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Sybil Ingram #2
The Last Serenade
"If one enjoys a great mystery with a touch of romance, there are few better than this!" --InD'Tale magazine When Sybil takes the stage again, murder plays the leading role.In September 1873, actress and spirit medium Sybil Ingram is eagerly anticipating her marriage to dashing violinist Roderick Brooke. But the wedding plans are halted by Roderick’s former lover, Julia de Lioncourt, who implores him to come to Paris to rescue her from a blackmailer.Knowing how guilty Roderick still feels for killing Julia’s husband in a duel, Sybil agrees to help Julia for his sake—even though it means becoming her understudy in a French melodrama. Worse, it’s all too clear that the scheming diva wants Roderick back in her bed. When the blackmailer is found dead, can Sybil's abilities as a medium help her discover the truth before the killer stops her?A delicious blend of historical cozy, supernatural mystery, gothic romance, and romantic comedy, the Sybil Ingram Victorian mysteries are perfect for readers who love dynamic Victorian women sleuths like Anna Lee Huber’s Lady Darby, Penny Richards’s Lilly Long, Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia Grey, and Elizabeth Peters’s Amelia Peabody. And be sure not to miss Sybil’s other Nocturne for a Widow, A Haunting Reprise, and the short story "Christmas at Gravesend"!
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2016
52 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Amanda DeWees
39 books140 followersAmanda DeWees received her PhD in English from the University of Georgia and wrote her dissertation on 19th-century vampire literature—the perfect training, although she didn’t know it at the time, for writing Victorian gothic romance novels. Her books include With This Curse, winner of the 2015 Daphne du Maurier Award in historical mystery/suspense, and the Sybil Ingram Victorian Mysteries series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 30, 2023
While this was still fun and entertaining, I sadly didn't love it nearly as much as I did the first book, and a Christmas novella I read.
Sybill has somehow gone from a strong lead to insecure and somewhat timid. Both her and Roderick travel to Paris to help out Julia, his ex that is only out for herself. She's so obviously a horrible person, but nevertheless our main characters feel sorry for her and want to help. It just didn't really feel very likely to which lengths they'd go for someone I'd just have slammed the door in her face.
The romance also is upped a lot, and I preferred the lower dosage in book one. Again Sybill is so insecure, and Roderick is the experienced man, which does fit with their backstory, but I found it a bit annoying how it was made an important topic.
The plot felt a bit weird as well, as in the likelihood of the plan actually working looks minimal. There would be so many easier ways to try, but no, we go with a really weird idea. A lot of things are also simply really convenient.
On the other hand I liked the murder mystery and was happy to follow the clues and guess at possible scenarios. I also really adored the theatre setting, and learning more about prompts and behind the scenes stuff!
Even though I am complaining, I mostly still liked our main characters, so I was well entertained and didn't regret having read it, I just didn't adore it as much as I did with the first book.
Sybill has somehow gone from a strong lead to insecure and somewhat timid. Both her and Roderick travel to Paris to help out Julia, his ex that is only out for herself. She's so obviously a horrible person, but nevertheless our main characters feel sorry for her and want to help. It just didn't really feel very likely to which lengths they'd go for someone I'd just have slammed the door in her face.
The romance also is upped a lot, and I preferred the lower dosage in book one. Again Sybill is so insecure, and Roderick is the experienced man, which does fit with their backstory, but I found it a bit annoying how it was made an important topic.
The plot felt a bit weird as well, as in the likelihood of the plan actually working looks minimal. There would be so many easier ways to try, but no, we go with a really weird idea. A lot of things are also simply really convenient.
On the other hand I liked the murder mystery and was happy to follow the clues and guess at possible scenarios. I also really adored the theatre setting, and learning more about prompts and behind the scenes stuff!
Even though I am complaining, I mostly still liked our main characters, so I was well entertained and didn't regret having read it, I just didn't adore it as much as I did with the first book.
October 22, 2016
So glad to be back with Sybil and Roderick again! And what a fun new adventure. What starts as a (somewhat) simple effort to help foil a blackmailer turns into a murder investigation. Amanda DeWees deftly weaves mystery, romance, the supernatural, and humor into a wonderful story, following my (still) favorite of her heroines as she supports (and pushes) her hero into overcoming his personal demons, while learning more about her mystical superpower to contact the undead and blowing the Paris stage away. All in a day's work.
Sybil and Roderick's relationship is wonderfully written—loving, supportive, communicative, and sexy (of course). The story's supporting cast (hah, I see what I did there) is excellent, with well rounded characters that strengthen the plot and provide some wonderful surprises along the way.
I certainly hope there will be more to follow of Miss Sybil Ingram in the future.
Sybil and Roderick's relationship is wonderfully written—loving, supportive, communicative, and sexy (of course). The story's supporting cast (hah, I see what I did there) is excellent, with well rounded characters that strengthen the plot and provide some wonderful surprises along the way.
I certainly hope there will be more to follow of Miss Sybil Ingram in the future.
April 2, 2024
Sybil and Roderick have postponed their marriage to help out Julia , from the clutches of a blackmailer in Paris. It was Julia who was the reason for cruel so many years ago, and still Roderick regrets it very much. So in hopes of ending the portion of his life that still grieves him they agree to help the widow. Sybil soon discovers she is more of a black widow since Julia uses who ever she can, to please her whims. The blackmailer is very front and center, no need to figure him out. He has the whole cast practically under his thumb from the owner of the theater, to the many actors. He has many in Paris who hate him. Then during a performance he is found dead in the props room. I will admit there were very many suspects to consider, including Julia, Roderick, and Sybil. They must keep the play open, as the inspector jumps from person to person. Juli’s uses her psychic skills, along with another to look into the members, but still can find no answers I was leaning toward a character that everyone else kept exonerated. It came to a great conclusion, for everyone. It has a wonderful epilogue that finally gives us the wedding, and a grand future for our favorite couple. 5 stars. .
April 7, 2017
Sybil Ingram is lucky enough to take the stage again in the newest installment by Amanda DeWees. Sybil is a fearless female heroine who prefers to take action in every situation. Although I didn’t care for the circumstances around this little adventure for her and Roderick, I still was entertained. In real life if my fiancé’s ex-girlfriend needed help with anything, I would tell her to get lost. I did enjoy the many twists, turns, and guesses in this novel. I hope there are future stories featuring Sybil and Roderick.
Elizabeth Klett did a wonderful job with the cast of characters in this audiobook. She is definitely one of my favorite narrators.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher courtesy of Audiobook Blast.
Elizabeth Klett did a wonderful job with the cast of characters in this audiobook. She is definitely one of my favorite narrators.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher courtesy of Audiobook Blast.
October 28, 2016
The Last Serenade continues the story of Sybil Ingram and Roderick Brooke, whose relationship began in the novel Nocturne for a Widow. This novel is set in the theatre world of 1873 Paris, and it has all the elements that make reading books by Amanda DeWees such a delight: compelling characters and storyline, mystery, intrigue, and of course a ghost or two. Another great Victorian/Gothic mystery from one of my favorite authors.
January 27, 2017
Not bad, I liked the first one better, though. The character seemed kind of incongruent her portrayal in the first book. It was entertaining, though, and that's really the important part, I suppose.
October 22, 2016
Another great read from Amanda DeWees
Amanda DeWees is always fantastic. Great for fans of Victoria Holt or Barbara Michaels. Well written with elements of paranormal that don't overwhelm the book. .
Amanda DeWees is always fantastic. Great for fans of Victoria Holt or Barbara Michaels. Well written with elements of paranormal that don't overwhelm the book. .
November 25, 2019
Got to page 80 before I had to put it down. I think it’s a taste thing rather than quality but there’s not nearly enough ghosts and it’s the same plot as the first book: two women fight over Roderick and like I don’t. Care. Damn!!!
August 21, 2017
The Last Serenade is another thoroughly enjoyable gothic historical mystery by Amanda DeWees. This is the second story in the Sybil Ingram Mysteries and follows a few years after the first book in the series, Nocturne for a Widow, where we are introduced to Sybil, who is a spirit medium and her fiancé, Roderick Brooke, who is concert violinist. However, rather than setting this second story in the Hudson Valley of New York, The Last Serenade is set in the theatre world of 1873 Paris.
The story primarily revolves around Roderick’s former lover, actress Julia de Lion court, who is being blackmailed by a former lover. Because Roderick still feels guilty for killing Julia's husband in a duel several years before, Julia persuades Roderick to travel to Paris to help her; and of course, Sybil comes along to help. [One of my favorite scenes is when Julia is found naked in Roderick’s bed just after Sybil and Roderick checked into the hotel.] While our main characters hatch a plan to retrieve the documents that are held over Julia’s head, the blackmailer is murdered. The rest of the story is figuring out who killed the blackmailer, in addition to keeping Sybil and Roderick from being suspects.
DeWees writing is simply outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey that Sybil is taking to learn more about her mystical abilities to communicate with ghosts (she visits a renowned medium in Paris). And I especially enjoyed how Sybil supports Roderick to help him overcome his personal demons (guilt over the duel).
I listened to the Audible version of this story, narrated by the outstanding Elizabeth Klett. She really brought the characters to life, using a variety of accents and giving each character their own distinct voice. In summary, I can't wait for the next book written by Amanda DeWees and narrated by Elizabeth Klett!
The story primarily revolves around Roderick’s former lover, actress Julia de Lion court, who is being blackmailed by a former lover. Because Roderick still feels guilty for killing Julia's husband in a duel several years before, Julia persuades Roderick to travel to Paris to help her; and of course, Sybil comes along to help. [One of my favorite scenes is when Julia is found naked in Roderick’s bed just after Sybil and Roderick checked into the hotel.] While our main characters hatch a plan to retrieve the documents that are held over Julia’s head, the blackmailer is murdered. The rest of the story is figuring out who killed the blackmailer, in addition to keeping Sybil and Roderick from being suspects.
DeWees writing is simply outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey that Sybil is taking to learn more about her mystical abilities to communicate with ghosts (she visits a renowned medium in Paris). And I especially enjoyed how Sybil supports Roderick to help him overcome his personal demons (guilt over the duel).
I listened to the Audible version of this story, narrated by the outstanding Elizabeth Klett. She really brought the characters to life, using a variety of accents and giving each character their own distinct voice. In summary, I can't wait for the next book written by Amanda DeWees and narrated by Elizabeth Klett!
July 14, 2017
The Last Serenade is another thoroughly enjoyable gothic historical mystery by Amanda DeWees. This is the second story in the Sybil Ingram Mysteries and follows a few years after the first book in the series, Nocturne for a Widow, where we are introduced to Sybil, who is a spirit medium and her fiancé, Roderick Brooke, who is concert violinist. However, rather than setting this second story in the Hudson Valley of New York, The Last Serenade is set in the theatre world of 1873 Paris.
The story primarily revolves around Roderick’s former lover, actress Julia de Lion court, who is being blackmailed by a former lover. Because Roderick still feels guilty for killing Julia's husband in a duel several years before, Julia persuades Roderick to travel to Paris to help her; and of course, Sybil comes along to help. [One of my favorite scenes is when Julia is found naked in Roderick’s bed just after Sybil and Roderick checked into the hotel.] While our main characters hatch a plan to retrieve the documents that are held over Julia’s head, the blackmailer is murdered. The rest of the story is figuring out who killed the blackmailer, in addition to keeping Sybil and Roderick from being suspects.
DeWees writing is simply outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey that Sybil is taking to learn more about her mystical abilities to communicate with ghosts (she visits a renowned medium in Paris). And I especially enjoyed how Sybil supports Roderick to help him overcome his personal demons (guilt over the duel).
I listened to the Audible version of this story, narrated by the outstanding Elizabeth Klett. She really brought the characters to life, using a variety of accents and giving each character their own distinct voice. In summary, I can't wait for the next book written by Amanda DeWees and narrated by Elizabeth Klett!
The story primarily revolves around Roderick’s former lover, actress Julia de Lion court, who is being blackmailed by a former lover. Because Roderick still feels guilty for killing Julia's husband in a duel several years before, Julia persuades Roderick to travel to Paris to help her; and of course, Sybil comes along to help. [One of my favorite scenes is when Julia is found naked in Roderick’s bed just after Sybil and Roderick checked into the hotel.] While our main characters hatch a plan to retrieve the documents that are held over Julia’s head, the blackmailer is murdered. The rest of the story is figuring out who killed the blackmailer, in addition to keeping Sybil and Roderick from being suspects.
DeWees writing is simply outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey that Sybil is taking to learn more about her mystical abilities to communicate with ghosts (she visits a renowned medium in Paris). And I especially enjoyed how Sybil supports Roderick to help him overcome his personal demons (guilt over the duel).
I listened to the Audible version of this story, narrated by the outstanding Elizabeth Klett. She really brought the characters to life, using a variety of accents and giving each character their own distinct voice. In summary, I can't wait for the next book written by Amanda DeWees and narrated by Elizabeth Klett!
December 6, 2018
I really loved the first book in this series. The snap and sparkle of both Sybill by herself, and her interactions with Roderick were delightful.
I must admit that I was a tad disappointed with this second book. I feel like Sybill went off the rails a bit in this story. In the first book, Sybill was strong and fierce and determined and took shit from nobody. She was going to look after herself and do what was necessary to protect herself and her interests so I found her wonderful.
Somehow, resolving her relationship with Roderick has turned her into an insecure, wishy-washy over dramatic person all of a sudden. I found myself irked by Sybill's responses to Julia's B.S., and obvious attempts to poke her and make her doubt herself and her relationship. I just don't understand how Sybill could suddenly lose her good sense and allow Julia to get under her skin.
That said, I did still enjoy the story, and I like the world these characters inhabit. I am hopeful that now that the previous paramour has been dispatched and sent on her way, Sybill will revert back to the strong, capable and sensible woman she was in book one for the next book. I look forward to continuing with this series.
I must admit that I was a tad disappointed with this second book. I feel like Sybill went off the rails a bit in this story. In the first book, Sybill was strong and fierce and determined and took shit from nobody. She was going to look after herself and do what was necessary to protect herself and her interests so I found her wonderful.
Somehow, resolving her relationship with Roderick has turned her into an insecure, wishy-washy over dramatic person all of a sudden. I found myself irked by Sybill's responses to Julia's B.S., and obvious attempts to poke her and make her doubt herself and her relationship. I just don't understand how Sybill could suddenly lose her good sense and allow Julia to get under her skin.
That said, I did still enjoy the story, and I like the world these characters inhabit. I am hopeful that now that the previous paramour has been dispatched and sent on her way, Sybill will revert back to the strong, capable and sensible woman she was in book one for the next book. I look forward to continuing with this series.
July 20, 2018
A sequel to Nocturne for a Widow, and equally as interesting. Sybil and Roderick's marriage is delayed when he receives a plea from his former lover Julia to rescue her from a blackmailer. Since he feels guilty for killing Julia's husband years ago, Sybil agrees and they go off to Paris. Julia is determined to get Roderick back again, but they go along with her plan to retrieve some letters for which she is being blackmailed. Julia wants Sybil to take her place on stage while she goes to steal the letters back. But the theater has a ghostly presence, and when the blackmailer is killed, both Sybil and Roderick need an alibi. Sybil must use her ability as a medium to discover the killer. I enjoyed it very much, and will continue with the series.
August 2, 2018
Book Two: Sybil
In this book, Sybil apparently has been developing skills as a medium since her experience in book one with Roderick 's murdered Mother. Their plans for marriage are temporarily derailed when Roderick recieves a letter from the infamous Julia begging his help. Julia had nearly destroyed him and involved him in a illegal duel with her husband who was killed. It also nearly ended his career as a famous violinist until he met Sybil. Sybil feels they should travel to Paris and help Julia to alleviate Roderick 's guilt over the duel. This is a bad idea. But it makes for a great story. Best read in series order, but can stand on it's own.
In this book, Sybil apparently has been developing skills as a medium since her experience in book one with Roderick 's murdered Mother. Their plans for marriage are temporarily derailed when Roderick recieves a letter from the infamous Julia begging his help. Julia had nearly destroyed him and involved him in a illegal duel with her husband who was killed. It also nearly ended his career as a famous violinist until he met Sybil. Sybil feels they should travel to Paris and help Julia to alleviate Roderick 's guilt over the duel. This is a bad idea. But it makes for a great story. Best read in series order, but can stand on it's own.
October 26, 2017
Amanda DeWees has created the Victorian era "Murder She Wrote" with a Paranormal twist. Sybil Ingram makes for a perfect Jessica that is forced to deal with murder wherever she goes using her ability to communicate with the dead to solve the crime.
Sybil and Rodrick are just trying to move their life forward after the events of the fist book. Touring Europe and planning their wedding, everything seems on track until Rodrick gets a letter from an old lover calling them to Paris.
I have to hand it to Sybil, she is far more understanding women then I would ever be. I think I would have kicked Juliet to the curb the moment she step back into Rodrick's life. Sybil to a lot of Juliet's antics in stride and believed in her Rodrick to stay true to her. Sybil also did not back down. She would not let them old lover driver her to insecurity and gave it as good as she got.
Sybil's misadventures make for a fun and enjoyable to read and she is a lady who takes all the bad in stride. She is a character to never back down from a challenge. The only reason I not able to rate this book higher is the ending. It just didn't work for me and almost ruined the book for me.
Sybil and Rodrick are just trying to move their life forward after the events of the fist book. Touring Europe and planning their wedding, everything seems on track until Rodrick gets a letter from an old lover calling them to Paris.
I have to hand it to Sybil, she is far more understanding women then I would ever be. I think I would have kicked Juliet to the curb the moment she step back into Rodrick's life. Sybil to a lot of Juliet's antics in stride and believed in her Rodrick to stay true to her. Sybil also did not back down. She would not let them old lover driver her to insecurity and gave it as good as she got.
Sybil's misadventures make for a fun and enjoyable to read and she is a lady who takes all the bad in stride. She is a character to never back down from a challenge. The only reason I not able to rate this book higher is the ending. It just didn't work for me and almost ruined the book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2020
I actually liked this book better than the first one; mainly because it had a tad less ghostly atmosphere to it. The element is still there for those who love that type of atmosphere.
Roderick and Sybil go to Paris to help a former girlfriend (Julia) of Roderick's. Sybil agrees to go onstage impersonating Julia so she can get back some damaging information about herself from a man named Fortnier. Unfortunately, Fortnier is found murdered in the theater. Julia, Sybil and eventually Roderick are all suspects. Sybil approaches a medium to help discover the true murderer.
Roderick and Sybil go to Paris to help a former girlfriend (Julia) of Roderick's. Sybil agrees to go onstage impersonating Julia so she can get back some damaging information about herself from a man named Fortnier. Unfortunately, Fortnier is found murdered in the theater. Julia, Sybil and eventually Roderick are all suspects. Sybil approaches a medium to help discover the true murderer.
March 7, 2017
Missing pages
For some reason, the Kindle edition had blank pages often enough to interfer with my ability to follow the plot. I enjoyed the first Sybil Ingram mystery and had looked forward to reading this one. Unfortunately, the missing pages have discouraged me from reading any other of Amanda DeWees' books. It was just too frustrating to try to guess what was on the missing pages
For some reason, the Kindle edition had blank pages often enough to interfer with my ability to follow the plot. I enjoyed the first Sybil Ingram mystery and had looked forward to reading this one. Unfortunately, the missing pages have discouraged me from reading any other of Amanda DeWees' books. It was just too frustrating to try to guess what was on the missing pages
October 1, 2017
A little reminiscent of Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody series in feel, I loved that series too.
The narrator draws you into right away. I couldn't stop listening.
This book was provided free by the author/narrator/publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Great world building, Haunting, Happily Ever After, Page-turner, Unpredictable Witty, Wonderful characters.
The narrator draws you into right away. I couldn't stop listening.
This book was provided free by the author/narrator/publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Great world building, Haunting, Happily Ever After, Page-turner, Unpredictable Witty, Wonderful characters.
August 16, 2018
This sequel to Nocturne for a Widow wasn’t as compelling to me as the first, but I was already enjoying the character of Sybil Ingram. It was by no means a disappointment as I loved the first one, it was just that he setting didn’t speak to me. Even so, I enjoyed the book and will definitely read the third in this series. I am looking at other stories by this author as well because she writes well.
January 29, 2021
Entertaining
I live to read book series. Because I prefer to read them in the swap written, but not consequently, sometimes there are years between my reading the books. This book is the second in the series but can stand alone. The references to the past were perfect to remind me of the first book.
I live to read book series. Because I prefer to read them in the swap written, but not consequently, sometimes there are years between my reading the books. This book is the second in the series but can stand alone. The references to the past were perfect to remind me of the first book.
July 16, 2022
I enjoyed this book, very much. The continuing romance, the murder, the actions to ferret out who did it, and the conclusion were all excellently written. The plot is easily followed and the conjectures of who murdered the scoundrel is interesting to read. The main characters and supporting ones were very interesting and became endearing quickly. I definitely recommend this book.
February 16, 2024
When Sybil takes the stage again, murder plays the leading role. In September 1873, actress and spirit medium Sybil Ingram is eagerly anticipating her marriage to dashing violinist Roderick Brooke. But the wedding plans are halted by Roderick’s former lover, Julia de Lioncourt, who implores him to come to Paris to rescue her from a blackmailer.
Really enjoyed this one.
Really enjoyed this one.
September 14, 2017
I liked this book just as much as the first one.Elizabeth Klett was a fine narrator.“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”
August 28, 2018
I've been enjoying this series. Can't wait to start the next one.
January 1, 2019
Another great read
It has everything. Mystery, atmosphere, the supernatural, relationships, good characters. And a happy ending. I'm looking forward to the next book.
It has everything. Mystery, atmosphere, the supernatural, relationships, good characters. And a happy ending. I'm looking forward to the next book.
March 15, 2019
Another winner !
I have just finished book number two. It was just as interesting as book one. I enjoyed reading it so much,, I know I will be reading number three soon,,,,
I have just finished book number two. It was just as interesting as book one. I enjoyed reading it so much,, I know I will be reading number three soon,,,,
December 13, 2019
Absolutely fabulous and I love Sybil and Roderick. I will definitely be back for more.
January 15, 2020
Emotional. Quite suspenseful. The reader is so caught up n the story that it is difficult to return to the world outside of the book. I enjoy the paranormal elements.
June 11, 2020
Fun cat and mouse game. Well written with well developed characters a book of innocence and intrigue. This is the 2nd book in a series. I will start the next book tomorrow.
March 14, 2021
Diversify Your Reading 2021: Historical Fiction
October 25, 2021
Beautiful love story
I love Sybil and Roderick, I can’t seem to get enough of their witty banter and their love for each other makes me smile
I love Sybil and Roderick, I can’t seem to get enough of their witty banter and their love for each other makes me smile
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews