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Gravesyde Village Mystery #1
The Villain’s Fatal Plot
Bestselling author Patricia Rice brings you another romantic, small-town mystery in Regency England. . .
He's looking for a future - she must escape the past. . . if only they can survive the present.
In the derelict village of Gravesyde Priory, newly-arrived Verity Palmer discovers her beloved former governess poisoned, her dying breath a whispered confidence. Shaken and alone, cautious Verity fears trusting total strangers with a dangerous secret.
Seeking work and a roof over his head, bluff ex-mess sergeant Rafe Russell accepts the position of bailiff, tasked with uncovering the truth about the governess’s untimely demise. Caught in a web of suspicious characters, he discovers an unexpected ally in his best suspect, perspicacious Verity. She possesses a sharp mind that cuts through nets of intrigue, while hiding behind a cloak of mystery.
With no choice but to share a cottage—and a kitchen that quickly becomes his, not hers—Verity and Rafe piece together clues to save lives, including their own. As violent incidents escalate, Verity has to confront her own past and learn to trust if they are to expose the shadowy villains stalking their every move.
If they’re to have any hope for a future, they must unveil the truth before the killer strikes again.
Lovers of mystery and romance will delight in this romantic small town historical cozy whodunnit.
~
a spin off from the GRAVESYDE PRIORY MYSTERY series--Regency romantic mysteries set in a haunted manor
In the derelict village of Gravesyde Priory, newly-arrived Verity Palmer discovers her beloved former governess poisoned, her dying breath a whispered confidence. Shaken and alone, cautious Verity fears trusting total strangers with a dangerous secret.
Seeking work and a roof over his head, bluff ex-mess sergeant Rafe Russell accepts the position of bailiff, tasked with uncovering the truth about the governess’s untimely demise. Caught in a web of suspicious characters, he discovers an unexpected ally in his best suspect, perspicacious Verity. She possesses a sharp mind that cuts through nets of intrigue, while hiding behind a cloak of mystery.
With no choice but to share a cottage—and a kitchen that quickly becomes his, not hers—Verity and Rafe piece together clues to save lives, including their own. As violent incidents escalate, Verity has to confront her own past and learn to trust if they are to expose the shadowy villains stalking their every move.
If they’re to have any hope for a future, they must unveil the truth before the killer strikes again.
Lovers of mystery and romance will delight in this romantic small town historical cozy whodunnit.
~
a spin off from the GRAVESYDE PRIORY MYSTERY series--Regency romantic mysteries set in a haunted manor
- GenresMystery
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2025
21 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Rice
153 books514 followersWith several million books in print and New York Times and USA Today's bestseller lists under her belt, former CPA Patricia Rice writes emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances which have won numerous awards, including the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards.
Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA® finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.
A firm believer in happily-ever-after for good reason, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina and Missouri, she currently resides in Southern California, and now does accounting only for herself.
She also writes under the pen name Jamie Quaid
Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA® finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.
A firm believer in happily-ever-after for good reason, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina and Missouri, she currently resides in Southern California, and now does accounting only for herself.
She also writes under the pen name Jamie Quaid
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 31, 2025
This is Book One in a spinoff from the Gravesyde Priory series. This series deals with Gravesyde Village as it comes back to life, after being abandoned for many years after the death of the former Earl of Wycliffe.
This book is a delight to read! The plot is easy to follow, and the protagonists are likable. The story flows nicely and easily holds the interest of the reader. In this book, Sgt. Rufus (Rafe) Russell comes to Gravesyde Village seeking a job and a purpose. He arrives after hearing about it from a former military friend who seeks honest workers to restore the manor house and the village, and to bring potentially profitable businesses to the community. Rafe had always hoped to run an inn, and this renewed village could use one badly. Shortly after arriving in the village, he witnesses another new arrival. He sees a woman dressed in black arrive, and he assumes she is a widow. In reality, the new arrival is Verity Porter, who had been known as Faith Palmer only a few weeks previously. Unfortunately, after watching her entire home disappear in an explosion, she has decided to reinvent herself because she doesn’t like her life, and everyone thinks she’s already dead, so what’s the harm?
This premise is delightful! It leads to some clever storytelling and some fun scenes. Some interesting topics are covered within the scope of this story, touching on prejudices at the time (1815), and the lack of rights for women. It’s fascinating to see what has changed and what hasn’t changed much at all.
I really enjoyed this book! It’s a little more lighthearted and fun than the prior series, while still working closely with the characters from that former series. While murder is still a serious business, this book just feels lighter and more accessible to a wider audience than the books in the former series.
