A Gentleman of Sinister Schemes

The Lord Julian Mysteries #8

by Grace Burrowes

Lord Julian Caldicott has been tasked with discovering who wants the Marquess of Dalhousie dead. Two attempts have already been made on Dalhousie’s life, and the evidence Julian uncovers casts suspicion on members of the marquess’s own family. The dashing heir presumptive to the Dalhousie title certainly has a motive for murder, as does Dalhousie’s embittered aunt, his feuding neighbors, and even his disgruntled staff.

When further attempts to end Dalhousie’s existence put Julian himself in danger, Julian must choose between disorderly retreat and a steadfast pursuit of truth, though either choice might well cost him his honor or his life!

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Regency

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 12, 2025

About the author

Grace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.

It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.

While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")

Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)

To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.

Reviews

[Juliet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this thoroughly. Lord Julian is a complex, troubled character whose physical and psychological challenges come across as entirely real, and Hyperia West is an excellent foil for him, a strong individual in her own right. I've loved the whole series with its stylish, witty writing, historical accuracy, and well-developed characters, and am looking forward eagerly to the next instalment.

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Julian, his beloved Hyperia and Godmother are once again called to investigate a would be murder.
Julian comes closer to opening up to Hyperia about the traumas of his captivity by the French.
Atticus is growing up.
Once more a pleasure.

[Pat Dupuy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bless his heart. Lord Julian has to deal with the most obstreperous family in England and is barely holding on to his temper. Fortunately his Godmama and his betrothed are present to aid and abet his investigation. Which Lord Dalhousie begged him to conduct although he doesn't believe anything Julian is finding. What a frustrating mess!

[Jill E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story, but one with a major stumbling block for me

Through all of the books in this series, we have watched Lord Julian and Hyperia grow closer as they pool their investigative skills with Lady Ophelia and Atticus to solve rather perplexing mysteries.

One of the things that is so unique to me about the series is the author’s ability to provide realistic characterizations that not only bring the characters to life, but also allow the readers to grow to care about them… Which I think is a special literary gift for an author to have.

My biggest problem with this book is how angry Hyperia becomes with Julian regarding his failure to fully trust her. For the last seven books we have been reminded of the horrors and heartache that Julian faced when he was captured by the French and held as a hostage, tormented emotionally and mentally for an extremely long period of time. After a harrowing escape that took him through the Pyrenees mountains, close to death and without the succor of civilization, he was eventually discovered, tended to, and healed enough to be sent onto the battlefield once more at Waterloo.

I understand that this is a book of fiction, but it is based on characters who have ostensibly been at the forefront of battle, both horrific and mind bending. I like Hyperia because she is a strong woman, she is smart, and she is always in control of her emotions. She is pretty much the equal to any man in terms of conversation, knowledge, etc. However, I felt that she was much too hard on Julian, who is dealing with demons and specters that she, for the sake of argument, would have no way of perceiving. For as long as these two have been together, I simply cannot buy the fact that Hyperia would be so harsh with Julian as he continues to struggle to come to terms with Harry‘s loss and the damage that he suffered at the hands of the enemy and in the midst of violent warfare— and his fear of exposing his self doubts, perceived weaknesses, and guilt after only a year of recuperation.

I am simply disappointed with how harshly Hyperia judged Julian… And I felt that it put Lord Julian in a poor light, making him appear weak… an unfair characterization, especially in light of everything he has had to deal with… Including rejection by much of Society, character assassination, empty accusations of traitorous behavior, and unfounded blame that he was responsible for his brother‘s death.

Perhaps I’m making too much out of this… In truth, the plot always flows along seamlessly. (I do get a little frustrated that there are very few hints ever left out to allow the reader to come to some logical conjecture as to who the villain is.) The stories are interesting, the mysteries are complex, and the characters are really likable.

And I expect to read the next book in the series.

If nothing else, perhaps it just reminds me that we need to be more patient than we think we should be, because we never fully know the battles others around us face or the scars they carry.

I would still recommend this book.

[Barb in Maryland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely entry in one of my favorite historical mystery series.
Lord Julian is approached by the Marquess of Dalhousie, who wants Julian to find out who is trying to kill him. Julian is reluctant to upend his own life, but eventually agrees. As long as Hyperia West (his fiance and partner in sleuthing) and Lady Ophelia (his godmother and Hyperia's chaperone) are welcome to accompany him, that is.
What unfolds is a nicely twisted mystery, with no firm suspects. I had an inkling about who was the guilty party, but the idea seemed a bit far-fetched. I loved the final revelations and the wrap-up.
The large cast of supporting characters was an interesting mix of Dalhousie's friends and family. His mother, in particular, was a real piece of work.
It is always a delight to be around Julian and his beloved 'Perry'. It's fun to watch them navigate their relationship, each learning just a little bit more of what makes the other tick. No wedding bells yet, however.
I already have the next on order( A Gentleman of Questionable Judgment) and I'm thrilled that there will be yet another one (A Gentleman in Possession of Secrets) after that.

[Paulina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still love this series. The end of this one brought tears to my eyes (in a good way).

[Kim Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Julian and Hyperion are treasures

Beautifully written as always, this twisty puzzle is hard to solve. Hyperion and Lord Julian’s relationship strikes a hiccup, as all long term relationships are wont to do, but it is overcome with wisdom and grace at the end, literally. The wide cast of characters are well drawn and compelling. Atticus and Lady Ophelia are always a joy, and the characters specific to this problem are well detailed. Can’t wait till Book 9 comes out.

[Make · Rating 4 out of 5]

The redoubtable Lord Julian Caldicott returns in A GENTLEMAN OF SINISTER SCHEMES, by historical author Grace Burrowes, with The Lord Julian Mysteries book number eight. Burrowes is best known for her gentle historical romances (which I love to cozy up with), but I adore her mystery books even more.

The guilty party here is a surprise, and its fun to go with Lord Julian through the twists and turns of this investigation. This short historical mystery by Burrowes is cozy yet satisfying. A GENTLEMAN OF SINISTER SCHEMES is a lovely mix of mystery and historical romance, and I love where this series is going.

Please see my full review at the Fresh Fiction website: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i...

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deceptions abound

Sinister, indeed. Things are not going well for a lord who must find a bride, while putting out fires within his family and villagers. Lord Julian is once again pulled into the matter, along with his intrepid “team”. Loved the story, and the twist was perfect. Highly recommended.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Grace Burrowes historical mysteries and romances. Her writing is excellent, and the world she creates is lovely, filled with complex characters and relationships, strong family bonds, and honor - and always carefully researched and historically accurate. This book is the eighth in the Lord Julian mysteries; I suggest that you begin with the first. Binge and enjoy!

[HR-ML · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was book #8. I've read the whole series,
thus far. This was slow in places, but I enjoyed
the mostly honest emotions exchanged. Kisses
only, gave this 3.5 stars.

Julian had been a military reconnaissance man
who became a French POW. He was asked to
investigate threats against Gordon, a marquess,
whose country home was in Hampshire.
Wellington's home was in the same 'neck of the
woods' and I hoped W & Julian could be reunited.
It was not to be.

35+ years ago, Cora was set to wed her marquess
but another woman stole him away. The lady who
stole from Cora, wed the marquess & Gordon was
her son. These 2 'ladies' detested each other. Tam
was son of Cora and Gordon's heir. Susanna was
the 'poor relation' who ran the household and the
tenants loved. At times these folks were a hornet's
nest of emotions.

Julian made helping Gordon conditional on Lady
Ophelia (his godmother) & Lady Hyperia: "Perry"
his fiancée, being invited too. Julian shared the
horror of his time as a POW, and he and "Perry"
grew even closer.

Book #9, per the author, is due to come out in May.

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The H was baffled for too long, but it all ended as it should. But I think this is the last for me in this series. The H and h might be engaged but they are not progressing in life. Lost interst in them.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cant resist these, read them in a day. This one was not what i expected. Still delightful!

[Dorothy R. Till · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I do love this series.. I can hardly wait for the next book!! Please write quickly Grace Burrowes, I'm anxious to start reading about the next adventure.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series I've read. The characters were well done and an interesting mystery. This would have scored higher with me if there wasn't a mention of a gay couple in a regency period book. Tired of authors checking that block and it not having anything to do with the story.

[Olga Godim · Rating 3 out of 5]

An attempted murder of a marquess was a complicated mystery worthy of Lord Julian. He solved it with his usual flare, accompanied by his usual self-doubts and self-castigation. During the investigation, his betrothal to the love of his life, Hyperia West, underwent some troubles, but frankly, I blame the woman. The entire brouhaha felt artificial to me, and Hyperia could've and should've behaved much better, with more understanding of Julian's demons. As it was, while he suffered from PTSD, totally understandable after his war experience, she acted like a spoiled teenage girl. There was no need for her to fly into the boughs. The rift between them and Julian's customary inclination to blame himself for every problem upset me. It even spoiled this story a little for me. But only a little.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series so far, but the conflict between Hyperia and Julian after he was poisoned was not believable in the slightest.

"Ten times Hyperia had knocked. Ten times she’d been turned away on my orders."

It's pretty common to deal with intestinal distress of that severity without any other people around, if possible. It's certainly not something most people want to share with those they find attractive. If the author had chosen almost any other ailment, it could have worked, but diarrhea? No. No no no. You're not going to convince me that anyone has a right to be angry or hurt over not being allowed to hang around while someone else is pooping their brains out. That's ridiculous, and it makes Hyperia seem completely unreasonable.

"I’d have broken down the door and flattened anybody who stopped me from keeping guard at her bedside."

Oh really? You would have broken down the door to get to a person who's pooping uncontrollably and doesn't want anyone else around to witness it? Ok, so we now have two unreasonable characters, and I suppose they deserve each other. I don't understand why the author chose to write such a conflict. It doesn't make sense and isn't consistent with either character's prior behavior.

Also, the marquess deserves to be smacked upside the head. I do not agree with Julian's defense of his actions. Dalhousie did not know what would happen if Julian drank an entire pot of poisoned tea. He did not know that sabotaging Atlas's saddle wouldn't result in a serious injury, or even death. He deserves to be under his mother's thumb for the rest of his life if those are the kinds of actions he thinks are acceptable.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Marquess of Dalhousie begs Lord Julian Caldicott to solve the mystery of who wants him dead, Julian reluctantly agrees, but requests that his fiancée and fellow investigator, Lady Hyperia West, along with his Godmama, Lady Ophelia, be included in the invitation. Dalhousie has barely survived two attempts already and the unfortunate circumstances continue even after Lord Julian is on the case. When Julian himself is targeted by the apparent assassin, a decision is made to withdraw from the fray. But with the able sleuthing and intuition of Lady Hyperia to guide him, Julian has not given up. This story is delightfully labyrinthine, with multiple red herrings casting suspicion on one unruly and fractious member of the Marquess’s household after another. Meanwhile the relationship between Julian and Hyperia has its rocky moments…will they still be affianced by the end of the story? It looks doubtful at times. As always in Ms. Burrowes books, the mysteries seem completely unsolvable right up to the moment when all is revealed. This is a delightful addition to the Lord Julian Mysteries series, though there is enough detail and back story to be read as a standalone. Ms. Burrowes’ writing style is complex, beautiful and yet accessible, with elegantly constructed sentences and morals and language appropriate to the period. “A Gentleman of Sinister Schemes” is a terrific addition to the Lord Julian series and I highly recommend it! This book was provided by the author without any requirement for a review, positive or otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Anne-Mammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Grace Burrowes books and have read most of them. This series, the Lord Julian mysteries, is quite different and after getting used to he allusive style, I really liked them. So it was great to immerse myself again in Lord Julian and Hyperia's world. I suppose I preferred him as a hero while he was emerging from the traumas of his experiences in France, and in this book he does not have any episodes of memory loss or being over fatigued form bright lights. One is glad for Julian, but it makes him a less vulnerable character and it was this aspect of his personality which was endearing.
Atticus too, the cheeky tiger, is growing up and is not so truculent; he is mastering English grammar but is not given the opportunity to show his no nonsense powers of observation and deduction.
Still, of course, the series needs to progress and characters do develop but for me the weakest part of the book was the actual mystery and its resolving. There was nothing very complex there and the denouement rather contrived I thought. So I enjoyed the world of Lord Julian, the style of the writing but not the mystery. Yet, I have already pre ordered the next instalment. I wonder if it will indeed be the last? I would very much like Arthur to discover his brother Harry alive during his travels on the continent and of course that Jules finds his manly humours again as he marries his beloved Perry!! .

[B. McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great Lord Julian mystery! As always, it was a enjoyable read, with a seriously convoluted who-done-it story. I'm generally able to pick the bad "guy" out in books and movies pretty early on, but Grace pretty much always keeps me guessing on what is going on, and this book was no exception. While I had several suspicions throughout the book, I enjoyed the final reveal. The interpersonal dynamics in the book with Ophelia, Hyperia, and Atticus helped to deepen their characters and provide additional interest to the mystery. I very much recommend this book to anybody who enjoys a good mystery and a good (slow moving) love story! [Full disclosure: I received this book as an ARC copy, but have also read every single one of Grace's books and enjoy them all]

[DD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst happily managing his brother's estate whilst Arthur is away travelling, Julian odd approached by a Marquess to help him understand who is trying to kill him. So Lord Julian heir to the Duchy travels to the marquess' estate, where is welcome from the marquess' mother and aunt is as rude as Julian has faced since returning to England. Thankfully Lady Ophelia and Perry also attend , but the mishaps keep happening for no apparent reason.
Julian is half way home having failed to solve the problem,and having been invited to leave, when he hits upon the answer to the riddle.

am loving Lord Julian, his slow rehabilitation from being held prisoner, his relationships with Perry, Arthur and Atticus.

[Lizette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully developed characters, perplexing mystery

Julian, Hyperia, Atticus, and Lady Ophelia are back on a case, each of them as observant, loyal, and insightful as ever. I love them. And I love watching them interact with each other and the interesting new characters. Love and individual growth are significant components of the tale.

The case is annoyingly tricky. Its clues appear from various angles and don't mesh with each other. Suspects are posited, discarded, and resurrected. Their motives, means, and opportunities are revealed by one or two clues, but not by enough clues. Until the breakthrough.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julian and Perry must find out who appears to want the Marquess of Dalhousie dead

There have been two attempts on the life of the Marquess of Dalhousie and he has sent for Julian to uncover the culprit.

Julian also recruits the assistance of Hyperia and his godmother to help uncover what turns out to be a household apparently fighting within itself.

When further attempts also include some against Julian things seems to have taken a sinister turn.

Julian has to reveal some dark secrets to Perry following one such attempt against himself.

I am enjoying this series very much and I am looking forward to more in the series.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Burrowes does it again!

I’m not saying I stalk her blog for what book is next, but I’m not saying I don’t either.

I’m a huge fan of her writing and her stories. There really are 2 options.

What I love about her storytelling is I read to relax. Work is stressful enough. She does that for you!

Lord Julian is tasked with helping a marquess who thought he was being targeted.

I’m grateful for her work and all the great stories she shares. Start with Lord Julian 1 and keep going. Also look at the rest of her work.

[Inés · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another "jolly good story" of sleuthing in the Regency, with Lord Julian at his best accompanied by his usual "sidekicks" (his godmamma, his fiancée and his tiger cum protégé).
I liked that Lord Julian's sequels from his war years don't disappear by magic (although they evolve) and here they come back to haunt him, rendering a darker or more serious tone to the story (and adding credibility).
The mystery was entertaining and it took me a while to figure out who was the culprit (and I couldn't quite guess all the "how's"). However, I also found it a bit silly or out of character, both the culprit's motivation and the execution (what did they really expect to achieve?).
So, overall, although I really enjoyed this (and I'm certainly looking forward to the next mystery in the series) I wasn't so caught in the story as with previous books.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit long in the tooth, but always enjoyable. Lord Julian’s mind is always fascinating to be a party to. I’m giving it 3 stars because after eight books in the series I think there should be more depth to the relationship Julian has with Hyperia. I’m not feeling the love they claim to have for each other. The engagement is becoming a bit old, too. It’s referenced quite a bit (quite a bit) by Julian, but there’s little, if any, dialogue about it with the lady in question. It’s becoming odd.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julian, along with Hyper and Lady Octavia are spending time with the Marquess of Dalhousie. It is because attempts have been made on the marquess' life; a near-miss while hunting, a poisoning and even a fire at his London townhouse.
This was only an OK book, and not up to usual enjoyable reading. I figured out the villain before I was half finished and the book really just plodded along. Hopefully the next gets back on track.

[Danielle Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

well written

I enjoyed the reading but I think off I remember correctly, there rarely are the mystery you expect them to be.

It was slightly a surprising ending, but also not a surprise either. My hypothesis was similar to his original hypothesis, but for different reasons. But in the end we were wrong. He figured it out, but was it really a mystery, I will leave the reader to figure it out.

[Linda Brugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Julian Never Disappoints

This mystery had me scratching my head until the end. Lord Julian narrates in his British public school vernacular and pulls the reader along to understand what he sees at the moment. His progress with his fiancee is not without its set backs, but continues to enchant.

[Nancy Haddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julian & Hyperia rock

I love the regular cast, the special cast, the setting, and the mysteries. The writing is lovely and the plot unfolds at a good pace. Atticus is a fun character and the horse, Atlas, is, too. A twisty mystery and romance elements woven into the story. Wonderful!