When the ghostly Gray Lady walks, someone will die.
Asked by Tristan Fontain to help, Elinor chases spirits at a country estate in a charming seaside town. Coralie Floquet desires to marry but the spectral appearance of a Gray Lady predicts her death will be soon. That puts a damper on the romance!
But as soon as Elinor arrives, ill-will seems to swirl around her. There’s tittle-tattle about her relationship with Tristan, a plot accusing him of treason against the king, and his sister seems behind it all.
More important than predictions from the grave, it is Elinor’s heart which is in danger when the duke finally reveals the truth about his dead wife.
A series about Elinor Chalamet, a witty and clever Sherlock Holmes-like female in a fantasy gaslamp world inspired by 1910’s France. A slow burn romance that heats up in this volume.
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A quick-paced, fun and compelling read for lovers of the supernatural:
#1 Ghost Talker #2 Delicious Death #3 Spirit Guide #4 Gray Lady #5 Haunted Grave #6 Ghastly Mistake _____________________________________________
Discover fearless women, clever as cats, partnered with men who fall first even if they do have a hidden agenda. Byrd writes riveting characters who are relatable but realistically complex.
Her book series showcase alternate histories with intrigue, fantasy, and the supernatural, while Byrd’s standalone novels are thought-provoking explorations of family dysfunction using contemporary settings and magical realism.
Gray Lady By Byrd Nash Another excellent supernatural mystery! I really enjoy this series! Great characters, plot, clean, ghostly mysteries, with a touch of romance.
This one is FULL of spoilers for the preceding books and would be best read in order since the events in 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒕 𝑮𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒆 #𝟑 directly lead to what is happening in 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑳𝒂𝒅𝒚 #𝟒 .
𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬:
· Country house murder and ghost mystery. · Our independent woman thinks it might not be bad idea to be taken care of. · Our Grumpy nobleman goes into protection mode. · Our Gray Lady ghost is part of an ancient curse, and is predicting doom at every moment. · Steampunk - Gaslamp fantasy inspired by 1910s France. · Genre crossover blending fantasy, mystery, and alternate history. · Full of paranormal activity, featuring a slow burn romance, mystery and murder.
𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 - 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐲𝐫𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬. Each video gives a narration of a key point in the book that I wanted to highlight. Find the playlist at my YouTube channel or come to my Goodreads profile page and look at the left margin.
A Gaslamp Fantasy with ghosts, this series includes a slow-burn romance. Setting is a high fantasy world reminiscent of Europe (1890-1915) part French, part Dutch. Carriages, gaslight, dark city passages, and crime, along with fabulous dresses and desserts.
Another charming entry in this series of novellas. "The young Coralie Floquet desires to marry but the spectral appearance of a Gray Lady portends that her end might be soon. Called in to help by Tristan Fontain, the Duke de Archambeau, Elinor plans to chase spirits and rumors at a country estate in a seaside town. But as soon as she arrives, ill-will seems to swirl around her, along with tittle-tattle about her relationship with Tristan that has gossips talking. Though Elinor doesn’t care much about stolen government documents, her heart might be lost when the duke finally reveals the truth about his past and why he took Elinor home when he first met her."
Elinor is still recovering from the injuries she sustained in Spirit Guide when she is asked to protect young Coralie from her fiance's family ghost. The Gray Lady isn't a true ghost, but that doesn't mean she's harmless. Coralie's mama suspects the fiance of being a fortune-hunter, fiance's mama is also opposed to the match, for Reasons. Several incidents occur that target Coralie, but are they the work of the Gray Lady? All sorts of other things happen during this country visit to fiance's home. There's the nasty gossip and the woman who is spreading it; there's Tristan's very unhappy sister Valentina and her unpleasant 'friend' Josephine; and the above mentioned stolen government documents. All in all, not a very restful visit for Elinor. Now, to wait for book 5, Untimely Grave.
I VERY kindly received an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. My opinions are my own.
OHMYGOODNESS FINALLY THOUGH!
The slow burn in these novellas is something else - but now we're starting to see the more human side of Tristan and Elinor both, though particularly Tristan, and digging a bit more into what happened with his wife (which ... honestly, some women take the cake) and why, exactly, he dragged Elinor to his house back in 'Ghost Talker'.
This is how that went inside my head. The Duke in book 1: You're coming with me so you don't spill any secrets. Me: You're protecting her from something, know something about her dad's murder, something something, you're the intelligence person, you'll figure it out! The Duke in book 4: yeah no you're giving me way too much credit here, I just wanted her. Me: ... Also me: fair enough.
I love the way they keep getting closer and I can't wait to see how this continues. The Gray Lady mystery was also really well done, I thought (and amusing that BOTH matriarchs wanted to use the legend in their own way, and for their own reasons, some good, some less so), though I'm now very keen on exploring just how Elinor's powers ... soul? ... work.
I also want to know about this betrayal. I honestly can't believe that it would be Tristan or anyone of her inner circle, so I'm giving the Morpheus Society the gimlet eye here, particularly as the Duke warns her to write to her former apprentice often, to keep in touch. There's so much more happening behind the scenes now that the episodic ghost mystery feels sort of like a side quest along the main mission of figuring out the backdrop of all this (honorary mention to the King's prosecutor or whatever the heck he was, because poor man was NOT prepared whatsoever).
Something wicked this way comes, and I have a feeling it'll be a huge banger when it's revealed what it is!
Elinor once again solves mysteries and helps the living and the dead. Things are starting to get cozier between Tristan and Elinor, but their relationship is still appropriate, but not well defined. Will they decide on marriage or go their separate ways? Tristan has come a long way with supporting Elinor with her chosen profession, although, truth be told, she helps him with his investigations in some ways, also. They need to have a serious “define the relationship” talk, but they keep getting distracted or interrupted. I enjoyed the mysteries and Elinor’s unique way of solving them. I just enjoy being Elinor’s “shadow” as she moves through her story. Can’t wait for the next one! Hopefully, there will be some long awaited answers.
This is 4th in the Madame Chalamet historical mystery/fantasy series about a Ghost Talker who helps folks with their ghostly problems.😉
In this storyline, Elinor is called on to try to rid a family of its deadly curse involving a “Gray Lady” ghost. There are lots of secrets and lies that come out around a murder and also some connections made to previous adventures.
While I am enjoying the series and intend to read further, I didn’t feel this one was on par with previous outings.
Gray Lady is the engaging 4th book in this series. There is, of course, my favorite characters, Elinor and Tristan, but also several new characters that helped build the suspense and drama of this well-written mystery. There is a holiday which involved traveling that provided a great descriptors of the area of the visit to a seaside town. I enjoyed it throughly and am already looking forward to book 5. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Disclaimer: I received this ARC from BookFunnel and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Madame Elinor Chalamet is back for another installment in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries novella series. This time Elinor is summoned to a seaside home to determine if a soon-to-be bride is about to become a victim of the ghostly Gray Lady. With the attractive Duke de Archambeau at her side, Elinor attempts to separate ghostly activity from human machinations before it’s too late.
This is another delightful episode in the series. The heat is turned up a bit on the slow-burn romance between Elinor and the Duke, which causes even more gossip than what is already swirling around the two of them. Even though she is dismayed to find herself the subject of gossip, Elinor will not be deterred in getting to the bottom of the mystery of the Gray Lady.
If you like historical mysteries with a bit of the paranormal this is a great series for you. I continue to be impressed with author Byrd Nash’s world building in the series. This is a quick read sure to leave you clamoring for more!
A fun page-turning read! Madame Elinor Chalamet is recovering from the taxing events of the previous book so Tristan, Duke de Archambeau, wangles her an invitation to a seaside estate to investigate the appearance of a ghostly Gray Lady. Elinor joins the house party and uncovers several interesting and dangerous mysteries.
I really enjoyed the mysteries in this book, although I would have liked a bit more ghost talking. Elinor continues to be a truly delightful character and I really like her and Tristan together as they finally begin their romance.
There are plenty of surprises as the mysteries unfold and I’m looking forward to the next adventure in the series!
A mature (emotionally mature) but romantically naive woman who has a talent for talking to the recently deceased is drawn into mysteries with ghosts and other political intrigues. She has attracted the attention of a rich duke high in status to the king. But she is not in his societal hierarchy. The attraction is mutual, but has not progressed because of the damage it will do to her reputation. I love the mysteries. They are complicated and fascinating. And I am curious to see where the relationship goes.
1. After the dangerous incidents in the previous book, Elinor is kinda depressed and was whisked away to the country to recover. Of course, the Duke engineered it all 2. A young girl, about to get married is receiving death threats and Elinor is here to put her ghost talking and amateur sleuth skills to action 3. I liked the progress of Elinor and Tristan's relationship. They're not there yet, but they're 'together' now 4. I liked how justice was delivered here. It was unorthodox, but perfect.
I just love this whole series. You have the mystery and romance rolled into one. Each book has its own mystery that gets solved, plus the ongoing mystery that keeps you coming back for more. Can't wait for the next book. I hate that I read through them so fast but I just can't put it down. A must read for all!!!
A seaside town, a gray lady, family curses, enemies, societal tension. Elinor is back in her element as she ventures into recovery after the events of the previous book. Not only that, she has some unexpected ghostly companions. But what is she to do when the Duke de Archambeau is suddenly targeted and framed as a traitor?
I am loving this series so damn much! I appreciate that our love story with the Duke and our Madame Chalamet has progressed and I do wonder what the future holds....
I like that this was a ghost hunting story, but had a lot more than just the ghosts in this one. I am so ready to pick up #5 and #6 will be out soon!
I love this series however, this book had rather more type of graphical errors than the others. Unfinished sentences in complete sentences sentences with words that did not belong. Difficult to give it four stars, but I did. If not for the typos, I would’ve given it five because I truly do enjoy this series.
This was so good. And I mean it has it all. The character building and the way things tie together. I’m just truly impressed and did not expect to be this intrigued. I love this series completely. If you read this series- you will not forget it.
In this book four of the series Elinor is invited to go with the Duke to investigate the Gray Lady. She always appears before someone dies. Good mystery, and romance between Elinor and the Duke.
When the ghostly Gray Lady walks, a lover dies. Can Elinor stop destiny? The young Coralie Floquet desires to marry but the spectral appearance of a Gray Lady portends that her end might be soon. Called in to help by Tristan Fontain, the Duke de Archambeau, Elinor plans to chase spirits and rumors at a country estate in a seaside town. But as soon as she arrives, ill-will seems to swirl around her, along with tittle-tattle about her relationship with Tristan that has gossips talking. Though Elinor doesn’t care much about stolen government documents, her heart might be lost when the duke finally reveals the truth about his past and why he took Elinor home when he first met her. The fourth installment about Elinor Chalamet, a witty and clever Sherlock Holmes-like female character in Alenbonné, a coastal city where ghosts walk at all hours.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Oh my! Things are moving!!! Really moving!!!! Finally!
After three fun novellas, this longer one is the turning-point in Elinor and Tristan’s relationship, and it is so sweet 🤩 It is also a crucial turning-point for Elinor as while she is trying to recover from her previous ordeal, she struggles with the changes in her and around her. She might agreed to taking things slow, slow does not mean in her book doing nothing, even if ghosts appear to avoid her. She feels depressive, exhausted and definitely something is lacking. And while the story is told from her point of view, the people surrounding her have a great part in her mood and feelings. But for Elinor’s quirkiness and smartness, she is a woman, while knowing what she wants, who has her moments of doubts, even more about the content of her heart. If she has no problem acknowledging her attraction nor feelings for Tristan, she is lost at time when it means how to handle their burgeoning relationship, where to lead it, how to deal with the ramifications of them being together. And when wagging tongues try to creep into her mind, sowing doubts, she must explore thoroughly what she truly wants in her core. I loved how they open themselves to the other, finally baring their heart, Tristan unveiling at last the secrets of his disastrous marriage. But this story does not stop at the romance part, it also gives us food for thought with the changes Elinor is facing.
The mystery behind the curse was classic but its lifting surprising and enjoyable as was the conclusion of the countryside party.
A much dense and intense addition to this series with the main characters facing ongoing changes that will be addressed in the next books as the real villain is still on the run. 5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
Setting the Scene: Ghost Talker Elinor Chalamet is in need of a ghostly visit. She is suffering residual effects from her trip to the Beyond, disillusionment with the Morpheus Society, several near misses from attempts on her life, and hasn't seen Tristan Fontaine, Duke de Chambaux, alone in too long. So, when she receives an invitation from the duke for luncheon at his home, she is ready. There she meets the very young Coralie Floquet, fiancee to Corbin Montaine (son and heir of Lord and Lady Montaine) and her mother and accepts an invitation to the Montaine estate to deal with a Gray Lady (Lady in White) whose appearance seems to portend the death of a lover. Little does she know that intrigue, espionage, and betrayal also await her in the charming seaside village.
What I Thought: I fell in love with this Gaslamp series with the first book, and my enjoyment has grown with each subsequent book, Gray Lady included. Byrd Nash has created a wonderful world in which to set her storylines and characters, providing tales that are at once entertaining and intriguing. Elinor, the series MC, is one tough woman, but she is neither brittle nor jaded. I enjoy the glimpses of her vulnerability that we are given, along with her perception, intelligence, and wit. Some have compared her to Sherlock Holmes, but I do not see her in that light, at all. Tristan and the secondary characters also are well developed, and provide entertainment or fodder, as the case may be, to further the plot(s). Among my favorites are Charlotte (coroner and doctor), Inspector Barbier (obviously, a police inspector), Marcus (a street urchin), and even Twyla (Elinor's former assistant) and I hope to see more of them in the next book, assuming it will be set in Alenbonne, but Lady Montaine may be my favorite secondary character in Gray Lady. I do hope we see more of her. This most recent outing provides several developments that explain or further develop events from previous books, and I was happy to see Elinor and Tristan deepening their relationship, though it seems rough waters are ahead in that regard - society being what it is and all. We also get another hint of the Criminal Mastermind believed to be behind the murder of Elinor's father and who may very well be behind the attempts on Elinor's life and Tristan's reputation, but the hunt is still on to identify him, not to mention capture him. I eagerly await Book 5 in the series, and I am certain I will not be satisfied with a mere six books. In the meantime, I highly recommend this book, but do start at the beginning with Spirit Guide and read the books in order to better understand and appreciate each one.
The Gray Lady brings death. Coralie Floquet plans to marry soon but is worried after spotting the spectral of the Gray Lady. Tristan, aka Duke de Archambeau, asks Elinor to step in and help. The duo travels to a seaside estate to chase the spirit.
However, Elinor realizes that there’s a lot of ill will around her, and people can’t stop gossiping about her relationship with the Duke. There’s even a case of stolen government documents to deal with. As always, it’s up to Elinor to solve the cases (with the Duke, of course).
And… finally, Elinor might get to know the truth about the Duke’s dead wife.
The story comes from Elinor’s POV.
My Thoughts:
Finally, the romance track between Elinor and Tristan is established. They share some heated and cozy moments while also talking about the past, ghosts, and criminals.
The concept of the Gray Lady is very well done. It’s not scary (at all) but includes paranormal elements to create the atmosphere. (I wish there was a spooky lighthouse scene!)
Though there are different threads (subplots/ cases) in this one, there’s no confusion. In fact, the cases overlap when they should and head toward the next stage.
This book ups the danger levels. I feel the next book will have more danger, given Elinor is getting to know her true powers and hidden strengths.
I did miss Charlotte and Twyla in this one. Though Twyla was present only in the previous book, she made a strong impression. I so want to meet her again.
The book has more focus on the lives of the aristocracy and their hypocrisy, which is necessary for the plot. It shows both sides of the coin. While I hate one character, I feel for another and have mixed feelings about the third. (No spoilers)
Well, Elinor is betrayed (after all, there are multiple attacks on her), and I think I know who it is. Betrayal comes from someone you trust, so she is going to have a huge shock in the next book.
The track about her father’s murder doesn’t progress in this one. But there is a positive development in another aspect.
As always, the book deals with a few social themes by weaving them into the plot. The narration is a little slower this time, though it goes at a steady pace throughout.
To summarize, Gray Lady is an atmospheric mystery with a dash of romance and a tease of danger.
This book will not work as a standalone. Read the series in the right order to enjoy it fully. I’m waiting for book five now.
My thanks to author Byrd Nash for the eARC of the book. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Series Info/Source: This is the 4th book in the Madam Chalamet Ghost Mysteries series. There are six books planned for this series. I bought this as an ebook for Kindle.
Thoughts: I enjoyed this 4th installment in the Madam Chalamet Ghost Mysteries. This is a fun historical fantasy read with humor, ghosts, and some romance. The romance makes a bit more progress in this book than in the previous books in the series.
Elinor is struggling to recover from her battle in the between world of the last book and when Tristan (the Duke of Archambeau) sees how thin and ill she looks he thinks a jaunt to the countryside might be just the thing. Luckily, the young Coralie Floquet has a ghost problem out in a small seaside town that she needs Elinor's help with. Tristan works with Coralie to get Elinor an invite to the country estate where a Gray Lady ghost is causing trouble.
This was a very entertaining installment in this series. There is the immediate issue of the Gray Lady haunting and I enjoyed the twisted threads that Elinor had to un-weave to get to the truth behind all the high society craziness going on here. Then there is the longer term issue of the after effects of Elinor's visit to the between world and her constant tiredness, which was just as intriguing as the shorter story.
We also get to see more interactions between Tristan and Elinor, which was fun since I really enjoy them both as characters. They are both such strong, self-possessed, and witty characters that it is fun to watch them bend a bit in order to make concessions for a relationship.
I really love the format of this series. Each book has a self-contained mystery but there is a broader story that carries on from book to book as well. These are easy and fun reads. I do wish there was a bit more world-building. The world of Alenbonne' seems much like Victorian London, but isn't built out much beyond that. I also adored watching Elinor and Tristan start to communicate to each other better and grow their relationship a bit.
My Summary (4/5): Overall this is a entertaining and easy to read series with characters I enjoy a lot. I love the ghost mysteries, the broader story, and the twists and turns throughout. I do think the world building is a bit weak but that is a minor complaint. I would recommend if you enjoy Victorian ghost mysteries with some romance and humor.
I really enjoy Elinor as a protagonist. She is an experienced, rather cool character who, after a family tragedy, joined the Morpheus Society and has extended her natural talent for seeing ghosts by means of rigorous training. We start this latest adventure with Elinor at a very low ebb. She is still struggling with an injury she sustained in a previous escapade and she has lost her apprentice. And while she complained vigorously and at length about said apprentice’s shortcomings – she is badly missing her young charge. Not least because she’s seriously worried about what she’s being asked to do on behalf of the Morpheus Society, as Elinor’s faith in the organisation has been seriously undermined.
So being invited to investigate a gray lady – a particularly dangerous and persistent form of ghost, who has appeared over the years to young females, all of whom have ended up dying within the year – makes a welcome break from her melancholia. We finally see some progression on the very slow burn romance between Elinor and Tristan. I’m not sure whether I’m completely convinced by Elinor’s behaviour regarding their relationship – it strikes me as rather modern. But that’s probably the only quibble I have regarding the whole adventure.
As usual, the handling of the ghost mystery is written with plenty of pace, a nice number of suspects and the solution to this one worked particularly well. I loved the rather gossipy nature of the house party and how we were included in the machinations within a number of complex relationships that aren’t anything like their initial appearance. I tore through this one as the pages whipped by far too fast – and all too soon I realised I’d devoured the complete book, despite this one being longer. Highly recommended for fans of historical whodunits with a twist of ghostliness about them – but whatever you do, don’t start with this one, go back to the first book, Ghost Talker. This delightful series deserves to be read in the correct order. 9/10
Elinor is feeling poorly after her experience in the beyond with a ghost who could still kill humans before she banished him forever. Her life is threatened as well so she is happy to accept the invitation of Tristan to accompany him to a seaside town for a vacation and a little research on a resident ghost who seems to be haunting the bloodline of the host there.
She finds herself as the center of gossip because of her association with Tristan and as her investigation continues into the ghostly presence, some documents come to her attention which would put Tristan in bad light if he were proven to be behind them. Not only that, but the owner of the manor is murdered and his secret is revealed to her after she views his last few memories as a ghost talker.
There are now clues to put together to find out who is trying to destroy Tristan ( one of whom is revealed in this book) as well as new information relating to the murder of her father and what was used on her during her trip to the beyond in the previous book. She also needs to come up with how to deal with some new information relating to that experience. All in all the next two books will be exciting to read as things are starting to head to the climax of this series!
I recommend you get this series and see just how different Victorian times were for women in a world controlled by men where women were regarded as little more than just property of a man. Certainly not how things are in most of the civilized world today thank goodness!
Enjoy reading all about a female Sherlock Holmes in the person of our heroine Elinor, the ghost talker!
Another cracker of a story in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Stories. After the events of the last book, a drained and exhausted and apparently physically targeted Elinor is invited/tasked by Tristan to travel to the seaside to investigate the Gray Lady of Hightower House. The Gray Lady is a haunting that is said to be a premonition of death to the person who sees it, or of someone close to them. As Elinor investigates, she finds the living as well as the supernatural causing serious problems of various kinds at Hightower.
Along with the mysteries, Tristan and Elinor deepen their relationship, with an increase in physical affection (closed door) and discussions about their romance. It is lovely to read.
Mysteries from the previous books continue through Gray Lady. While the Gray Lady and related mysteries are solved, the many questions and concerns from previous books as well as new problems remain unresolved by the end of this volume. I expect that we will learn more in the next book.
Gray Lady is a good mystery, lovely romance, and a good time. I continue to be impressed by the series, and am looking forward to the next book. It should be noted that the Madame Chalamet volumes are not standalones, but need to be read in order.
Thank you to the author for the ARC I was provided. My opinions are entirely my own.
Oh, Ms. Nash, you do not disappoint! This fourth book in series turns the tide for our clever and witty Elinor, the Madame Chalamet. The slow burn between her and Tristan Fontain, the Due de Archambeau continues in this delicious story feeding the hope of each of us committed readers.
Our protagonist, Madame Chalamet has not fully recovered from her previous dealings with the Beyond. Tristan under the guise of calling upon Mme. Chalamet's professional talents, gets her away to a seaside resort to get her the rest she so desperately needs. Her task is to relieve the angst of a skittish bride who is nudgy about a curse which weighs heavy over her betrothed's house. You see, "when the Gray Lady walks, a lover dies". Can Elinor assuage the fears of this young flighty bride? And what of that curse?
This was a delightful addition to this series. Elinor's empathetic and respectful handling of those of the spirit world as well as those walking on the earthly plane is charming and endearing. The dialogue is terrific, humorous and engaging. The world building is imaginative and cinematic in scope. The slow burn romance is tastefully rendered. All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Elinor has not completely recovered from her time in the Beyond and the drug Parnell used to facilitate her sojourn there leaving her in poor health and to compound her troubles there have been at least two attempts to murder her. So when the Duke arranges for her to travel to the seaside and investigate the Gray Lady Elinor accepts. But what starts as a holiday with a little ghost hunting becomes much more dangerous as accusations of treason swirl and there is a murder. I have raced through the first four books in this series and vastly regret that book five will not be available to read until late June. While each entry in the series has a focus that is solved each also builds well upon the previous and leaves the reader eager to learn more about the various other plots that weave throughout the series. Suspicions are growing in my mind about who the master criminal is who is involved in both the treasonous plotting against the King as well as who murdered Elinor’s father. The romance between Elinor and the Duke is heating up and the reader is left to guess whether it will end with marriage or an affair. Highly recommended
This is book 4 in the series about Madame Chalamet! I absolutely love this series! Each book has a specific case that Madame Chalamet is working on, while also in the background she is working on her own father's murder and now in book 4 is also wondering what Parnell was working on and who took his research.
Madame Chalamet is a ghost-talker, and her love interest just so happens to be the Duke de Chambaux, but neither have done much on acting on their feelings.
In the book, the Duke asks Madame Chalamet to accompany him to the home of the Montaine's. She is there to get to the bottom of the family's curse and the Grey Lady, for there is a marriage that may not happen if what everyone thinks of the Grey Lady is true.
We see a completely different side of the Duke in this book, and I Looovvveeeee it! We also get a deeper connection with Lady Valentina, the Dukes sister.
There are so many small details that are brilliant! I can't wait to read book 5 and see where Madame Chalamet goes next, as well as what is in store for her and the Duke!
Elinor's relaxing seaside holiday is anything but in this addition to the Madame Chalamet mystery series. There is a definite Agatha Christie/Jane Austen feel to this one with all social intrigue and layers of secrets on secrets. Very well told story because with all that was going on the disparate story lines actually served to strengthen each other and tied together beautifully for a very satisfying story. This is one that will definitely keep you guessing until the end just because of how many balls are up in the air. Even when I thought I had the shape of things there were more elements to consider. Very entertaining read!
This is the 4th book in the Madame Chalamet series, and while each book has a free standing mystery, there is quite a bit of character growth and an overarching story that wraps through the books and you would be missing a lot if they are not read in order. A couple pivotal scenes in this book are based on events from book 3.