This book is a delight to read! The plot is easy to follow, and the protagonists are likable. The story flows nicely and easily holds the interest of the reader. In this book, Sgt. Rufus (Rafe) Russell comes to Gravesyde Village seeking a job and a purpose. He arrives after hearing about it from a former military friend who seeks honest workers to restore the manor house and the village, and to bring potentially profitable businesses to the community. Rafe had always hoped to run an inn, and this renewed village could use one badly. Shortly after arriving in the village, he witnesses another new arrival. He sees a woman dressed in black arrive, and he assumes she is a widow. In reality, the new arrival is Verity Porter, who had been known as Faith Palmer only a few weeks previously. Unfortunately, after watching her entire home disappear in an explosion, she has decided to reinvent herself because she doesn’t like her life, and everyone thinks she’s already dead, so what’s the harm?
This premise is delightful! It leads to some clever storytelling and some fun scenes. Some interesting topics are covered within the scope of this story, touching on prejudices at the time (1815), and the lack of rights for women. It’s fascinating to see what has changed and what hasn’t changed much at all.
I really enjoyed this book! It’s a little more lighthearted and fun than the prior series, while still working closely with the characters from that former series. While murder is still a serious business, this book just feels lighter and more accessible to a wider audience than the books in the former series.
April 13, 2025
The Villain’s Fatal Plot by Patricia Rice
Gravesyde Village Mysteries #1
Smiling as I write this review ~ So happy that this spinoff was created so I don’t have to say goodbye quite yet to people I have grown to know and love and get to watch the town grow and thrive as new characters arrive!
What I liked:
* Verity Porter: once known by a different name, survivor, bright, orphaned in her teens, heads to safe haven in Gravesyde Priory, stressed by losses, stronger than she thinks, attracted to Rafe
* Rafe Russell: retired military sergeant, son of an innkeeper, leader, bright, new bailiff, good friend, thoughtful, good cook, protective, attracted to Verity
* The friendship that develops between Verity and Rafe and how it grows into a longterm relationship
* Marmie: rescue cat that saved Verity’s life
* Wolfie: rescue dog, well trained, companion to Rafe
* Mrs. Underhill: widow living with daughter who becomes Verity’s companion
* Returning to Gravesyde Priory and catching up with the characters from the Manor
* The mystery of who killed Verity’s old governess and why she was killed
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The way people in the community came together to work on the Inn Rafe hoped to open
* That the murder mystery was solved, an old wrong was unearthed and addressed, and that I can see Verity and Rafe happy together as they build a life together
* Knowing that there will be another book in the series soon
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Who was behind the murders and those who carried the murders out
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Gravesyde Village Mysteries #1
Smiling as I write this review ~ So happy that this spinoff was created so I don’t have to say goodbye quite yet to people I have grown to know and love and get to watch the town grow and thrive as new characters arrive!
What I liked:
* Verity Porter: once known by a different name, survivor, bright, orphaned in her teens, heads to safe haven in Gravesyde Priory, stressed by losses, stronger than she thinks, attracted to Rafe
* Rafe Russell: retired military sergeant, son of an innkeeper, leader, bright, new bailiff, good friend, thoughtful, good cook, protective, attracted to Verity
* The friendship that develops between Verity and Rafe and how it grows into a longterm relationship
* Marmie: rescue cat that saved Verity’s life
* Wolfie: rescue dog, well trained, companion to Rafe
* Mrs. Underhill: widow living with daughter who becomes Verity’s companion
* Returning to Gravesyde Priory and catching up with the characters from the Manor
* The mystery of who killed Verity’s old governess and why she was killed
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The way people in the community came together to work on the Inn Rafe hoped to open
* That the murder mystery was solved, an old wrong was unearthed and addressed, and that I can see Verity and Rafe happy together as they build a life together
* Knowing that there will be another book in the series soon
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Who was behind the murders and those who carried the murders out
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
April 18, 2025
Very enjoyable first book in the Gravesyde Village Mysteries series! Both Verity and Rufus are new to the town. Both characters come with there own talents and baggage, but they are likeable characters that you connect with and root for. The only slow and confusing part is the first two chapters (mostly trying to figure out who everyone is), both of which are short. Then this becomes a story you do not want to put down.
If you have never read Patricia's books before, you are in for a treat. I have been reading her books for years and she is one of the few authors who always makes her books feel fresh and new, and not just a repeat of past books. Her books are also ones that I very much enjoy re-reading, which is not the case with every author or book.
If you are new to the Gravesyde books, that is ok. This is a great book to start with. Once you finish, I foresee you will want to go back and read all the stories about the Manor residents while we wait for the next installment of the Gravesyde Villiage Mystery Series to come out.
If you have read the previous book about the Gravesyde Manor residents, this book gives us glimpses of how those characters are doing! It is like getting to visit with old friends and getting to meet new people, all at the same time.
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DISCLAIMER: I received an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author in exchange for a fair, objective, and honest review.
If you have never read Patricia's books before, you are in for a treat. I have been reading her books for years and she is one of the few authors who always makes her books feel fresh and new, and not just a repeat of past books. Her books are also ones that I very much enjoy re-reading, which is not the case with every author or book.
If you are new to the Gravesyde books, that is ok. This is a great book to start with. Once you finish, I foresee you will want to go back and read all the stories about the Manor residents while we wait for the next installment of the Gravesyde Villiage Mystery Series to come out.
If you have read the previous book about the Gravesyde Manor residents, this book gives us glimpses of how those characters are doing! It is like getting to visit with old friends and getting to meet new people, all at the same time.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: I received an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author in exchange for a fair, objective, and honest review.
April 1, 2025
Once again, Patricia Rice delivers a page turner.
This new series starter is a companion to the Gravesyde Priory series. While it is possible to read this as a standalone, it helps to be familiar to all of the quirky inhabitants of the Manor who are secondary characters in this story. Faith Palmer is the main character in this mystery. She flees her domineering uncle and arrives at her former governess’ house under an assumed name as the widow Verity Porter. She finds her friend apparently murdered breathing her last. She is determined to find the killer and with the assistance of Rafe(Rufus) Russell, an ex-mess sergeant, who becomes the town’s bailiff and dreams if opening an inn. With out spoiling the story, together they solve the mystery. There are many twist snd turns to keep you guessing “ who dun it “ and some Regency romance thrown in.
For those unfamiliar with the prior series there is a “cast of characters “provided at the beginning.
I received an advance copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This new series starter is a companion to the Gravesyde Priory series. While it is possible to read this as a standalone, it helps to be familiar to all of the quirky inhabitants of the Manor who are secondary characters in this story. Faith Palmer is the main character in this mystery. She flees her domineering uncle and arrives at her former governess’ house under an assumed name as the widow Verity Porter. She finds her friend apparently murdered breathing her last. She is determined to find the killer and with the assistance of Rafe(Rufus) Russell, an ex-mess sergeant, who becomes the town’s bailiff and dreams if opening an inn. With out spoiling the story, together they solve the mystery. There are many twist snd turns to keep you guessing “ who dun it “ and some Regency romance thrown in.
For those unfamiliar with the prior series there is a “cast of characters “provided at the beginning.
I received an advance copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 11, 2025
Great start to this spin off series. Now we get to know more of the people in the village as well as the manor house. Faith is supposed to be dead. No one will miss her. She isn't sure why her house blew up, but she knew she had to disappear. The only person she can think of that will help her is a former governess. So, she changes her name and heads to Gravesyde Village. When she gets there, it is to hear her governess' last words before she dies. Who can Faith/Verity trust? Did her evil uncle find her? Rafe is an old soldier looking for a place to belong. An old friend is living in Gravesyde Village and that seems like a good place to land. But there is a murder first thing, and he feels that he will be able to solve the murder. Maybe. The more he investigates, the more he realizes that Verity is not telling him everything. How can he protect her if she won't trust him with the truth?
March 29, 2025
After the destruction of her home Faith Palmer finds herself declared dead. Finding herself free of her uncle, she reinvents herself and travels to start a hopefully new life with her old governess. However her world is once again upended when her governess dies within minutes of her arrival. Who is she to trust with the last whispered words of a dying woman, in a village where she knows no-one?
I loved this spinoff story, the first in a new series. However those unfamiliar with the Gravesyde Priory Mysteries, may find the sheer number of characters confusing and although there is a list of characters and the author is good at explaining their roles, I would highly recommend reading that series first.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved this spinoff story, the first in a new series. However those unfamiliar with the Gravesyde Priory Mysteries, may find the sheer number of characters confusing and although there is a list of characters and the author is good at explaining their roles, I would highly recommend reading that series first.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 22, 2025
I received an ARC of The Villain’s Fatal Plot. This review is mine and mine alone.
I must say, I really enjoyed this 1st book in the new Gravesyde Village Mysteries series!
The characters were engaging and the introduction of Verity and Rafe to the Gravesyde family adds even more spice to the village. I love whodunits and this was a good one! Verity and Rafe seemed to be watched and followed and were able to escape attempts on their own life while trying to solve who poisoned her ex governess who obviously was holding a secret. If you love books you can not put down, then I highly recommend this one. I truly look forward to many more books in this series! Thank you Ms Rice for hitting it out of the park yet again.
I must say, I really enjoyed this 1st book in the new Gravesyde Village Mysteries series!
The characters were engaging and the introduction of Verity and Rafe to the Gravesyde family adds even more spice to the village. I love whodunits and this was a good one! Verity and Rafe seemed to be watched and followed and were able to escape attempts on their own life while trying to solve who poisoned her ex governess who obviously was holding a secret. If you love books you can not put down, then I highly recommend this one. I truly look forward to many more books in this series! Thank you Ms Rice for hitting it out of the park yet again.
May 3, 2025
I liked the idea of this new spin off series of Gravesyde. I enjoyed the previous series and for new characters to move into the depleted village, whilst still having the previous characters pop up, really appealed to me. I did like the character of Fiona/Verity, she has had many trials in her life and intends to make a new start far away from her old home. She has become very determined and gaining in confidence, which I liked to see. There is a murder mystery to solve and Verity plays a key part in solving it. There is romance in the story but the main focus is in finding the culprit. I’m looking forward to reading who else joins the village community. It can easily be read without reading the previous series as relationships are explained.
April 16, 2025
The Villain's Fatal Plot: Gravesyde Village Mystery #1
The Villain's Fatal Plot is the first in the Gravesyde Village Mysteries Series. If you have not ready the Gravesyde Priory Mysteries series, I highly recommend reading those first, though you do not need to in order to read this book.
In this series, the growth of Graveside Priory has expanded and the village is coming back to life, and death! Another murder has occurred as more newcomers are arriving! Our main character Faith has changed her name to Verity upon arrival to Gravesyde Village in the hopes of starting a new life with her former governess who resides there. Sadly upon arriving at her door, Verity (Faith) finds her breathing her last breath (and a secret last whisper). A few other new comers into the village as well as several new workers at the Priory Manor make this latest murder one of the most difficult to solve.
And on top of that, Verity does not want anyone to know of HER mysterious past!!
This is by far a leave you on the edge of your seat mysteries! Of course there is a budding romance, scoundrels abound and the author does bring you back to all of your favorite manor characters while the main setting is in the village. Top notch!
While you can start this series without having ever read the previous series, it does make it more fun knowing the back ground of the manor characters!
I highly recommend this book as a new series and as a continuation of the Gravesyde Priory Mysteries series!
The Villain's Fatal Plot is the first in the Gravesyde Village Mysteries Series. If you have not ready the Gravesyde Priory Mysteries series, I highly recommend reading those first, though you do not need to in order to read this book.
In this series, the growth of Graveside Priory has expanded and the village is coming back to life, and death! Another murder has occurred as more newcomers are arriving! Our main character Faith has changed her name to Verity upon arrival to Gravesyde Village in the hopes of starting a new life with her former governess who resides there. Sadly upon arriving at her door, Verity (Faith) finds her breathing her last breath (and a secret last whisper). A few other new comers into the village as well as several new workers at the Priory Manor make this latest murder one of the most difficult to solve.
And on top of that, Verity does not want anyone to know of HER mysterious past!!
This is by far a leave you on the edge of your seat mysteries! Of course there is a budding romance, scoundrels abound and the author does bring you back to all of your favorite manor characters while the main setting is in the village. Top notch!
While you can start this series without having ever read the previous series, it does make it more fun knowing the back ground of the manor characters!
I highly recommend this book as a new series and as a continuation of the Gravesyde Priory Mysteries series!
March 27, 2025
Wonderful start to a new series. I was so glad that the residents of the manor were so heavily involved in this story also. I loved the banter and confrontations between Faith/Verity and Rafe. Verity is a much stronger woman than she knows or believes. It is amazing to see how her character changes and develops. Rafe just isn’t sure what to do about Verity and his attraction towards her. A very satisfying ending for this story. I can’t wait for the next one.
March 28, 2025
The plot is straightforward. The author did include enough introspection by the characters, sometimes more than enough, but the pace is good. It is more mystery than romance. Has a lot of suspects, different kind of motives and a few red herrings.
I received an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author in exchange for a fair, objective, and honest review.
I received an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author in exchange for a fair, objective, and honest review.
September 7, 2025
Very slow. Didn’t hold my interest at all.
September 27, 2025
quite charming
Jane Austin would be proud. The murder mystery was good, the characters charming. Who can resist a heroine who rescues kittens?
Jane Austin would be proud. The murder mystery was good, the characters charming. Who can resist a heroine who rescues kittens?
April 28, 2025
The Villain’s Fatal Plot (Gravesyde Village Mystery #1) by Patricia Rice.
Patricia Rice writes about communities and throws in a mystery/murder and a bit of romance all set in a fictional rural village during the Victorian age. The reader gets updates on the relationships and other goings with characters from the previous series and new characters are introduced and set up for future books. It is like visiting with old friends and catching up. Reading this book and the previous series is just nice uncomplicated entertainment. A great way to spend a couple of hours in a fictional world away from the stresses of every day reality.
Patricia Rice writes about communities and throws in a mystery/murder and a bit of romance all set in a fictional rural village during the Victorian age. The reader gets updates on the relationships and other goings with characters from the previous series and new characters are introduced and set up for future books. It is like visiting with old friends and catching up. Reading this book and the previous series is just nice uncomplicated entertainment. A great way to spend a couple of hours in a fictional world away from the stresses of every day reality.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews