authors' restraint (no misdirection or red herrings) refreshing. Pay attention, and you might solve it before you reach the end !
I am ready for the next book in this series. Hope it comes out soon !
The mystery itself was quite believable and not so easy to solve. I enjoyed it, and found the authors' restraint (no misdirection or red herrings) refreshing. Pay attention, and you might solve it before you reach the end !
I am ready for the next book in this series. Hope it comes out soon !
June 12, 2024
Thanks to Grace's involvement in rescuing the Queen's diamond, the Tilbury family now enjoys invitations to royal events that were not opened to them before. However, when a theft and murder happen within the royal palace, Lady Grace and Lord Roland are once again tasked with finding the guilty party.
Book 2 and it gets better and better! Intriguing and exciting, I really enjoyed this book and would totally recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre. Waiting impatiently for the next one!!
Book 2 and it gets better and better! Intriguing and exciting, I really enjoyed this book and would totally recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre. Waiting impatiently for the next one!!
July 1, 2024
Suspense and intrigue
A ruby dagger offered by the Swedish ambassador to the Regent has disappeared and a guard has been murdered.
Roland and Grace once again are on a mission for Queen Charlotte. They have to find the dagger before the theft becomes public knowledge and endangers the diplomatic relations between England and Sweden. They have to work together, ignoring their growing feelings and the fact that Roland is still betrothed to Charity
The whole book is a fascinating, and entertaining, race against time to find the dagger.
A ruby dagger offered by the Swedish ambassador to the Regent has disappeared and a guard has been murdered.
Roland and Grace once again are on a mission for Queen Charlotte. They have to find the dagger before the theft becomes public knowledge and endangers the diplomatic relations between England and Sweden. They have to work together, ignoring their growing feelings and the fact that Roland is still betrothed to Charity
The whole book is a fascinating, and entertaining, race against time to find the dagger.
July 7, 2024
This second collaborative book in the series did not disappoint. Set in the same Regency era as The Missing Diamond, the characters we met there are joined together to solve a second problem for the then Queen and Prince Regent. I loved seeing their stories and challenges develop and the strictures of society and propriety conspire against them. Such a great era to choose, and I appreciated learning more through the gentle and clever storytelling of these two talented authors. I can’t wait for the 3rd book in the series to be released.
July 28, 2024
I love this series so much! You’ve got old-school mysteries, slow burn romance, regency era, amazing writing, and flawless editing. You can’t really ask for more from a book.
Roland and Grace are fast becoming one of my favorite fictional couples. There’s just something so compelling about each as a character, as well as their growing relationship.
The mystery itself was just as entertaining, though I had a strong–and correct–suspicion about the culprit.
All in all, an amazing book. I can’t wait for more to follow!
✔️ Murd3r mystery
✔️ Bridgerton Vibes
✔️ Forbidden Romance
Roland and Grace are fast becoming one of my favorite fictional couples. There’s just something so compelling about each as a character, as well as their growing relationship.
The mystery itself was just as entertaining, though I had a strong–and correct–suspicion about the culprit.
All in all, an amazing book. I can’t wait for more to follow!
✔️ Murd3r mystery
✔️ Bridgerton Vibes
✔️ Forbidden Romance
September 18, 2024
Lady Grace & Lord Percy
During a dinner presentation from an Ambassador to the Crown, Lady Grace runs into an old foe while coming back in from the garden getting some fresh air. Lord Percy has decided she was gone too long and went to find her. He pulls her into an empty doorway and…they find the body of the guard assigned to protect the Ruby Dagger, which was gone! Lady Grace and Lord Percy are assigned to find who did it and to find the gift of State, the Ruby Dagger. Book 2 of 3, 4th one coming soon.
During a dinner presentation from an Ambassador to the Crown, Lady Grace runs into an old foe while coming back in from the garden getting some fresh air. Lord Percy has decided she was gone too long and went to find her. He pulls her into an empty doorway and…they find the body of the guard assigned to protect the Ruby Dagger, which was gone! Lady Grace and Lord Percy are assigned to find who did it and to find the gift of State, the Ruby Dagger. Book 2 of 3, 4th one coming soon.
July 1, 2024
This is a great series - mixing budding romance with intrigue and murder!
The relationship between Grace - more than a bit ahead of her time - and Lord Percy is beautifully developped as a background to a very good, solid, and intriguing mystery, with lots of twists and a surprising ending.
And all is simply so very well written - the words flow, the story builds....
A joy to read - I can't wait for book 3!
The relationship between Grace - more than a bit ahead of her time - and Lord Percy is beautifully developped as a background to a very good, solid, and intriguing mystery, with lots of twists and a surprising ending.
And all is simply so very well written - the words flow, the story builds....
A joy to read - I can't wait for book 3!
July 6, 2024
A Queen’s Intervention/An Investigation.
A chance encounter with a person of dislike and then there seems to be a murder & a thief at the Queen’s Dinner. And as the secret investigation continues it’s no secret that Grace has no Beau that she can
Relate too, while Charity is puzzled over hers. And then Grace finally realizes who the thief is & seeks help…and the consequences are dire!!
A chance encounter with a person of dislike and then there seems to be a murder & a thief at the Queen’s Dinner. And as the secret investigation continues it’s no secret that Grace has no Beau that she can
Relate too, while Charity is puzzled over hers. And then Grace finally realizes who the thief is & seeks help…and the consequences are dire!!
August 26, 2024
very satisfying story and perfect union.
Any who is not particular about British title intricacies will find the era well presented. Another series with a courageous, yes also witty and spunky who finds her talent in crime solving. The hero is perfect for Grace and the side characters just add to a Goodreads.
the royal family does little to impress me, but they don’t detract from the methods the key characters use investigating. I am putting 3rd book in my next read.
Any who is not particular about British title intricacies will find the era well presented. Another series with a courageous, yes also witty and spunky who finds her talent in crime solving. The hero is perfect for Grace and the side characters just add to a Goodreads.
the royal family does little to impress me, but they don’t detract from the methods the key characters use investigating. I am putting 3rd book in my next read.
February 11, 2025
Lord Percy and Lady Grace weathered their first storm with Her Highness when they recovered her diamond but now a murder has taken place within the walls of her majesties and they must find out who it is as well as look for a thief of a ruby dagger. Its a well written book with many ins and outs but the way Percy and Grace go about their search just does not jive with my idea of Regent England. Everyone was watched and attended to and yet they seem to just go off and about.
March 12, 2025
Enjoyable Read
The interaction between the two major characters was enjoyable to witness. Throw in together in an intriguing calamity to solve a mystery, brought them to discover not only their own hidden depths, but to realize their their perfect partner in each other. The reader gets to experience this surprise, not because its obvious, but because of the expertise of the author in kindling it out of each of them in surprising ways.
The interaction between the two major characters was enjoyable to witness. Throw in together in an intriguing calamity to solve a mystery, brought them to discover not only their own hidden depths, but to realize their their perfect partner in each other. The reader gets to experience this surprise, not because its obvious, but because of the expertise of the author in kindling it out of each of them in surprising ways.
June 17, 2024
I love this historical mystery series. Grace and Roland find themselves embroiled in another mystery and it isn't going unnoticed how well they work together. There is a lot on the line to solve the case of the missing Ruby Dagger with a number of suspects and plot twists. This can be read as a standalone. I am eager to read the next book in the series.
July 15, 2024
I loved The Missing Diamond and eagerly awaited this next book. Somehow The Ruby Dagger surpassed the first book. If I could give more stars I would!
More Regency deliciousness, more ‘will they, won’t they’ romantic angst and more suspects to savour.
I just need more hours in the day without interruptions! Can’t wait for The Sapphire Intrigue.
More Regency deliciousness, more ‘will they, won’t they’ romantic angst and more suspects to savour.
I just need more hours in the day without interruptions! Can’t wait for The Sapphire Intrigue.
June 17, 2024
Excellent story. I love reading Lynn's books. The mystery is so interesting and I usually have no clue who the guilty party is. There is so much detail about life in the 1800's. You can tell she's researches her books well.
July 24, 2024
A Gem of a Story.
I truly enjoy tbe antics of the ladies to get around the stuffy rules of the 'ton'. Add to that a puzzling mystery, a murder and the loss of a valuable royal gift and the hunt is on
I truly enjoy tbe antics of the ladies to get around the stuffy rules of the 'ton'. Add to that a puzzling mystery, a murder and the loss of a valuable royal gift and the hunt is on
January 20, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up
This book is hardly any better than the first one.
The mystery is pretty weak. The only thing that keeps it a bit more interesting is the "will they won't they" game they have going on.
This book is hardly any better than the first one.
The mystery is pretty weak. The only thing that keeps it a bit more interesting is the "will they won't they" game they have going on.
June 27, 2024
better than the first in the series, can't wait for the next one.
June 30, 2024
I was pleased with the direction of this second book. However, I was disappointed that the villain escaped. Looking forward to the next Lord Percy and Lady Grace adventure. I recommend this series.
July 7, 2024
Characters I would love to meet in person, vivid descriptions of an interesting time period, and a well plotted mystery with potential to carry through to many more satisfying episodes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews