A Gentleman of Questionable Judgment

The Lord Julian Mysteries #9

by Grace Burrowes

The sport of kings…

Lord Julian Caldicott is inveigled into attending a two-week long informal race meeting, though he has little interest in fast Thoroughbreds or the people obsessed with the sport of kings. Julian joins the “horse party” strictly because he hopes to spend time with his fiancée, Miss Hyperia West, though he does agree to report any unusual observations to the race organizer.

Or a game for fools?
The wrong horses start winning and losing from the first day, tempers flare, and accusations fly. Julian watches carefully as fortunes are wagered, and still, he cannot see who is rigging the races or how. When suspicion turns on Julian himself, and his own honor is challenged, the race becomes life or death. Will the best sleuth win or will Julian become a cheating scoundrel’s next victim?

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

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 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

[Anne-Mammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first Lord Julian mystery which I was tempted to abandon half way through. Where were the gentle banter with Atticus, the loving relationship with Perry, the gradual improvement in Julian's health? Instead we had an interminable expose of how best to place a wager in rigged horseraces. Not everyone will have been familiar with the technicalities of horse breeding and the money which can be made or lost in that field. It was all rather tiresome. Equally, there appeared to be no good reason for Perry's coolness towards Julian and as for her wastrel of a brother, in many ways, I was sorry he did not get his comeuppance. Grace Burrowes' very distinctive style for this particular series was indeed present and I did enjoy it, but otherwise, I did not find the book interesting.
Let's hope that the next book will see the Duke coming home and also perhaps - I so much hope so!- of Harry. If only the Duke could find him, perhaps suffering from temporary amnesia during his travels on the Continent, that would be good. However, I fear that if it is ever to happen it will be in the last book in the series, so all loose ends could be nicely tied up.

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Lord Julian Caldicott is prevailed upon to check that a horse race is clean. Not that it wouldn’t be. After all this is the sport of kings attended by gentleman. What he wants to do is spend time with his so far not announced fiancé Miss Hyperia West. That seems to be not going too well!
Another tale from Burrowes that I can’t resist. Hyperia’s driving me and Jules a little crazy though!

[HR-ML · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author is better than this story indicates.
She became horse-mad and downplayed the
humans. She was repetitive with the acrimony
certain characters felt for others. The MCs had
discussions here and there. The story became
bogged down several times. The hero once
again had his honor impugned-why? Did the
author think him a punching bag? The baddie
needed to go before the magistrate, not the
pieced together plan for his redemption. Gave
this Regency 3 stars.

Julian, heir to a Duke, did reconnaissance in the
Napoleonic war. Rumors questioned his bravery
& loyalty, even when Wellington, after the war,
quietly singled him out for praise @ a social event.

Lord Tenneby, heir to an earl, nearly forced
Lord Julian to join his 2 weeks of horse-racing.
He wanted Jules to keep everyone honest. This
host too many times harped on his horse losing
3 years prior, at Epsom, due to sabotage. Later
several horse owners accused Julian of horse-
rigging when he and a few trusted others
(Atticus & former Col. Dev St. Just) discretely
checked the stable and other goings-on.

The horse-mad "gentlemen" did not seem
concerned about the safety of the horses,
jockeys or other stable staff. It was very hot,
the river was low, as was the drinking water
supply.

Hyperia "Perry" the fiancée of Jules and
later her dunderhead brother, were present.
The brother needed to join the military to
become a man. The MCs missed out on a
satisfactory romance, once again by the
author.

[Barb in Maryland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Julian gets involved with horse racing at the local level. I appreciated the tutorial on common cheating techniques! And cheating was definitely happening. But who was the baddie and how was he sabotaging the horses? Some were even trying to pin the crime on Julian!

The mystery was interesting, as were the new characters. Lovely Hyperia was also there, as was her reckless, self-centered rat of a brother. I had to applaud Perry's restraint in not murdering him.
I also loved the small steps forward in Julian and Perry's romance. They love each other, but have difficulties with sharing their various worries--so,progress was made on that issue.

I'm enjoying these for the people, and the slow pace of the romance. I wonder how many more the author has planned. Next up, A Gentleman in Possession of Secrets.

[Quenby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great racing who dunnit! I learned a lot about horse racing, that’s for sure. It wrapped up quickly and peacefully. I was hoping for a bit more justice administered, but it was gentlemanly. Very enjoyable.

[Olga Godim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this installment of the series. Below are the reasons why:
1. It was too slow.
2. It had too much of horse racing and all the ways of cheating on a horse race. Not much else.
3. Julian's betrothed, Hyperia, was stringing him along, AGAIN. That woman needs to have her head examined. If she didn't want to marry him, she shouldn't have agreed to his proposal. But she did. She keeps saying: "I love you" to him repeatedly and then plays hard to get. Julian has enough trouble as it is, as the result of his horrific war experiences, and Hyperia shouldn't add to his trouble, shouldn't dangle her agreement to his offer like a toy in front of his eyes. Say YES, or say NO, woman, but don't tease the poor tormented guy indefinitely. What she does to Julian is cruel. I was so angry at her, it spoiled my possible pleasure of reading this novel.

[Jill E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

well-researched, but…

As much as I like this series and the characters in it, I have to admit that I have very little interest in horse racing.

And so, I was relatively bored with all of the information that was poured out regarding that sport.

As was the case in the last book, I am a little impatient with Hyperia, who has become a woman who keeps her “beloved“ dangling on a very short chain. Julian spends a great deal of time trying to figure out why she is out of sorts, and it is ironic because she demanded in a previous book that he share his private thoughts and worries with her, but fails to reciprocate.

I was relieved that she apologized for some of her former behaviors, but I still feel that Lord Julian (who has been through so much in terms of horrific battle and torture, losing his brother, etc.) is paying dues of some kind to the woman who should be most supportive of him, especially because of the tragedies he has had to face.

The author did an extraordinary amount of research for the story, not only with regards to horse racing, equestrian lineage and breeding, but also in knowledge of the health and well-being of a horse.

Finding myself in book 9 of the series, I’m growing a little tired of Society’s unwillingness to give Lord Julian the benefit of the doubt, rather than making him pay over and over again based on rumor and innuendo, all because of unsubstantiated and false claims regarding his past during war time.

One thing can surely be said about these books: that when the mystery is solved, many wrongs are righted, and a fair amount of grace is extended to many and even (in this book) the villain.

One of the things that keeps me coming back is the excellent pacing of the story. While there is backstory to bring readers to the present moment, especially those who may be reading the book out of sequence, the author does not take forever for the action to begin. The plot’s movement and development are well executed, and greatly appreciated.… Especially when I pick up another book and feel like I’m plodding along for three chapters waiting for something—anything—to happen.

It was a good read, it kept me interested, and the answer to the mystery was surprising, but in keeping with the world of horse racing.

[Make · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace Burrowes writes gentle Regency tales, both romances and also this intrigue series, A GENTLEMAN OF QUESTIONABLE JUDGEMENT is the ninth in this historical series. I enjoy all of Burrowes’ books, but I think I love Lord Julian even more than her many cozy romance series. Lord Julian is such an earnest and upstanding man, and I adore his sense of honor.

Lord Julian Caldicott is the third son of the prior Waltham duke. Julian served as a spy during the Napoleonic War, and was captured and tortured as a prisoner of war along with his brother. Julian has been using his well-honed spy skills to successfully investigate domestic crimes now that he’s home, and he despite his reluctance to sleuth, he is continuing to get requests from others in the ton to investigate their problems.

Julian is inveigled into attending a two-week long informal race meeting at an acquaintance’s estate, a gentleman who is convinced he was cheated out of a major racing win three years ago. This gentleman asks Julian to keep an eye on the races and prevent any further shady business. Having little interest in horse racing, Julian turns him down until he learns that his fiancée, Miss Hyperia West, will be attending the event.

A GENTLEMAN OF QUESTIONABLE JUDGEMENT does not have enough Hyperia and Julian, in my opinion. This book is remarkably scanty in its inclusion of all of my favorite secondary characters in this series, and is poorer for the lack of them. The romance is light, although the tale is heavy in men acting badly. Hyperia’s jackass of a brother needs to be horsewhipped, I think. And the villain of the piece sadly escapes any real consequences, as he continues to try to fix horse races to his own benefit.

The joy of this series is in the complex struggles of Lord Julian as he tried to navigate society and his family, and as he tries to woo his lady love. The historical details of A GENTLEMAN OF QUESTIONABLE JUDGEMENT are pleasing, but I felt the lack of the usual interpersonal details that enliven these books typically. Nonetheless, I eagerly await Burrowes’ next Lord Julian book- a Regency mystery series with soul.

I will be submitting the review to Fresh Fiction if they can get the book added to their database. If that happens, I will update this GR review to include an excerpt, with a link to the full review on the FF site.

[DD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Julian returns. Almost bribed into attending a private race meeting, by the mention that his fiancee Perry will be attending, Julian reluctantly agreed to attend. Tenneby is running a race meeting on his uncles estates in the hope of recuperating monies lost by his prize stud who unexpectedly lost at Epsom a few few years ago. Julian is supposed to be keeping the meeting honest, and if any race fixing is going on to identify who the culprit is.
After the first race it's obvious his presence hasn't deterred the culprit. In a lovely cross over Devlin At Just attends to help Julian. After other race results are fixed suspicion falls on Julian as the person present who isn't part of the racing set. Combined with Perry distancing herself from him, and her brother over presuming Julian finds himself wanting to be at home with Perry, but also having another episode, although thankfully found by Atticus, not one of the men blaming him.

As a.lifetime horse woman I suspected what the issue was, although not the culprit, Julian of course works out both. By the end he and Perry are on good terms again, I do wish they marry soon.

Enjoyed this book, set around horses I was likely to be (and yes I noted the saddle was wrong). But what I enjoyed most was Julian and Perry making up, and Devlin At Just a appearance. This book being set just before he meets his Emmie (the Soldier) and after he's helped Christian Duke of Marcia (the Captive). I enjoy how the authors characters appear across series.

[Kate_Nagy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Burrowes is one of my auto-buys and it's not like I disliked this one, but here the author has succumbed to a severe case of Gabaldon syndrome. This condition, named after author Diana Gabaldon and exemplified in the Outlander books (particularly after the first two or three) can be summed up as: I learned this and now you by God are going to learn it too. A Gentleman of Questionable Judgment is set at a party featuring a bunch of horse races. Burrowes loves horses -- nothing wrong with that -- but here we have lots, and I do mean LOTS, of expository dialogue (accompanied by Julian's lengthy ruminations) about horses (types of), horses (care and feeding of), horses (racing of), horse racing (wagering on), horses (ownership of), horse racing (specifically race courses), and, oh yes, a mild mystery that really doesn't wrap up in a very satisfactory way but that's okay because this is really a book about horses.

I know I sound b*tchy and mean here -- I'm not particularly a horse person, and if you are, dear reader, you will love, love, love this book. Among other things, it is scrupulously researched (scrupulous research being an early symptom of Gabaldon syndrome), and that's a good thing! But the author -- like Gabaldon -- doesn't quite strike a balance between letting the research enhance the story and letting the research become the story.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Against his better judgement, Lord Julian Caldicott agrees to attend a race meeting at the estate of an acquaintance who is convinced he was cheated out of a major win three years ago. He believes that Julian’s mere presence along with his reputation for solving unsolvable mysteries will act as a deterrent to future mischief. Julian only agrees to attend when he finds out his fiancée, Miss Hyperia West, will be a guest as well. Along with Julian’s young and devoted “tiger” Atticus, they search out clues to the mystery. But when suspicion falls to Julian, those loyal to him circle their figurative wagons to protect him. A side story involves Healy West, Hyperia’s wastrel brother, whose naïveté and poor investments threatens her and Julian’s very future. All the characters in Ms. Burrowes books are very three dimensional, described so completely that we feel as if we know them (or certainly have met people like them). The mysteries are always completely unsolvable, right up until the solution smacks the reader in the face. All this makes for a very engaging read. I strongly suggest the entire series as they are truly one better than the other, however, each is a standalone book with a complete story and no cliffhangers. This book was provided by the author without any requirement for a review, positive or otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 3.4
Series: The Lord Julian Mysteries #9
Publication Date: 5/23/25
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 318

This is the first Lord Julian book that I was sorely tempted to abandon halfway through. It was slow, plodding, and contained more minutia about horses and horse racing than I ever cared to read. Hyperia is another disappointment, and I am very tired of her as a character. She blows hot and cold while holding Julian to standards she doesn’t live up to herself. I cannot fathom why Julian is so fixated on her. I also missed the lively banter between Julian and Atticus – and Atticus’s cheekiness in general.

If you love horses and horse racing, you might love this book despite its slow pace. I look forward to the next book to see if things return to ‘normal’ in the story and character development.

[Judy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Peek Inside at Horse Mad Aristocrats

This series is a delight. The world and character building is eloquent and constant. I wish I could live inside the brain of our hero even at his most discouraging. Even to himself, Lord Julian is a gentleman of true honor, a soldier of duty and courage, and a compulsive lover of words. Ah the words. They carry the reader through the mysterious elements and dastardly doings of unknown persons usually to the detriment of Lord Julian's peace of mind and body. This mystery, involving both a house party and British horse racing, is especially hard to pin down all the different aspects of the solution. I just finished the book and I want more of Lord Julian, Lady Hypernia and Atticus.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julian faces definite challenges after he accepts an invitation to a horse racing event being held at a peer’s home. He initially was going to refuse till find out his betrothed was attending and he’s perplexed why she never told him. As the story unfolds he soon learns the answer about his betrothed but is totally perplexed how some is getting away with cheating at the various races that are occurring. Before it’s all over he is, as always, put in a bad light before finally he resolves the problem along with the issue surrounding his. E loved betrothed

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I really quite enjoyed that the mystery was set in the Regency racing world, which so often in novels is more or less mentioned in passing. In this story the reader gets much more of the background to racing meetings and the racing fraternity, all interesting. On the other hand I am getting rather tired of the slow progress in Lord Julian’s personal life—I know, I know, the actions in the books are not separated by that much passage of time but in reading the stories it does seem rather endless. Free ebook from the library.

[Margueritte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really about horses and horse racing. I dreamed I went to Keeneland for the fall meet after all of it was in my head. This time Julian’s godmother isn’t present and his fiancée isn’t any help - she actually is a hindrance.

I like this series, but Miss West is starting to get on my nerves acting like a flake and Julian needs to beat the hell out of her brother. At least Julian let her have it after she acted the way she did at the end of the last book, then disappeared when he needed her.

[Inés · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ninth installment of historical mysteries set in the Regency and starring Lord Julian didn't disappoint me. It departs slightly from previous novels in that many of the usual secondary characters are partially or completely absent. Instead, the mystery relates to horse racing and, in consequence, horses, their care and the races themselves take a prominent role. I suppose some readers might find this excessive, but for me it was very interesting, perhaps because I'm not familiar at all with horses and I like learning about random stuff.
Other than that, we get the characteristic penning of this author, an intricate enough mystery and the delightful personality of Lord Julian, all of them adding to the enjoyment of this book.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have loved all the Lord Julian books, until I got to this one. My goodness was this a slog. There was barely any plot, and what was there got completely mired in horse-related minutiae and poor pacing. The only reason I didn’t DNF it was that I didn’t want to miss major developments in the character arcs for the larger series. If that’s you, don’t worry. You can DNF without losing any real progress on anything. Nothing really changes for any of the main characters or their relationships. Zzzzzzzzzzz.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun Lord Julian mystery, although the horse terminology got to be a bit much for someone not familiar with horse racing. Burrowes did make some attempt to explain but some terms still needed a dictionary. I appreciate that the red herrings here were better quality than usual for this series; I had some of the relationships worked out but not the ultimate culprit. The restitution angle was a satisfying conclusion. Looking forward to book 10!

[Terri Mead · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I am over this series. I was really disappointed in this book and was pretty annoyed the whole time I read it. There was no actual growth in the characters and it was the same ol' same ol' as the previous 8 books.

I do like that Lord Julian is portrayed as a feminist and there are strong women characters in the book. That being said, if I have to hear about 'humors' again, I think I'll scream.

Hard pass at this point.

[Nancy Haddock · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Julian, Hyperia, Atticus and a whole lot about horseracing! The main characters and the supporting cast were terrific, and the house party / race meet setting was interesting. As usual, Julian has to muddle through the mystery, but I love how he figures it out. The writing is lovely, of course, and the story and cast simply compelling. I miss Lady Violet books so I hope Lord Julian has a very long run!

[Anne Egger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julian has been asked to attend a racing party. Hyperia is there and is acting strangely. Healy is there being an idiot as usual. Atticus is trying to get everyone to behave. It was cute , Julian figured out who was cheating with the race horses. Julian and Hyperia are still engaged. It was sweet, perhaps not her best. I hope the next book is better.

[Wes Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thirsty anyone?

What a great mystery! I’ve been dealing with much personal stress and needed an escape. This book had been on my digital shelf for a while and salved my need. I love horses and this mystery had me wondering nearly the whole way. The final solution was an aha moment and the author finished the story with romantic icing.😊

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather neat ending

All the information about horse racing became tedious. The on again off again relationship between Jules and Perry gets rather old. I like it when the aunt and Perry are involved in solving the mysteries. Once this one was figured out, the culprit should have be tarred and feathered.

[Jo Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Julian is persuaded to attend a horse racing event at a country home, against his better judgment. Still, once he is advised that his fiancée will be attending, he agrees to come. Strange things are happening, including how his beloved is acting towards him. You learn A LOT about horse racing (probably more than you care to know), but as always, Julian comes through with a win.

[Jacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

didn't keep the pace

I found this a bit slow and plodding, more so than the other Lord Julian mysteries. sSarts off good, flags in the middle for too long but if you stick with it, it does pick up a bit at the ending. While fairly predictable it's solid iand did a bit to redeem itself.

[A.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lord Julian is basically ordered to show up to the horse races at the behest of an earlish heir. He might know horses, but he does not know racing. This world is one where a man pays his gambling debts before his trade bills and groceries.

The questionable judgement for me, is why hasn’t anyone SHOT Healey yet? Hyperia’s brother…

3 stars

[Wendy Hearder-moan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always glad to meet up again with Lord Julian and his entourage. That said, horse racing and betting are not of great interest. The solution to the mystery, when it came, seemed almost too simple. Was glad that Julian and his supporters found a way to save the day without causing undue harm to anyone.

[Pj Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always

Grace Burrowes knows her horses as well as her romances. I always enjoy her novels and keep current. But I also reread her backlist books with true enjoyment. My vision is a problem now but large fonts allow me to still read. Always a treat.

[Paulina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this one as much as I have the rest on the series. I think maybe just too much horse racing detail that didn't capture/hold my attention. I'm still enjoying watching Julian and Perry's relationship progress.