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Lady Althea Mystery #2
The Ranleigh Question
The gardens of Ranleigh are delightful in the summer - just the place to fall in love, or fall over a dead body. When Lady Althea accompanies her sister-in law, Jane, to a house party at Ranleigh, she hopes it will be a welcome return to peace and tranquility. Long walks and lazy days are the things Althea needs to advance her scientific studies and to decide whether or not to give up her freedom and marry the handsome and enigmatic Duke of Norwich. However, when she finds the body of a guest in the ornamental pond, she is thrown into yet another mystery. In her search for the truth, she must unmask Napoleonic spies, dig up long buried secrets, and forge new breakthroughs in forensic science. As puzzling as the case is for the brilliant lady detective, Norwich's sudden disappearance is even more confounding. Has he changed his mind about marrying her? Althea must come to terms with the fact that love is the most perplexing mystery of all.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2018
108 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 9, 2018
This story was a little more complicated than the first one. Ms. Boero has upped her mystery writing skills. The characters actually move along in their lives; instead of, being captured in moment in time. Now I am waiting for the next story to see what happens. Recommend.
November 9, 2019
Such a tease!
I was hoping that there would be more of Althea and the Duke working together to solve the latest dastardly crime, but alas, he merely showed up when Althea had either a)some information pertaining to the crime, or b) when he finally got his courage up. However, in between these bouts on engagement insecurity, the murder mystery was quite engaging.
There were some familiar characters from the first book that managed to worm their way back, and some new characters that I found rather intriguing, and who really livened up the party.
Jane and her dear Sir Neville played a larger part, even if it was more of a background story, but they were adorable. Althea is still independent, logical, intelligent and completely unflappable - that last being a rarity, I’ve found, in historical fiction.
Still enjoying the characters and story, but it looks like we won’t get a wedding until book 3 😕
3.5 stars ⭐️
I was hoping that there would be more of Althea and the Duke working together to solve the latest dastardly crime, but alas, he merely showed up when Althea had either a)some information pertaining to the crime, or b) when he finally got his courage up. However, in between these bouts on engagement insecurity, the murder mystery was quite engaging.
There were some familiar characters from the first book that managed to worm their way back, and some new characters that I found rather intriguing, and who really livened up the party.
Jane and her dear Sir Neville played a larger part, even if it was more of a background story, but they were adorable. Althea is still independent, logical, intelligent and completely unflappable - that last being a rarity, I’ve found, in historical fiction.
Still enjoying the characters and story, but it looks like we won’t get a wedding until book 3 😕
3.5 stars ⭐️
May 26, 2022
Great...
I really like this authors Regency writing style and hope she writes more Lady Althea stories one day. I can see that she has a love of Jane Austen as well.
I really like this authors Regency writing style and hope she writes more Lady Althea stories one day. I can see that she has a love of Jane Austen as well.
January 21, 2020
Although I didn't enjoy the plot of this one nearly as much as the first entry in the series, this was still a great story. I enjoyed following the continued adventures of Lady Althea, and appreciated the further character development of everyone involved in the story. The "background stories" (publication of scientific work, love stories for Jane & Althea) were well written and interesting... and developed at a natural pace; however, I found this mystery to be a bit weaker overall. I wondered if this might be because we didn't meet the murdered man before his body was discovered - in a way, the crisis didn't seem as dire since we never knew the fellow.
Still worth reading, with a few somewhat-surprising twists.
Still worth reading, with a few somewhat-surprising twists.
October 20, 2019
Good Mystery!
I like Althea, Lady Trent, lady crime scientist, widow, and Mother. I love the Duke of Norwich, handsome, Alpha Male, fiancee of Lady Trent, good secondary characters, well written. There is no sexual content, romance, but not enough of to keep me satisfied. I did like the book, however, it truly should have had more time between the two main characters.
I recommend! Thank you!
carolintallahassee.com
I like Althea, Lady Trent, lady crime scientist, widow, and Mother. I love the Duke of Norwich, handsome, Alpha Male, fiancee of Lady Trent, good secondary characters, well written. There is no sexual content, romance, but not enough of to keep me satisfied. I did like the book, however, it truly should have had more time between the two main characters.
I recommend! Thank you!
carolintallahassee.com
September 9, 2018
This is book two in the Lady Althea mystery. It was placed at another country home with her, and Jane again. Jane wants to see if marriage will suit , at the home she is visiting, and Althea is busy finding murdered victims. Norwich is there for a little while , along with his brother. There are spies leaking information to the French, and an assassin, and a threat of death on Althea, but both brothers have left, and she has to rely on her self. There were lots of characters, and not all needed. The new Duke arrives, after his uncle's death, and he is a rake. Then your sure he is sleeping with married and up to no good, while trying to talk Althea into marrying him. There are lots of daily trips to ruins, and towns, and the sea shore where another body is found. Then someone slips in her room to steal something, and next to murder her, but still it is her, and her maid, and an angry Jane, who thinks her detecting is causing her own problems. Then the murderer is found out, but has really nothing to do with the whole story. Then at the ending your not even included in the weddings, which is why the book takes you on this convoluted journey. People just up and die, and the murderer does not pay by jail, but does destroy the family. Plus Althea works on a new scientific conjecture concerning levels of dirt, in wet, and dry land. Where shoes or boots may be measured. She writes all her findings up for the Science Society while mayhem abounds. I liked it, but I wasn't thrilled. Her fiance leaves with not even a note. Especially after his brother asks him, and Althea to keep track of everyone, and send messages. She gets left, and nearly killed three times, and can trust no man to protect her, or help solve the spy ring, or other murders, until the last moment. Really. ? I was disappointed by the lack of emotion for their loved ones, Jane did better than, Althea, but she was not sure of love ,until she was left alone, but looked back in her memories, and knew she should have told him. I honestly was beginning to think the house party would not end. Then to be denied of the wedding plans, and weddings was awful. Book one, and book two reminds me of Althea as Jane, and Norwich as Darcy. Jane reminded me of her friend that marries for companionship, and comfort, and is older. You can see the stubborn attitude, and determined nature of Jane Austen 's Lizzy ,in Althea' s character, and her brooding, perfect mannered, complaining match of Darcy, in this book as Norwich. That comparison was easy to see, but unlike Pride and Prejudice this book was full of spies, and murder, and to many plots that started, and stopped, and really meant nothing... 3.5.stars
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December 24, 2024Unrated
I am leaving this unrated until I can get my thoughts together. This is the second book in the series. It is also as far as I can tell the last book in the series I read the first book and I wasn’t sure how I felt about the heroine so I decided to give it one more chance with the second book. This is a cozy mystery. However, it took itself a little too seriously I think? or maybe it’s just that the heroine is kind of serious. I guess I was expecting this this book to be lighthearted and have some humor or witty banter and it didn’t have that. Or not much of it.
My thoughts are still jumbled about this book. But I wanted to get some thoughts down what I still remember them. I have to say I did have a few niggles. It had less to do with the story, even though there was some question marks about that. I think I was just still trying to figure out what’s up with the heroine. I just couldn’t figure her out. Her personality was just I don’t know how to describe it. The romance with the Duke was definitely on the back burner. I didn’t understand what theysaw in each other. And the romance had very little romance in it. There was a lot of bickering and so I seem to be some lack of understanding and quite a bit of misunderstanding. In real life, I don’t think it would’ve worked out.
Spoiler
The heroine was very intelligent however she kept doing some pretty stupid things. For example, she knows somebody’s trying to hurt or killer and she keeps putting herself in situations where she’s by herself or isolated. Someone breaks into her room however right afterwards she makes no attempt to secure her door and goes to sleep. Who does that or I’d rather just say does not do that? She asked the Duke to have a secret engagement as well as to wait six months to get married or I think even to announce the engagement. She doesn’t even tell the Duke what her feelings are (although he has told her several times that he loves her) and she’s wondering why he has an issue with that or that he is being unreasonable/insecure.
Anyway, I probably will be editing this review at some point. However, for now, on to the next read!
I am leaving this unrated until I can get my thoughts together. This is the second book in the series. It is also as far as I can tell the last book in the series I read the first book and I wasn’t sure how I felt about the heroine so I decided to give it one more chance with the second book. This is a cozy mystery. However, it took itself a little too seriously I think? or maybe it’s just that the heroine is kind of serious. I guess I was expecting this this book to be lighthearted and have some humor or witty banter and it didn’t have that. Or not much of it.
My thoughts are still jumbled about this book. But I wanted to get some thoughts down what I still remember them. I have to say I did have a few niggles. It had less to do with the story, even though there was some question marks about that. I think I was just still trying to figure out what’s up with the heroine. I just couldn’t figure her out. Her personality was just I don’t know how to describe it. The romance with the Duke was definitely on the back burner. I didn’t understand what theysaw in each other. And the romance had very little romance in it. There was a lot of bickering and so I seem to be some lack of understanding and quite a bit of misunderstanding. In real life, I don’t think it would’ve worked out.
Spoiler
The heroine was very intelligent however she kept doing some pretty stupid things. For example, she knows somebody’s trying to hurt or killer and she keeps putting herself in situations where she’s by herself or isolated. Someone breaks into her room however right afterwards she makes no attempt to secure her door and goes to sleep. Who does that or I’d rather just say does not do that? She asked the Duke to have a secret engagement as well as to wait six months to get married or I think even to announce the engagement. She doesn’t even tell the Duke what her feelings are (although he has told her several times that he loves her) and she’s wondering why he has an issue with that or that he is being unreasonable/insecure.
Anyway, I probably will be editing this review at some point. However, for now, on to the next read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2021
Lady Althea is a widow of about a year, only just having come out of mourning. She has a scientific bent, and shared her interest with her late husband. In the first volume of this relatively new series, her knowledge of insects and their stages of development were instrumental in solving the case.
Here, she is visiting, with her sister-in-law Jane, at Ranleigh manor, home of Lord Neville who is courting Jane. He's recently restored the grounds to good order, including a renowned rose garden and the building of a pond on the grounds. In exploring the pond, Althea discovers one of the summer guests drowned. Everyone presumes it's a sad accident, but she's not so sure. Especially when she learns that the man had been under suspicion as a spy.
There's a heavy element of romance as well as mystery. Althea is promised, albeit secretly, to Lord Norwich, but his younger brother George -- also a great admirer of hers -- is present as well as the dead man's heir, an exceedingly handsome young man with a fairly deplorable reputation. Meanwhile, a young wife is also intent on causing mischief with both Norwich and the deceased's heir. Confusion ensues -- all resolved, of course, when people actually TALK to each other.
Not a deep mystery, but an enjoyable read with appealing characters. I will be watching for the next in the series to be published to see how the characters continue to grow and develop.
Here, she is visiting, with her sister-in-law Jane, at Ranleigh manor, home of Lord Neville who is courting Jane. He's recently restored the grounds to good order, including a renowned rose garden and the building of a pond on the grounds. In exploring the pond, Althea discovers one of the summer guests drowned. Everyone presumes it's a sad accident, but she's not so sure. Especially when she learns that the man had been under suspicion as a spy.
There's a heavy element of romance as well as mystery. Althea is promised, albeit secretly, to Lord Norwich, but his younger brother George -- also a great admirer of hers -- is present as well as the dead man's heir, an exceedingly handsome young man with a fairly deplorable reputation. Meanwhile, a young wife is also intent on causing mischief with both Norwich and the deceased's heir. Confusion ensues -- all resolved, of course, when people actually TALK to each other.
Not a deep mystery, but an enjoyable read with appealing characters. I will be watching for the next in the series to be published to see how the characters continue to grow and develop.
June 15, 2020
3.5 stars, actually.
Lady Althea and her sister-in-law Jane go to Sir Neville's country estate, Ranleigh, and murders ensue. Much like the first book, most of this is polite manners and innocuous conversation. There's a bit of intrigue with spies and a coastal town, but otherwise not much excitement.
sadly, we get more of Norwich's brother and a gad-about-dandy named Turnwell rather than fun romantic tension with Norwich. Althea and Norwich are estranged through most of the book due to a misunderstanding (this doesn't work as well for me when Althea is supposedly so interested in science, wish she would turn her theories/observations on to her own relationships).
The science of soil composition is the fun part here with Althea figuring out a murderer based on the soil found in a pair of suspicious boots.
Very innocuous, slow paced, country manners kind of story, quite missing out on the delicious spice of Norwich-Althea interactions until the end.
Lady Althea and her sister-in-law Jane go to Sir Neville's country estate, Ranleigh, and murders ensue. Much like the first book, most of this is polite manners and innocuous conversation. There's a bit of intrigue with spies and a coastal town, but otherwise not much excitement.
sadly, we get more of Norwich's brother and a gad-about-dandy named Turnwell rather than fun romantic tension with Norwich. Althea and Norwich are estranged through most of the book due to a misunderstanding (this doesn't work as well for me when Althea is supposedly so interested in science, wish she would turn her theories/observations on to her own relationships).
The science of soil composition is the fun part here with Althea figuring out a murderer based on the soil found in a pair of suspicious boots.
Very innocuous, slow paced, country manners kind of story, quite missing out on the delicious spice of Norwich-Althea interactions until the end.
January 15, 2020
This second book in the Lady Althea series was a quick read with familiar characters. I jumped right in, and the story moved quickly for me this time. Both Jane and Althea have chances for love developing with the men in their lives, but how will they respond to that opportunity?
SPOILER ALERT: I loved the conundrum that Althea faced as she tried to determine whether or not she was ready to marry the Duke. The passion was there, but she struggled to give up her independence. But then with his sudden and unexplained absence from her, she realized the he has moved her heart. She does love him, body and soul. Only she isn't sure what he feels since he left her side so rapidly. Of course, the lovers are reunited, and all is revealed. I'm curious if the author will continue the series or not.
SPOILER ALERT: I loved the conundrum that Althea faced as she tried to determine whether or not she was ready to marry the Duke. The passion was there, but she struggled to give up her independence. But then with his sudden and unexplained absence from her, she realized the he has moved her heart. She does love him, body and soul. Only she isn't sure what he feels since he left her side so rapidly. Of course, the lovers are reunited, and all is revealed. I'm curious if the author will continue the series or not.
August 22, 2020
This book was well written and quite fun to read. The mystery was well done also. This is really just a very light love story with absolutely great dialogue. I'm looking forward to the author writing more.
I enjoy the science that Althea uses and the Duke learning to get along with her interesting ways is also fun.
One problem I had was that Althea sometimes uses Latin phrases and I can't seem to figure out what they mean without turning on the computer and searching on the web for the meaning which can be a pain. Otherwise terrific book. Easy to read - the flow is continuous.
Please write more!!!!!
I enjoy the science that Althea uses and the Duke learning to get along with her interesting ways is also fun.
One problem I had was that Althea sometimes uses Latin phrases and I can't seem to figure out what they mean without turning on the computer and searching on the web for the meaning which can be a pain. Otherwise terrific book. Easy to read - the flow is continuous.
Please write more!!!!!
December 1, 2024
4.25/5 stars
Lady Althea is such a wonderful character to watch and marvel over in this series. Her analytical mind and unflinchingly original personality/attitude are refreshing and unusual in a woman of her time/place.
My only surprise is the swiftness of the development of the relationship between our hero and heroine. But unfortunately, as this one was published in 2018, I fear that there will be no more additional adventures for these two so maybe that's why things progressed as they did.
Sorry to see the series go as it grabbed my attention with a unique and treasured heroine.
Lady Althea is such a wonderful character to watch and marvel over in this series. Her analytical mind and unflinchingly original personality/attitude are refreshing and unusual in a woman of her time/place.
My only surprise is the swiftness of the development of the relationship between our hero and heroine. But unfortunately, as this one was published in 2018, I fear that there will be no more additional adventures for these two so maybe that's why things progressed as they did.
Sorry to see the series go as it grabbed my attention with a unique and treasured heroine.
January 8, 2019
not implausible
i love that in a mystery. the spy intrigue was odd. i had to spend time thinking around the circles before i figured out who was who and why. main mystery was well done. but i must admit i enjoy her scientific discoveries the most. looking forward to the next book!
i love that in a mystery. the spy intrigue was odd. i had to spend time thinking around the circles before i figured out who was who and why. main mystery was well done. but i must admit i enjoy her scientific discoveries the most. looking forward to the next book!
July 12, 2019
I had hoped the second in the series would be better than the first but it wasn't. I have to question how Althea and the Duke could fall in love when they spend very little time together in either book. The whole "romance" could have been left out and it wouldn't have mattered. I won't be continuing this series. The narration of the audiobook by Henrietta Meire was excellent.
February 11, 2022
Charming story
Althea and her sister-in-law are at a house party where Althea discovers a dead body of one of the guests. Is it an accident or murder, as Althea tries to solve the death she encounters spies, traitors and a unsavory young rake amongst the guests. The storyline and the enjoyable characters keeps you turning the page until the end.
Althea and her sister-in-law are at a house party where Althea discovers a dead body of one of the guests. Is it an accident or murder, as Althea tries to solve the death she encounters spies, traitors and a unsavory young rake amongst the guests. The storyline and the enjoyable characters keeps you turning the page until the end.
May 7, 2023
I enjoyed this book, and am somewhat perturbed to find out this is a duology as I feel like the characters had more to give.
I enjoyed the murder mystery plot here, it was an interesting one and kept me guessing. The misunderstanding between the leads felt contrived however, and I didn't quite buy into all of the murderers reasoning. Still, an enjoyable book overall.
I enjoyed the murder mystery plot here, it was an interesting one and kept me guessing. The misunderstanding between the leads felt contrived however, and I didn't quite buy into all of the murderers reasoning. Still, an enjoyable book overall.
July 1, 2018
Slow...
Slow and tending toward an over structured plot, this book has some good moments. I realize it was written to reflect the time and culture. But others have taken written on the same and made it fascinating. Not good enough to read another in the series.
Slow and tending toward an over structured plot, this book has some good moments. I realize it was written to reflect the time and culture. But others have taken written on the same and made it fascinating. Not good enough to read another in the series.
November 2, 2018
I love this series so far. It reminds me of Pride and Prejudice which is one of my favorite books. The plots have been interesting, the characters well developed and I stayed up until 2am finishing it. I am eagerly awaiting the next one.
January 2, 2019
I give this a 4 because the plot is so ordinary
However, I cannot resist this historical romance genre. I adore the characters, the settings and the romantic love interest. The men are always handsome,the women beautiful and charming. How can you lose?
However, I cannot resist this historical romance genre. I adore the characters, the settings and the romantic love interest. The men are always handsome,the women beautiful and charming. How can you lose?
January 16, 2019
Excellent!
It takes real skill to write a brilliant woman of wot and learning. And the author has it in spades. Her Regency world building is very well done and the mystery, with its focus n the introduction of forensic detection is a treat.
It takes real skill to write a brilliant woman of wot and learning. And the author has it in spades. Her Regency world building is very well done and the mystery, with its focus n the introduction of forensic detection is a treat.
January 21, 2019
Excellent series
Excellent two part period series with twisted mysteries, eccentric lead characters, humor, suspense -- in realistic settings and believable relationships among the cast of characters. Really enjoy the author and her masterful story-telling.
Excellent two part period series with twisted mysteries, eccentric lead characters, humor, suspense -- in realistic settings and believable relationships among the cast of characters. Really enjoy the author and her masterful story-telling.
September 3, 2020
Historical who done it with a twisty plot lead by a scientist who is also a widow with a second chance at love. Very entertaining cast of characters and narration that elevates this audiobook to 5 stars. More please!
May 30, 2023
brilliant story about love, adventure, murder and spies
I had to read to the end of this as it was full of excitement and twists and turns. I throughly enjoyed it and hope the author writes another including some of the characters from this book
I had to read to the end of this as it was full of excitement and twists and turns. I throughly enjoyed it and hope the author writes another including some of the characters from this book
November 20, 2023
The Ranleigh Question, A Review. LAS.
This is the second story in this mystery series. The characters are well thought out, and the plot and historical details interesting and entertaining.
This is the second story in this mystery series. The characters are well thought out, and the plot and historical details interesting and entertaining.
April 9, 2024
Glad I finished this off. Though I'm sad there aren't more of the series. This one was odd with so many men vying for Lady Trent's affections and Norwich disappearing for a chunk of the book over a misunderstanding. I had trouble keeping track of so many characters.
July 11, 2018
Love this series. Characters are great and the story lines are compelling. Please keep writing!
September 26, 2018
Not as witty as book one, but still a fun read.
November 24, 2018
Lady Althea ...another page turner
Very well written series. This book keeps you guessing with plots and subplots. The story is well woven. The ending is hard to guess.
Very well written series. This book keeps you guessing with plots and subplots. The story is well woven. The ending is hard to guess.
January 22, 2019
3 1/2 stars. A nice combination of romance and mystery during the turbulent time of the Napoleonic War, though set in England it is pretty peaceful. It is nice to see two very practical and logical women fall in love and being willing to fall in love.
February 6, 2019
Wonderful
Great read. I have enjoyed this series very much. Looking forward to next volume and more adventures by this Lady.
Great read. I have enjoyed this series very much. Looking forward to next volume and more adventures by this Lady.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews