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Alec Halsey Mystery #1-3
Alec Halsey Mysteries Books 1 - 3
Very well written, fast paced, and full of secrets… A cracking good adventure! —Historical Novel Society
The story arc of this boxed set spans three full-length novels set in aristocratic 1760s London, and features amateur sleuth Alec, Lord Halsey. In book one, DEADLY ENGAGEMENT, Alec is unwittingly caught up in country house murder and mayhem at an engagement party where he finally confronts his estranged brother. Some months later, in DEADLY AFFAIR, a vicar drops dead beside Alec at a private dinner party, forcing him to investigate the death of this seemingly harmless man of God and his surprising connection to the mysterious Miranda. In DEADLY PERIL Alec is lured away to Europe by a mad margrave and his sister who hold his friends to ransom in the remote and forbidding Castle Hertzfeld. In a race against time, Alec and the English delegation journey across an icy wasteland devastated by civil war to “a gob smacking finale you’ll never see coming”.
“I challenge anyone to read DEADLY ENGAGEMENT and not crave more from the handsome Alec Halsey with his high sense of morals, dark good looks, and divine analytical mind.” —Francine Zane, Readers’ Favorite, rated 5 STARS
“Lucinda Brant has crafted a clever and intriguing mystery in DEADLY AFFAIR, which very skilfully pulls together seemingly disparate plot threads to reach a thoroughly satisfying conclusion with plot twists I most definitely didn’t see coming. I am hooked and eager for more.” —Caz Owens, All About Romance, rated a DESERT ISLE KEEPER
“Every one is worthy of five stars, but DEADLY PERIL is possibly the best yet. It is, quite simply, a perfect combination of mystery, romance, and history.” —Lady Wesley, Romantic Historical Reviews, rated 5 STARS
Lucinda Brant's mysteries explore the darker side of her richly authentic 18th century world. Along with her trademark wit and high drama there are deeper subplots and even quirkier characters that will have you shuddering and laughing in equal measure!
Unabridged, 346,000 words (about 1,380 standard pages)
Non explicit (mild sensuality, mild violence)
Character-driven amateur sleuth
RECENT ACCLAIM FOR THESE BOOKS
• 2016 USA TODAY bestseller
• 2016 Goethe International Novel Writing Competition Outstanding Works in Post-1750s Historical Fiction
• 2016 RONE Best Published Mystery
• 2016 RONE Mystery/Suspense Cover Finalist and Runner-Up
The story arc of this boxed set spans three full-length novels set in aristocratic 1760s London, and features amateur sleuth Alec, Lord Halsey. In book one, DEADLY ENGAGEMENT, Alec is unwittingly caught up in country house murder and mayhem at an engagement party where he finally confronts his estranged brother. Some months later, in DEADLY AFFAIR, a vicar drops dead beside Alec at a private dinner party, forcing him to investigate the death of this seemingly harmless man of God and his surprising connection to the mysterious Miranda. In DEADLY PERIL Alec is lured away to Europe by a mad margrave and his sister who hold his friends to ransom in the remote and forbidding Castle Hertzfeld. In a race against time, Alec and the English delegation journey across an icy wasteland devastated by civil war to “a gob smacking finale you’ll never see coming”.
“I challenge anyone to read DEADLY ENGAGEMENT and not crave more from the handsome Alec Halsey with his high sense of morals, dark good looks, and divine analytical mind.” —Francine Zane, Readers’ Favorite, rated 5 STARS
“Lucinda Brant has crafted a clever and intriguing mystery in DEADLY AFFAIR, which very skilfully pulls together seemingly disparate plot threads to reach a thoroughly satisfying conclusion with plot twists I most definitely didn’t see coming. I am hooked and eager for more.” —Caz Owens, All About Romance, rated a DESERT ISLE KEEPER
“Every one is worthy of five stars, but DEADLY PERIL is possibly the best yet. It is, quite simply, a perfect combination of mystery, romance, and history.” —Lady Wesley, Romantic Historical Reviews, rated 5 STARS
Lucinda Brant's mysteries explore the darker side of her richly authentic 18th century world. Along with her trademark wit and high drama there are deeper subplots and even quirkier characters that will have you shuddering and laughing in equal measure!
Unabridged, 346,000 words (about 1,380 standard pages)
Non explicit (mild sensuality, mild violence)
Character-driven amateur sleuth
RECENT ACCLAIM FOR THESE BOOKS
• 2016 USA TODAY bestseller
• 2016 Goethe International Novel Writing Competition Outstanding Works in Post-1750s Historical Fiction
• 2016 RONE Best Published Mystery
• 2016 RONE Mystery/Suspense Cover Finalist and Runner-Up
899 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2016
435 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Lucinda Brant
40 books499 followersHello! I'm a history geek who loves the 18th Century!
I write about families, creating worlds that are full of history, heart, and Happily Ever Afters. When I'm not in my writing cave in the 1700s I live in the middle of a koala reserve, so the neighbors are cute and cuddly and sleep all day!
I write because I must, and I write from the heart, and only what I love to read.
My books have been on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, and Audible bestseller lists, and have won numerous awards. All are available as audiobooks narrated by British actors Alex Wyndham, Mary Jane Wells and Matthew Lloyd Davies, and voice talent Marian Hussey. My books are also available in translation— French, German, Italian, and Japanese languages. I love to hear from my readers.
I write about families, creating worlds that are full of history, heart, and Happily Ever Afters. When I'm not in my writing cave in the 1700s I live in the middle of a koala reserve, so the neighbors are cute and cuddly and sleep all day!
I write because I must, and I write from the heart, and only what I love to read.
My books have been on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, and Audible bestseller lists, and have won numerous awards. All are available as audiobooks narrated by British actors Alex Wyndham, Mary Jane Wells and Matthew Lloyd Davies, and voice talent Marian Hussey. My books are also available in translation— French, German, Italian, and Japanese languages. I love to hear from my readers.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 1, 2017
I LOVED this entire series. I read them quite apart from each other as they weren't available as a box set at the time, so as each book came out, my reviews for them improved (if I do say so myself). I have copy and pasted them below so that you can have a better idea of the stories, and to hopefully convince you that this is a fantastic set of stories that you won't want to miss out on.
DEADLY ENGAGEMENT is a very emotional story, there were scenes that had me wanting to cry for the characters involved, especially Selena. There were light moments too, and of course the desperate feeling of frustration wanting to know who the 'bad guy' was.I was so tempted to jump to the end of the book just to find out. I didn't though, I didn't want to spoil it for myself. And what an ending the book had. The whole book was fabulous to read and the author sets a scene so perfectly that you can imagine yourself there. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
DEADLY AFFAIR Alex Halsey, accused yet not guilty of murdering his brother, now finds himself a suspect in another murder. Can he prove that he is not the culprit. This second book in the series is every bit as good as the first one. Once I started reading it I didn't want to put it down. How can an author write so well that you NEED to know what happens next? Lucinda Brant manages it admirably. Funnily enough although there are many likable characters, especially of course the main character Alec Halsey, I actually think Tam, Alec's Valet and apprentice apothocary is my favourite character. He is so sweet, helpful, and so modest. He helps in so many ways, be it looking after injured people, spying on people, or even being a midwife. He deserves so much more in life than he has, and in this book he starts to get it which I love.
DEADLY PERIL is the third book in her Alec Halsey Mystery Book series. Although I believe the book can be read as a stand alone, it can be enjoyed much more by reading the previous books in the series first.
In this book Alec Halsey is forced to relive part of his past that he wishes forgotten. If he doesn't face his devils then the lives of his good friend Cosmo, and Emily St Neots will be taken. They are being held captive in a country in Europe that is in the midst of a civil war. The ones to capture them have only done so to ensure that Alec would return to the country he escaped from 10 years ago. He could never have the deaths of his friends on his conscience and doesn't hesitate in arranging travel. Unfortunately for him, Emily's grandmother, Alec's father, and the love of Alec's life, Selena are determined for various reasons to travel with him. Selena's reasoning is because when they hopefully got Emily released she would need a female she knows there to comfort her.
So starts the story of the journey abroad. A journey which is filled with trials and tribulations, back stabbing and murders. It also has just the right amount of romance, with very emotional scenes between Alec and Selena which are both heart breaking and heart warming. The whole story is complex, yet no hardship to understand, and there is so much going on that you don't want to put the book down until you have finished it to find out the outcome for everybody. The civil war is won by......only joking, I won't give spoilers. I will say that at least in the beginning you can't be 100% sure who is in the right and who is in the wrong between the two warring parties. I like a book where you can't easily guess what the outcome will be. This book as with all in the series have that feel to them. You really get surprised at the twists and turns.
This book was an absolute joy to read, and I look forward to listening to the audiobook too when it is released. I have listened to the other two books in the series on audiobook and the narrator, Alex Wyndham does such a superb job with the characters that you can easily read the book yourself and actually hear Alex's voice in your head. So, not only do I recommend this book wholeheartedly, I also recommend the accompanying audio book when it is released.
DEADLY ENGAGEMENT is a very emotional story, there were scenes that had me wanting to cry for the characters involved, especially Selena. There were light moments too, and of course the desperate feeling of frustration wanting to know who the 'bad guy' was.I was so tempted to jump to the end of the book just to find out. I didn't though, I didn't want to spoil it for myself. And what an ending the book had. The whole book was fabulous to read and the author sets a scene so perfectly that you can imagine yourself there. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
DEADLY AFFAIR Alex Halsey, accused yet not guilty of murdering his brother, now finds himself a suspect in another murder. Can he prove that he is not the culprit. This second book in the series is every bit as good as the first one. Once I started reading it I didn't want to put it down. How can an author write so well that you NEED to know what happens next? Lucinda Brant manages it admirably. Funnily enough although there are many likable characters, especially of course the main character Alec Halsey, I actually think Tam, Alec's Valet and apprentice apothocary is my favourite character. He is so sweet, helpful, and so modest. He helps in so many ways, be it looking after injured people, spying on people, or even being a midwife. He deserves so much more in life than he has, and in this book he starts to get it which I love.
DEADLY PERIL is the third book in her Alec Halsey Mystery Book series. Although I believe the book can be read as a stand alone, it can be enjoyed much more by reading the previous books in the series first.
In this book Alec Halsey is forced to relive part of his past that he wishes forgotten. If he doesn't face his devils then the lives of his good friend Cosmo, and Emily St Neots will be taken. They are being held captive in a country in Europe that is in the midst of a civil war. The ones to capture them have only done so to ensure that Alec would return to the country he escaped from 10 years ago. He could never have the deaths of his friends on his conscience and doesn't hesitate in arranging travel. Unfortunately for him, Emily's grandmother, Alec's father, and the love of Alec's life, Selena are determined for various reasons to travel with him. Selena's reasoning is because when they hopefully got Emily released she would need a female she knows there to comfort her.
So starts the story of the journey abroad. A journey which is filled with trials and tribulations, back stabbing and murders. It also has just the right amount of romance, with very emotional scenes between Alec and Selena which are both heart breaking and heart warming. The whole story is complex, yet no hardship to understand, and there is so much going on that you don't want to put the book down until you have finished it to find out the outcome for everybody. The civil war is won by......only joking, I won't give spoilers. I will say that at least in the beginning you can't be 100% sure who is in the right and who is in the wrong between the two warring parties. I like a book where you can't easily guess what the outcome will be. This book as with all in the series have that feel to them. You really get surprised at the twists and turns.
This book was an absolute joy to read, and I look forward to listening to the audiobook too when it is released. I have listened to the other two books in the series on audiobook and the narrator, Alex Wyndham does such a superb job with the characters that you can easily read the book yourself and actually hear Alex's voice in your head. So, not only do I recommend this book wholeheartedly, I also recommend the accompanying audio book when it is released.
May 21, 2017
Never made it through 1st chapter .Too much mush,no mystery
January 2, 2023
I love Captain Lacey, and I was looking for other books like it. Okay, from a historical perspective the Halsey mysteries take place earlier, but the principle is the same. Sort of anti-hero gets pulled into an investigation, flails around for clues, and solves the puzzle eventually. Both have a thoroughly researched historical context, though I'd say Brant's are more accurate and also more detailed. I liked the characterisation - these people feel real.
Fun fact - I bought the box - and then didn't read it because of issues with Brant's head-hopping. She does that a lot, but in particular at the beginning, and it bounced me right out, twice. I was on a new-year cruise, weather totally crap, and was desperately looking for something to read, so I gave it another bash and this time got past the head hopping.
Though I wish she wouldn't do it. The rest of the novels is professional, there's solid research behind the plot, and reading feels like walking around in 1760 something. The last in the box was a bit less enjoyable, simply because it was so overdone. It felt like the author was going for a Gothic scare, and somehow it didn't convince me. the research also let her down - no German fiefdom would ever be called Midanich. That's not a Germanic word. The setting , the characters, the plot - they all scratched at the edge of believability. But so what - the weather was still bad, so I read to the end. I even bought the fourth. So there.
Fun fact - I bought the box - and then didn't read it because of issues with Brant's head-hopping. She does that a lot, but in particular at the beginning, and it bounced me right out, twice. I was on a new-year cruise, weather totally crap, and was desperately looking for something to read, so I gave it another bash and this time got past the head hopping.
Though I wish she wouldn't do it. The rest of the novels is professional, there's solid research behind the plot, and reading feels like walking around in 1760 something. The last in the box was a bit less enjoyable, simply because it was so overdone. It felt like the author was going for a Gothic scare, and somehow it didn't convince me. the research also let her down - no German fiefdom would ever be called Midanich. That's not a Germanic word. The setting , the characters, the plot - they all scratched at the edge of believability. But so what - the weather was still bad, so I read to the end. I even bought the fourth. So there.
December 31, 2022
Deadly Engagement - A career diplomat, sibling jealousy, a darker side of the Regency era, murder and a puzzling whodunnit, all leavened by the hero’s love interest.
Deadly Affair - Now elevated to the peerage but uneasy in that role, Alec returns to London after a period in the country trying to put his estate in order. His absence has allowed rumours to grow that he murdered his brother and so when a guest, next to whom he was sitting at a dinner party, is poisoned, Alec is the prime suspect. Note: even less romance in this story than the first!
Deadly Peril - In order to save his best friend and a young lady, Alec Halsey is forced to return to war torn Midanich, a country he barely escaped with his life some ten years previous. He knows his friends imprisonment is a trap to get him in the clutches one again of Prince Ernst and Princess Johanna, so is not best pleased when not only his elderly uncle but his godmother the Duchess and the woman he lives tags along too.
Deadly Affair - Now elevated to the peerage but uneasy in that role, Alec returns to London after a period in the country trying to put his estate in order. His absence has allowed rumours to grow that he murdered his brother and so when a guest, next to whom he was sitting at a dinner party, is poisoned, Alec is the prime suspect. Note: even less romance in this story than the first!
Deadly Peril - In order to save his best friend and a young lady, Alec Halsey is forced to return to war torn Midanich, a country he barely escaped with his life some ten years previous. He knows his friends imprisonment is a trap to get him in the clutches one again of Prince Ernst and Princess Johanna, so is not best pleased when not only his elderly uncle but his godmother the Duchess and the woman he lives tags along too.
February 18, 2017
Fantastic
Very enjoyable read. How wonderfully the character Alec was portrayed. He was not only smart and very, very aware of his serounings , he was strong physically and mentally. Even with all his manly characteristics as a chiverless man he also had a sensitive side. The most exciting of this book is how he came to solving the situations he mainly used his mental strength than his physical strengths. Fantastic read.
Very enjoyable read. How wonderfully the character Alec was portrayed. He was not only smart and very, very aware of his serounings , he was strong physically and mentally. Even with all his manly characteristics as a chiverless man he also had a sensitive side. The most exciting of this book is how he came to solving the situations he mainly used his mental strength than his physical strengths. Fantastic read.
November 24, 2017
Re. Deadly Peril: For once I guessed the villain, including the ginormous spoiler twist....and it didn't diminish the story a bit.
Highly recommend binge reading all three books.
See reviews of books one and two under individual titles.
Highly recommend binge reading all three books.
See reviews of books one and two under individual titles.
March 4, 2022
Awesome
This series of books "Alex Halsey's Mystery Series is finominal. Each one is interesting as well as informative to different aspects of life in Georgian England times. Highly recommend it.
This series of books "Alex Halsey's Mystery Series is finominal. Each one is interesting as well as informative to different aspects of life in Georgian England times. Highly recommend it.
March 9, 2020
I had enjoyed the first two so much I purchased this collection to read the third. JUST AS GOOD!
March 19, 2017
Fabulous! Perfect for binge reading!
Wow! Totally mesmerizing and immensely absorbing! I was completely transported to the Georgian period and immersed in the intrigue and politics of that era. Ms. Brant's knowledge and research of the period is evident in the details she brings to her stories, her superb writing skill brings her characters to life! Thank God for this collection of Alec Halsey books as I would have been hunting for the next in the series, so wonderfully connected they all are and I was (thankfully) able to binge read them in a couple of days! Bring on more Alec Halsey!!!
Wow! Totally mesmerizing and immensely absorbing! I was completely transported to the Georgian period and immersed in the intrigue and politics of that era. Ms. Brant's knowledge and research of the period is evident in the details she brings to her stories, her superb writing skill brings her characters to life! Thank God for this collection of Alec Halsey books as I would have been hunting for the next in the series, so wonderfully connected they all are and I was (thankfully) able to binge read them in a couple of days! Bring on more Alec Halsey!!!
February 12, 2017
Captain Lacey Lite
Alex Halsey predates Gabriel Lacey by a generation. But the pattern is similar. A second son who has to make his way, a romance with a woman above his touch, a mystery, sneering aristocratic enemies. I find the characters more complex in the Captain Lacey series, and the mysteries more embedded in the culture and context of the era. The Halsey novels also use some anachronistic terms occasionally, e.g. Misogynistic used to describe a violent husband. We n their own terms, the books are enjoyable and well written.
Alex Halsey predates Gabriel Lacey by a generation. But the pattern is similar. A second son who has to make his way, a romance with a woman above his touch, a mystery, sneering aristocratic enemies. I find the characters more complex in the Captain Lacey series, and the mysteries more embedded in the culture and context of the era. The Halsey novels also use some anachronistic terms occasionally, e.g. Misogynistic used to describe a violent husband. We n their own terms, the books are enjoyable and well written.
February 5, 2017
I read these amazing stories as individual reads, previously and I must say they are amazing. When I found them for 99 cents, I couldn't help but purchase them again.
"This boxed set includes the first three Alec Halsey Mysteries: Deadly Engagement, Deadly Affair, and Deadly Peril, each a bestseller." Which I would have to agree with the bestseller.
I would recommend reading this amazing series in its entirety to get the full benefits of the series, the characters etc. But not necessary to understand the story, set in Georgian era London. It contains an amateur sleuth, mystery, and adventure.
Ms. Brant brings readers a story of danger, romance, passion, twists and turns, secrets, with her charactizations, her storyline, and her amazing detail to history. Readers will be enthralled and enticed in her "Alex Halsey Mysteries" book 1-3.
There are no explicit sex scenes, only Mild violence and sexuality and a wonderful character driven sleuth.
An enjoyable and satisfying read, all in one delectable Boxed set. A not to miss Mystery Georgian Historical Romance.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
"This boxed set includes the first three Alec Halsey Mysteries: Deadly Engagement, Deadly Affair, and Deadly Peril, each a bestseller." Which I would have to agree with the bestseller.
I would recommend reading this amazing series in its entirety to get the full benefits of the series, the characters etc. But not necessary to understand the story, set in Georgian era London. It contains an amateur sleuth, mystery, and adventure.
Ms. Brant brings readers a story of danger, romance, passion, twists and turns, secrets, with her charactizations, her storyline, and her amazing detail to history. Readers will be enthralled and enticed in her "Alex Halsey Mysteries" book 1-3.
There are no explicit sex scenes, only Mild violence and sexuality and a wonderful character driven sleuth.
An enjoyable and satisfying read, all in one delectable Boxed set. A not to miss Mystery Georgian Historical Romance.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
February 25, 2017
Book 1 already purchased separately.
Book 2 gets 3 stars, because of the agonizingly drawn out plot, and the cliff-hanger ending.
Book 3 gets 4 stars, for an engaging set of character portraits, an imaginative plot, and a satisfying ending.
Book 2 gets 3 stars, because of the agonizingly drawn out plot, and the cliff-hanger ending.
Book 3 gets 4 stars, for an engaging set of character portraits, an imaginative plot, and a satisfying ending.
November 1, 2017
I love this series! I love mysteries, and I love historical fiction. Lucinda Brant does a great job combining the two genres. There is enough action and romance to keep it interesting. I am looking forward to reading book four of the series.
April 14, 2017
Ruritania and romance together again. Alec and his supporting cast are all very well developed. the situations are mostly believable and having the history notes really helps ground the story - it doesn't move much when you poke at it.
There were very few moments when I slowed to a state of "um...okay?" and never did I put the book aside in a fit of the "yeah, right!"s. There were, however, many moments of reading aloud to my long-suffering spouse who came to love Lady Olivia and Uncle Plant almost as much as I did.
These three novels were a very fast read - well worth the time spent and likely to get revisited.
Thank you, Ms. Brant.
There were very few moments when I slowed to a state of "um...okay?" and never did I put the book aside in a fit of the "yeah, right!"s. There were, however, many moments of reading aloud to my long-suffering spouse who came to love Lady Olivia and Uncle Plant almost as much as I did.
These three novels were a very fast read - well worth the time spent and likely to get revisited.
Thank you, Ms. Brant.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews