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Rutherford #1
A Reputation Dies
When his friend is accused of murder, scholar Justin Rutherford vows to solve the deadly puzzle…
London, 1816
At a fashionable London ball, the unpopular but entertaining Society gossip Marmaduke Yarnton is found dead in the cloakroom — strangled with his own cravat.
Having argued with him shortly before, Lord Velmond finds himself the prime murder suspect. Determined to clear his name, Velmond’s scholarly friend Justin Rutherford teams up with his niece, Anthea, and the Bow Street police to find the murderer.
But Justin soon finds that everyone has something to hide – even Velmond’s seemingly virtuous new wife, Lucy. And as he delves deeper into the mystery, Justin uncovers a web of deceit, buried scandals and blackmail…
London, 1816
At a fashionable London ball, the unpopular but entertaining Society gossip Marmaduke Yarnton is found dead in the cloakroom — strangled with his own cravat.
Having argued with him shortly before, Lord Velmond finds himself the prime murder suspect. Determined to clear his name, Velmond’s scholarly friend Justin Rutherford teams up with his niece, Anthea, and the Bow Street police to find the murderer.
But Justin soon finds that everyone has something to hide – even Velmond’s seemingly virtuous new wife, Lucy. And as he delves deeper into the mystery, Justin uncovers a web of deceit, buried scandals and blackmail…
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 1984
108 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Alice Chetwynd Ley
23 books54 followersBorn Alice Mary Chetwynd Humphrey on 12 October 1913 in Halifax, Yorkshire, England, UK, she studied at King Edward VI Grammar School in Birmingham. On 3 February 1945, she married Kenneth James Ley. They had two sons; Richard James Humphrey Ley and Graham Kenneth Hugh Ley.
She was a teacher at Harrow College of Higher Education. In 1962, she obtained a diploma in Sociology at London University, and was awarded the Gilchrist Award of 1962. She was a lecturer in Sociology and Social History, from 1968 to 1971.
Under her married name, Alice Chetwynd Ley, she published romance novels from 1959 to 1986. She was also tutor in Creative Writing, from 1962 to 1984. She was elected the sixth Chairman (1971-1973) of the Romantic Novelists' Association and was named an honoured Life Member.
Alice Chetwynd passed away in 2004.
She was a teacher at Harrow College of Higher Education. In 1962, she obtained a diploma in Sociology at London University, and was awarded the Gilchrist Award of 1962. She was a lecturer in Sociology and Social History, from 1968 to 1971.
Under her married name, Alice Chetwynd Ley, she published romance novels from 1959 to 1986. She was also tutor in Creative Writing, from 1962 to 1984. She was elected the sixth Chairman (1971-1973) of the Romantic Novelists' Association and was named an honoured Life Member.
Alice Chetwynd passed away in 2004.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 25, 2020
This started out very well because of the quality of Ley's writing really shines. She was a respected author in the Regency Romance field for years and for good reason. For one thing, she has a vocabulary and uses it. However, I just did not like the plot. It was a cozy mystery and I found it slow and boring. It would have been enlivened by a nice romance, but the 2 main and most interesting characters were uncle and niece. The book advertises itself as a romance and the teaser on the cover promises "And his pert, devilishly witty niece Anthea will volunteer her own special talents to find the true villain - as well as her heart's most fervent desire, true love." Not a bit of it. So in addition to it being a pedestrian effort as far as an intriguing mystery, the deception as far as what this novel was about made me mad.
October 11, 2019
Charming Regency whodunit!
I've read quite a few of Chetwynd Ley's works in the past, so when the chance came to revisit her writings, I took it and wasn't disappointed.
A spiteful ton member, Mr Marmaduke Yarnton , of the mellifluous voice (I love that!), who holds his place with gossip, innuendo and malicious hints, has, it seems has finally gone too far. He is found strangled at the fashionable Lady Windlesham's soirée. Admittedly, the Lady wanted her event to be of note, but not quite in this tenor.
The thing is just before he is found dead, the newlywed Lord Velmond had taken exception to some of Yarnton's baiting and threatened him. Ergo, Velmond is suspect no. 1.
A chance meeting with his friend Justin Rutherford has Velmond requesting his assistance to help clear his name.
The Honorable Justin is rather an interesting character. I do like his humor and his self deprecating manner. He's just so very British. As his godmother, Lady Quainton describes him, he's a scholar who "every now and then feels an urge to take himself out of his books and plunge into some adventure or other ... he acted as an intelligence officer for Wellington during the Peninsular campaign ... [and seems to suffer] from a consuming curiosity which now and then breaks out in unexpected directions."
Justin undertakes to see what he can discover for Velmond, helped of by the irrepressible niece Anthea, his godmother Lady Quainton, and as it turns out his contacts with the Bow Street Runners.
What Justin uncovers is so much more than expected, and that ripple keeps enlarging.
First published in 1984, this ebook edition brings a well loved author's works back into the spotlight. I quite enjoyed Richard Ley's Afterward where he talks about his "mum" the writer (1913-2004).
A rather elegant and clean period mystery with two delightful leading characters. There's currently no romance that I could detect but who knows what the future holds?
A Sapere Books ARC via NetGalley
I've read quite a few of Chetwynd Ley's works in the past, so when the chance came to revisit her writings, I took it and wasn't disappointed.
A spiteful ton member, Mr Marmaduke Yarnton , of the mellifluous voice (I love that!), who holds his place with gossip, innuendo and malicious hints, has, it seems has finally gone too far. He is found strangled at the fashionable Lady Windlesham's soirée. Admittedly, the Lady wanted her event to be of note, but not quite in this tenor.
The thing is just before he is found dead, the newlywed Lord Velmond had taken exception to some of Yarnton's baiting and threatened him. Ergo, Velmond is suspect no. 1.
A chance meeting with his friend Justin Rutherford has Velmond requesting his assistance to help clear his name.
The Honorable Justin is rather an interesting character. I do like his humor and his self deprecating manner. He's just so very British. As his godmother, Lady Quainton describes him, he's a scholar who "every now and then feels an urge to take himself out of his books and plunge into some adventure or other ... he acted as an intelligence officer for Wellington during the Peninsular campaign ... [and seems to suffer] from a consuming curiosity which now and then breaks out in unexpected directions."
Justin undertakes to see what he can discover for Velmond, helped of by the irrepressible niece Anthea, his godmother Lady Quainton, and as it turns out his contacts with the Bow Street Runners.
What Justin uncovers is so much more than expected, and that ripple keeps enlarging.
First published in 1984, this ebook edition brings a well loved author's works back into the spotlight. I quite enjoyed Richard Ley's Afterward where he talks about his "mum" the writer (1913-2004).
A rather elegant and clean period mystery with two delightful leading characters. There's currently no romance that I could detect but who knows what the future holds?
A Sapere Books ARC via NetGalley
March 31, 2023
An enjoyable enough Regency mystery, but not one I see coming back to or recommending. It was lacking in much wit, though not without a few clever barbs throughout. The whodunit itself, though it contained several avenues of suspects with the same basic motive (blackmail), was nothing much to write home about.
There is no romance in this book, despite what some reader's tags and the blurbs on the 1984 copy have to say about it.
I was sadly disappointed in how little Anthea featured. She does team up with her Uncle Justin, yes, but not much and she gets hardly any page time. A pity, as I was hoping her and Justin's sleuthing antics together would be the focus of the book.
It was strange to read a Regency mystery, as most mysteries I've read are "Golden Age" 1920's-1940's, and I couldn't tell if characters were acting out of their time, or if I was just so used to seeing a different time period, it was affecting how I viewed the story. Characters certainly were free with language, but even the women of Quality/the ton, and I don't recall seeing that much anywhere else.
There is no romance in this book, despite what some reader's tags and the blurbs on the 1984 copy have to say about it.
I was sadly disappointed in how little Anthea featured. She does team up with her Uncle Justin, yes, but not much and she gets hardly any page time. A pity, as I was hoping her and Justin's sleuthing antics together would be the focus of the book.
It was strange to read a Regency mystery, as most mysteries I've read are "Golden Age" 1920's-1940's, and I couldn't tell if characters were acting out of their time, or if I was just so used to seeing a different time period, it was affecting how I viewed the story. Characters certainly were free with language, but even the women of Quality/the ton, and I don't recall seeing that much anywhere else.
November 6, 2019
Enjoyable and easy to read historical fiction mystery.
While the solution to the mystery was fairly easy to work out, that did not diminish my enjoyment of the story. A very likable main character and several interesting side characters have left me looking forward to reading the two other books in the series.
On a side note, despite what the cover and book description says, this is not a romance novel at all.
Thank you NetGalley and Sapere books for the digital copy.
While the solution to the mystery was fairly easy to work out, that did not diminish my enjoyment of the story. A very likable main character and several interesting side characters have left me looking forward to reading the two other books in the series.
On a side note, despite what the cover and book description says, this is not a romance novel at all.
Thank you NetGalley and Sapere books for the digital copy.
December 30, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book the first in The Rutherford Trilogy, I was looking for something not too long, and a light read, as we come to the end of the year. This worked perfectly started at lunchtime finished this evening.
Marmaduke Yarnton is murdered during a soirée pre season held by Lady Windlesham. Plenty of guests there, but the only one who had had a scene with the dead man was Lord Velmond, Yarnton was nothing but a gossip, full of innuendo’s lots of people found him amusing but most didn’t actually like him. Velmond had lost his temper when Yarnton had slandered his new wife, it was also him that found the body, so things don’t look great.
He asks his friend Justin Rutherford if he could look into the matter, knowing his friend is good at puzzles. Rutherford with the help of an ex army friend, who is now a bow street runner, starts investigating, along with his niece Anthea who is determined to help out.
Who is Mr Thompson? A name that Yarnton mentioned before he died, he had also said he was in that room, but there is no one at the Soiree with the name of Thompson.
This is a light read, I loved the characters, each time they had a beak in the case Zjoe wanted to arrest the person, luckily Justin liked to look at the bigger picture.
Recommend if you are looking for a light read, a historical cozy mystery.
Marmaduke Yarnton is murdered during a soirée pre season held by Lady Windlesham. Plenty of guests there, but the only one who had had a scene with the dead man was Lord Velmond, Yarnton was nothing but a gossip, full of innuendo’s lots of people found him amusing but most didn’t actually like him. Velmond had lost his temper when Yarnton had slandered his new wife, it was also him that found the body, so things don’t look great.
He asks his friend Justin Rutherford if he could look into the matter, knowing his friend is good at puzzles. Rutherford with the help of an ex army friend, who is now a bow street runner, starts investigating, along with his niece Anthea who is determined to help out.
Who is Mr Thompson? A name that Yarnton mentioned before he died, he had also said he was in that room, but there is no one at the Soiree with the name of Thompson.
This is a light read, I loved the characters, each time they had a beak in the case Zjoe wanted to arrest the person, luckily Justin liked to look at the bigger picture.
Recommend if you are looking for a light read, a historical cozy mystery.
November 5, 2019
Set in 1816 reminiscent of a Regency romance setting we had the Rutherfords and Justin in particular, a young man who was quite different to the other young men of the time and his niece Anthea cut form the same cloth both quite certain that justice must prevail and you must help where you can, never mind the expectations of this era.
When a murder happens and it is slowly revealed that a blackmailer is at play here, all the first round of suspects are innocent. What is Justin supposed to do to uncover the villain who has fleeced many of the aristocracy for fortunes. From just one young recently married lady, the victims go on and on and Justin realises that the blackmailer is a ruthless man who will not stop at anything to get what he wants.
This was a very nice setting, and though murder it was not gruesome nor a psychological thriller suspense kind of read. Maybe it was the era.
When a murder happens and it is slowly revealed that a blackmailer is at play here, all the first round of suspects are innocent. What is Justin supposed to do to uncover the villain who has fleeced many of the aristocracy for fortunes. From just one young recently married lady, the victims go on and on and Justin realises that the blackmailer is a ruthless man who will not stop at anything to get what he wants.
This was a very nice setting, and though murder it was not gruesome nor a psychological thriller suspense kind of read. Maybe it was the era.
October 11, 2019
I chose this book because I have read and enjoyed several of Alice Chetwynd Ley’s Regency romances, so I thought I might enjoy A Reputation Dies, though it is a different genre. I was not disappointed.
Although I knew who the murderer was about half way through, I was still very interested to read how the investigators found the evidence. And I could not quite be 100% certain - one never can! The plot was satisfyingly twisty, but not too exciting and threatening for my tastes.
I will just mention that there is no love story whatsoever - which for me is not at all a down side, but if you’re looking for a romance and a mystery, you won’t find both here. I’m making such a point of this because the tag line on the cover mentions romance.
I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who loves cosy crime, or murder mysteries that are not gruesome.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Although I knew who the murderer was about half way through, I was still very interested to read how the investigators found the evidence. And I could not quite be 100% certain - one never can! The plot was satisfyingly twisty, but not too exciting and threatening for my tastes.
I will just mention that there is no love story whatsoever - which for me is not at all a down side, but if you’re looking for a romance and a mystery, you won’t find both here. I’m making such a point of this because the tag line on the cover mentions romance.
I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who loves cosy crime, or murder mysteries that are not gruesome.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2019
Just not my cup of tea
Although the premise sounded interesting- and it would have to as I bought this - it failed to live up to expectation. I found the characters rather dull, and quite interchangeable, with the exception of Justin Rutherford, and his niece, Anthea.
Of the murder mystery, it was okay. Nothing truly attention grabbing, but not the worst plot. I think if the characters were more distinct the plot would have benefited.
Will I go on to the second book in the trilogy? Eh, probably not (unless it ends up as a freebie).
2 stars ⭐️
Although the premise sounded interesting- and it would have to as I bought this - it failed to live up to expectation. I found the characters rather dull, and quite interchangeable, with the exception of Justin Rutherford, and his niece, Anthea.
Of the murder mystery, it was okay. Nothing truly attention grabbing, but not the worst plot. I think if the characters were more distinct the plot would have benefited.
Will I go on to the second book in the trilogy? Eh, probably not (unless it ends up as a freebie).
2 stars ⭐️
December 2, 2019
It is In 1816 London at a soirée of a small select group of people that a murder occurs. The man killed is one who made a habit of using malicious gossip and innuendo to amuse himself and those gathered wherever he appeared. Just prior to his death he has been spreading his vitriol around the gathering causing one irate husband to accost him in front of everyone present not to mention several others blanching at times over his remarks. Obviously more than one person felt the sting of his sarcasm.
Interestingly enough, it is this very person who finds the victim lying on the floor in the cloakroom. Running for the doctor in attendance, it is, of course, too late as said gentlemen has been strangled by his own cravat.
Bow Street is sent for and the two investigating officers determine the murderer exists with those present for the soirée as outside access could not be possible without someone inside seeing the intruder. The deceased’s valuables were in evidence, servants questioned were found innocent, thus the officers deduced it had to be one of the guests.
After questioning everyone it was apparent that the person finding the body was the same one who had quarreled with the deceased. Thus he was strictly advised not to leave London until they had completed their investigation. Unbeknownst to the Lord, a runner has been assigned to keep surveillance on him.
The Lord, however, is not one to sit and wait to be vindicated nor is he blind, wise to the Runner watching his every move. A friend and classmate from university decides to investigate to see what he can find out after being told what transpired at the soirée.
Things begin to clear as the friend searches for answers. It is evident that more than one person at the gathering are suspects. Bow street now working closely with the Lord’s friend are accumulating much interesting information out of which the are attempting to draw conclusions and pin point a culprit.
This mystery is one that has you guessing, confronting and reassessing suspects. There are guesses, suppositions, and unknowns but in the end it works out. The murderer uncloaked and the Lord no longer suspect.
This is one that kept me guessing but I did figure it out before the author lets us know who it is. I admit it was just a few pages where we find out who it is. A very pleasant story and really hard to put down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sapere Books through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Interestingly enough, it is this very person who finds the victim lying on the floor in the cloakroom. Running for the doctor in attendance, it is, of course, too late as said gentlemen has been strangled by his own cravat.
Bow Street is sent for and the two investigating officers determine the murderer exists with those present for the soirée as outside access could not be possible without someone inside seeing the intruder. The deceased’s valuables were in evidence, servants questioned were found innocent, thus the officers deduced it had to be one of the guests.
After questioning everyone it was apparent that the person finding the body was the same one who had quarreled with the deceased. Thus he was strictly advised not to leave London until they had completed their investigation. Unbeknownst to the Lord, a runner has been assigned to keep surveillance on him.
The Lord, however, is not one to sit and wait to be vindicated nor is he blind, wise to the Runner watching his every move. A friend and classmate from university decides to investigate to see what he can find out after being told what transpired at the soirée.
Things begin to clear as the friend searches for answers. It is evident that more than one person at the gathering are suspects. Bow street now working closely with the Lord’s friend are accumulating much interesting information out of which the are attempting to draw conclusions and pin point a culprit.
This mystery is one that has you guessing, confronting and reassessing suspects. There are guesses, suppositions, and unknowns but in the end it works out. The murderer uncloaked and the Lord no longer suspect.
This is one that kept me guessing but I did figure it out before the author lets us know who it is. I admit it was just a few pages where we find out who it is. A very pleasant story and really hard to put down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sapere Books through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
June 13, 2022
Many of Alice Chetwynd Leys books are a romance with a dash of mystery. This is the other way around. The first in a trilogy following a family of sleuths -the focus is on the mystery. So, if you are expecting a romance, you will be disappointed.
Yarnton is a well-known gossip monger and is invited to ton parties to share his entertaining on-dits. However, the latest piece of gossip is a secret so deadly that the person concerned is willing to kill Yarnton to shut his mouth - right in the middle of a ball. There are a limited number of people who could have done it, and all of them from the nobility.
Scotland Yard finds it tough to interview members of the ton and rope in Justin Rutherford, who as a member of the ton himself has entrée everywhere and can ask questions the runners can't.
Justin in turn gets the help of his observant aunt and spirited niece Anthea to interview the women witnesses. He also employs a runner to do the 'dirty' work of following, interviewing lawyers assistants, pawnbrokers and so on.
The investigation is meticulous and there are no leaps of logic. Every step is followed and each suspect interviewed and eliminated. Each part of the theory is corroborated by witnesses or evidence. So you can try and guess whodunit yourself.
The setting in 1816, the Regency period means, there are few aids to detection except catching the culprit in the act. The denouement is well done, and everything explained satisfactorily.
A very well put together detective story indeed! Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Yarnton is a well-known gossip monger and is invited to ton parties to share his entertaining on-dits. However, the latest piece of gossip is a secret so deadly that the person concerned is willing to kill Yarnton to shut his mouth - right in the middle of a ball. There are a limited number of people who could have done it, and all of them from the nobility.
Scotland Yard finds it tough to interview members of the ton and rope in Justin Rutherford, who as a member of the ton himself has entrée everywhere and can ask questions the runners can't.
Justin in turn gets the help of his observant aunt and spirited niece Anthea to interview the women witnesses. He also employs a runner to do the 'dirty' work of following, interviewing lawyers assistants, pawnbrokers and so on.
The investigation is meticulous and there are no leaps of logic. Every step is followed and each suspect interviewed and eliminated. Each part of the theory is corroborated by witnesses or evidence. So you can try and guess whodunit yourself.
The setting in 1816, the Regency period means, there are few aids to detection except catching the culprit in the act. The denouement is well done, and everything explained satisfactorily.
A very well put together detective story indeed! Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
October 11, 2019
I am copying my review here, as the different editions don’t seem to be linked up.
I chose this book because I have read and enjoyed several of Alice Chetwynd Ley’s Regency romances, so I thought I might enjoy A Reputation Dies, though it is a different genre. I was not disappointed.
Although I knew who the murderer was about half way through, I was still very interested to read how the investigators found the evidence. And I could not quite be 100% certain - one never can! The plot was satisfyingly twisty, but not too exciting and threatening for my tastes.
I will just mention that there is no love story whatsoever - which for me is not at all a down side, but if you’re looking for a romance and a mystery, you won’t find both here. I’m making such a point of this because the tag line on the cover mentions romance.
I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who loves cosy crime, or murder mysteries that are not gruesome.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I chose this book because I have read and enjoyed several of Alice Chetwynd Ley’s Regency romances, so I thought I might enjoy A Reputation Dies, though it is a different genre. I was not disappointed.
Although I knew who the murderer was about half way through, I was still very interested to read how the investigators found the evidence. And I could not quite be 100% certain - one never can! The plot was satisfyingly twisty, but not too exciting and threatening for my tastes.
I will just mention that there is no love story whatsoever - which for me is not at all a down side, but if you’re looking for a romance and a mystery, you won’t find both here. I’m making such a point of this because the tag line on the cover mentions romance.
I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who loves cosy crime, or murder mysteries that are not gruesome.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2020
A neat mystery and well written too. Not that I am too much of a stickler for absolute perfection, when it comes to language! Still it is worth mentioning that it is quite a treat sometimes ,to read a well written piece , not marred by indifferent grammar or spelling mistakes.
I also liked the set of protagonists who were trying to solve the murder. Both the chief detective and his niece endeared themselves to me, both with their systematic approach to solving the puzzle as well as the unorthodox approach, they had, towards life in general.Even Watts, the sidekick and the token man from the authorities here, had quite an enjoyable sense of humour.
The solution is not completely unexpected but appreciated the way it was brought about. I will definitely read more of this series.
I also liked the set of protagonists who were trying to solve the murder. Both the chief detective and his niece endeared themselves to me, both with their systematic approach to solving the puzzle as well as the unorthodox approach, they had, towards life in general.Even Watts, the sidekick and the token man from the authorities here, had quite an enjoyable sense of humour.
The solution is not completely unexpected but appreciated the way it was brought about. I will definitely read more of this series.
September 27, 2022
Very enjoyable
This was a new author to me but I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to start the next one.
A scholar who agrees to help the Bow Street Runners. I think one of the things I enjoyed most was the majority of characters were very intelligent and it was so refreshing.
You are given many blind alley's to keep you guessing and then it all comes together at the end.
Very well written and I highly recommend it to you.
This was a new author to me but I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to start the next one.
A scholar who agrees to help the Bow Street Runners. I think one of the things I enjoyed most was the majority of characters were very intelligent and it was so refreshing.
You are given many blind alley's to keep you guessing and then it all comes together at the end.
Very well written and I highly recommend it to you.
August 26, 2023
A Regency whodunnit. The first of the Rutherford Trilogy. Ley is s writer of a similar generation to Heyer and like Heyer is quite authentic with historical language and facts. Not quite the same depth of humour as Heyer but Leys humour still shines through. This novel is a whodunnit and not a romance. It keeps you guessing, well, nearly to the end, although I did get there half way through. An enjoyable read
November 4, 2019
This is a detective story set in London in 1815 and the author's use of period language is so rich it was a joy to read. Her research felt impeccable and the characters appropriate to the age and yet still relatiable. I felt completely immersed in the period and enjoyed this historical cosy crime very much indeed.
August 20, 2020
A well placed regency who dunnit
This was a very nicely written detective story, a bit like the lavender mysteries. Nothing too gory but interesting and absorbing.
The period detail appears well researched and placed without any of the usual virginal romance that a lot of Regency novels has.
Recommended as a fun, light read.
This was a very nicely written detective story, a bit like the lavender mysteries. Nothing too gory but interesting and absorbing.
The period detail appears well researched and placed without any of the usual virginal romance that a lot of Regency novels has.
Recommended as a fun, light read.
September 13, 2020
Great mystery
As tangled and convoluted as an Agatha Christie novel. I kept chopping and changing my decision on who the culprit was. Superb reading. Lost a star as it is very light on the romance. Indeed, so light as to be not there! Still...it’s a great story and I highly recommend it.
As tangled and convoluted as an Agatha Christie novel. I kept chopping and changing my decision on who the culprit was. Superb reading. Lost a star as it is very light on the romance. Indeed, so light as to be not there! Still...it’s a great story and I highly recommend it.
February 6, 2018
This really isn't a romance, but a nicely turned out historical murder mystery. I was quite impressed with it too, all the elements of an Agatha Christie but set at about 100 years earlier. I've become quite smitten with mz. ley's novels, they really are quite good.
January 3, 2020
Enjoyable
March 18, 2021
A good mystery book
This is a great book to read. You are introduced to the main character and the rest of her community. Mystery follows and there is a problem to solve.
This is a great book to read. You are introduced to the main character and the rest of her community. Mystery follows and there is a problem to solve.
December 21, 2021
This is a regency whodunnit and while I do enjoy Ley’s writing style I wasn’t really engaged in the story. It seemed like the big reveal wasn’t really that shocking.
October 14, 2019
1816 London. At an evening soiree, society gossip, Marmaduke Yarnton, is found dead in the gentlemen's cloakroom. On becoming the prime suspect due to his reaction to some gossip, Lord Velmond asks his friend, ex-Captain, Justin Rutherford to help. Justin teams up with his old Sergeant, Bow Street Runner Joseph Watts, and reluctantly with his neice Anthea.
An enjoyable and charming clean cosy mystery, well-written with its few twists, and a likeable main character.
Thankfully, for me, no romance involved. I look forward to the next in the series.
A NetGalley Book
An enjoyable and charming clean cosy mystery, well-written with its few twists, and a likeable main character.
Thankfully, for me, no romance involved. I look forward to the next in the series.
A NetGalley Book
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews