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Rosalind Thorne Mysteries #4
A Lady Compromised
“Wilde's heroine is not only a useful woman but a highly entertaining one.”
—Kirkus Reviews on And Dangerous to Know
Fans of Jane Austen have fallen in love with Darcie Wilde's mystery series featuring Rosalind Thorne, a young woman adept at helping ladies of the ton navigate the darker corners of Regency England--while revealing Society's most shocking secrets...
Rosalind is pleased when she's invited to Cassel House to help her friend, Louisa, prepare for her upcoming wedding. But that's not the only event on her agenda. The trip will also afford Rosalind the chance to see Devon Winterbourne, the newly minted Duke of Casselmaine. Devon and Rosalind were on the verge of betrothal before the infamous Thorne family scandal derailed their courtship. Now Rosalind wonders if there's a chance their love might reignite.
Devon is as handsome as Rosalind remembers and it's clear the attraction they once shared hasn't waned. But their time together is interrupted by one crisis after another--not the least of which is an awkwardly timed request for help from Louisa's friend, Helen Corbyn.
Not long ago, the untimely death of Helen's brother, William, was ruled a suicide, but few people truly believe he took his own life. Helen needs to know what really happened--especially since she's engaged to the man some suspect of secretly killing William.
While Rosalind desperately wants to help, she fears her efforts might cast a pall over Louisa's nuptials, not to mention her reunion with Devon. But when another untimely death rocks the ton, Rosalind has no choice but to uncover the truth before more people die...even if her actions threaten her future with Devon.
“A complex, enthralling mystery that rivals those of Anne Perry and Agatha Christie.”
—New York Journal of Books
—Kirkus Reviews on And Dangerous to Know
Fans of Jane Austen have fallen in love with Darcie Wilde's mystery series featuring Rosalind Thorne, a young woman adept at helping ladies of the ton navigate the darker corners of Regency England--while revealing Society's most shocking secrets...
Rosalind is pleased when she's invited to Cassel House to help her friend, Louisa, prepare for her upcoming wedding. But that's not the only event on her agenda. The trip will also afford Rosalind the chance to see Devon Winterbourne, the newly minted Duke of Casselmaine. Devon and Rosalind were on the verge of betrothal before the infamous Thorne family scandal derailed their courtship. Now Rosalind wonders if there's a chance their love might reignite.
Devon is as handsome as Rosalind remembers and it's clear the attraction they once shared hasn't waned. But their time together is interrupted by one crisis after another--not the least of which is an awkwardly timed request for help from Louisa's friend, Helen Corbyn.
Not long ago, the untimely death of Helen's brother, William, was ruled a suicide, but few people truly believe he took his own life. Helen needs to know what really happened--especially since she's engaged to the man some suspect of secretly killing William.
While Rosalind desperately wants to help, she fears her efforts might cast a pall over Louisa's nuptials, not to mention her reunion with Devon. But when another untimely death rocks the ton, Rosalind has no choice but to uncover the truth before more people die...even if her actions threaten her future with Devon.
“A complex, enthralling mystery that rivals those of Anne Perry and Agatha Christie.”
—New York Journal of Books
352 pages, Hardcover
First published November 24, 2020
149 people are currently reading
721 people want to read
About the author
Darcie Wilde
19 books677 followersDarcie Wilde is a pseudonym for Sarah Zettel, author of mysteries, science fiction, romance and Young Adult fiction, including the New York Times Notable Book Fool’s War and the bestselling Rosalind Thorne mysteries A Useful Woman. She also writes under the names Delia James, Sarah Zettel, Jennifer Hawkins C. L. Anderson and Marissa Day.
Darcie writes her classically styled (not to mention stylish) mysteries as well as adventurous romances from a university town in a certain northern-midwestern state that has been known to bear some passing resemblance to a mitten. When not writing, she’s reading, cooking, hiking, swimming, climbing things, embroidering other things, raising her rapidly growing son and trying to convince her cat — Buffy the Vermin Slayer — not to do any further damage to the furniture.
Darcie writes her classically styled (not to mention stylish) mysteries as well as adventurous romances from a university town in a certain northern-midwestern state that has been known to bear some passing resemblance to a mitten. When not writing, she’s reading, cooking, hiking, swimming, climbing things, embroidering other things, raising her rapidly growing son and trying to convince her cat — Buffy the Vermin Slayer — not to do any further damage to the furniture.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
November 20, 2020
I have not read this author before so I am coming in on the fourth book in a series. I think I picked up quickly on the characters and their relationships, and the mystery angle was complete within this book, so no problems.
A Lady Compromised is, as the title suggests, historical fiction, set in the days when society had so many rules that women never stepped outside the house unattended and duels were still the way for men to deal with an insult. A lot of historical issues are included too such as the building of canals. I had never given much thought before to how this massive undertaking was organised and financed.
I was not drawn to Rosalind, the main character. Maybe I would have like her better in the earlier books but in this one she is so self controlled she comes across as unfeeling. On the other hand I was immediately drawn to Adam even though he barely makes an appearance. The author writes well, the story moves at a good pace and the plot is well thought out and interesting. I will probably read more of the series now.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read his book.
A Lady Compromised is, as the title suggests, historical fiction, set in the days when society had so many rules that women never stepped outside the house unattended and duels were still the way for men to deal with an insult. A lot of historical issues are included too such as the building of canals. I had never given much thought before to how this massive undertaking was organised and financed.
I was not drawn to Rosalind, the main character. Maybe I would have like her better in the earlier books but in this one she is so self controlled she comes across as unfeeling. On the other hand I was immediately drawn to Adam even though he barely makes an appearance. The author writes well, the story moves at a good pace and the plot is well thought out and interesting. I will probably read more of the series now.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read his book.
May 3, 2022
Second read and I’ve upped the star rating to 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyable read! (Dec 2020)
A Regency mystery with a smart level headed woman cast as the fixer, someone who helps others with their small problems for an accompanying gratuity.
Rosalind Thorne helped Louisa through her London season towards marriage.
Now she's attending the wedding and renewing her acquaintance with Devon Winterbourne, Duke of Casselmaine with the intent of maybe developing the relationship into something more. Only Louise has asked her to help her friend Helen whose brother died in mysterious circumstances prior to a duel.
Gossip, a death, attempted murder and a daring engineering project all play a part.
Bow street runner Adam Harkness makes an appearance and there seems to be some sort of love triangle hovering.
And a rather sinister, even salacious man seems to be wanting to know more about Rosalind Thorne.
A very different Regency historical romance/mystery with more to come. Rosalind Thorne is thoughtful incisive woman with a giving heart and insatiable curiosity. My sort of heroine.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
Enjoyable read! (Dec 2020)
A Regency mystery with a smart level headed woman cast as the fixer, someone who helps others with their small problems for an accompanying gratuity.
Rosalind Thorne helped Louisa through her London season towards marriage.
Now she's attending the wedding and renewing her acquaintance with Devon Winterbourne, Duke of Casselmaine with the intent of maybe developing the relationship into something more. Only Louise has asked her to help her friend Helen whose brother died in mysterious circumstances prior to a duel.
Gossip, a death, attempted murder and a daring engineering project all play a part.
Bow street runner Adam Harkness makes an appearance and there seems to be some sort of love triangle hovering.
And a rather sinister, even salacious man seems to be wanting to know more about Rosalind Thorne.
A very different Regency historical romance/mystery with more to come. Rosalind Thorne is thoughtful incisive woman with a giving heart and insatiable curiosity. My sort of heroine.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
November 21, 2020
When Baronet’s daughter and amateur sleuth Rosalind Thorne is asked to investigate what appears to be a suicide, she finds nothing is as it seems. Among the upper crust of society she discovers motives for bad deeds fueled by financial greed and social ambition.
A Lady Compromised is book 4 in Rosalind Thorne Mysteries by Darcie Wild, published by Kensington Books. This is the very entertaining and intriguing story about amateur sleuth Rosalind Thorne as she is invited to help solve a mysterious case. The authorities have decided it was suicide, but the victim’s sister thinks he was shot as he was getting ready to duel. Rosalind’s investigation reveals a string of hidden secrets and cover-ups among upper class families. They consider themselves beyond reproach, which the investigation totally contradicts.
Main character is Baronet’s daughter and amateur sleuth Rosalind Thorne. Her family has fallen on hard times following her father’s forger activity. She tries to hide this while assisting friends in need using her investigation skills and connections. She travels to opulent English country estates not unlike Agatha Christie’s Poirot.
Dowager Lady Casselmaine is a well developed and interesting supporting character who seems to have chosen a reclusive life. Her character goes through a development process from rather standoffish into a more amiable person who tries to open herself up to the world and live a better life. For this reason she is my favorite of this story.
The fly-on-the-wall perspective of the upper class lifestyle I found thoroughly amusing. I can’t remember having read anything with similar detailed descriptions of how dinner parties might feel for guests. The characters came alive and felt both relatable and realistic in this setting. My favorite part was descriptions of the Dowager Countess’ journey and development through the story. I also loved following Rosalind’s somewhat complicated and interesting past with her host.
I didn’t know much beforehand about duels, which played an important role in the plot. I very much enjoyed the descriptions of the secrecy surrounding it. Bad attitudes against foreigners and a notion that some people have “superior genes” made the plot stand out, and added drama. I found this a unique, surprising element I have not read about before.
I read this as a standalone, which worked perfectly. The ending left me curious and opens up for the next book. While this is the first cozy mystery I have read by Darcie Wilde, I would very much like to start from the beginning and read the whole series.
Anyone who enjoys the affluent country environments reminiscent of Agatha Christie and Jane Austen would love this. Fans familiar with Darcie Wilde’s works would too.
Similar authors to explore might be Andrea Penrose and Rosemary Simpson.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Conclusion: A Lady Compromised is the entertaining and intriguing new installment in Rosalind Thorne Mysteries series. Amateur sleuth Rosalind Thorne solves crimes in Jane Austin-like opulent English country environments. Somebody ends up dead in what appears to be a duel gone horribly wrong. Bad attitude against foreigners was a unique and surprising element adding drama to the story.
A Lady Compromised is book 4 in Rosalind Thorne Mysteries by Darcie Wild, published by Kensington Books. This is the very entertaining and intriguing story about amateur sleuth Rosalind Thorne as she is invited to help solve a mysterious case. The authorities have decided it was suicide, but the victim’s sister thinks he was shot as he was getting ready to duel. Rosalind’s investigation reveals a string of hidden secrets and cover-ups among upper class families. They consider themselves beyond reproach, which the investigation totally contradicts.
Main character is Baronet’s daughter and amateur sleuth Rosalind Thorne. Her family has fallen on hard times following her father’s forger activity. She tries to hide this while assisting friends in need using her investigation skills and connections. She travels to opulent English country estates not unlike Agatha Christie’s Poirot.
Dowager Lady Casselmaine is a well developed and interesting supporting character who seems to have chosen a reclusive life. Her character goes through a development process from rather standoffish into a more amiable person who tries to open herself up to the world and live a better life. For this reason she is my favorite of this story.
The fly-on-the-wall perspective of the upper class lifestyle I found thoroughly amusing. I can’t remember having read anything with similar detailed descriptions of how dinner parties might feel for guests. The characters came alive and felt both relatable and realistic in this setting. My favorite part was descriptions of the Dowager Countess’ journey and development through the story. I also loved following Rosalind’s somewhat complicated and interesting past with her host.
I didn’t know much beforehand about duels, which played an important role in the plot. I very much enjoyed the descriptions of the secrecy surrounding it. Bad attitudes against foreigners and a notion that some people have “superior genes” made the plot stand out, and added drama. I found this a unique, surprising element I have not read about before.
I read this as a standalone, which worked perfectly. The ending left me curious and opens up for the next book. While this is the first cozy mystery I have read by Darcie Wilde, I would very much like to start from the beginning and read the whole series.
Anyone who enjoys the affluent country environments reminiscent of Agatha Christie and Jane Austen would love this. Fans familiar with Darcie Wilde’s works would too.
Similar authors to explore might be Andrea Penrose and Rosemary Simpson.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Conclusion: A Lady Compromised is the entertaining and intriguing new installment in Rosalind Thorne Mysteries series. Amateur sleuth Rosalind Thorne solves crimes in Jane Austin-like opulent English country environments. Somebody ends up dead in what appears to be a duel gone horribly wrong. Bad attitude against foreigners was a unique and surprising element adding drama to the story.
November 28, 2020
'Rosalind is pleased when she's invited to Cassel House to help her friend, Louisa, prepare for her upcoming wedding. But that's not the only event on her agenda. The trip will also afford Rosalind the chance to see Devon Winterbourne, the newly minted Duke of Casselmaine. Devon and Rosalind were on the verge of betrothal before the infamous Thorne family scandal derailed their courtship. Now Rosalind wonders if there's a chance their love might reignite.
Devon is as handsome as Rosalind remembers and it's clear the attraction they once shared hasn't waned. But their time together is interrupted by one crisis after another--not the least of which is an awkwardly timed request for help from Louisa's friend, Helen Corbyn.
Not long ago, the untimely death of Helen's brother, William, was ruled a suicide, but few people truly believe he took his own life. Helen needs to know what really happened--especially since she's engaged to the man some suspect of secretly killing William.
While Rosalind desperately wants to help, she fears her efforts might cast a pall over Louisa's nuptials, not to mention her reunion with Devon. But when another untimely death rocks the ton, Rosalind has no choice but to uncover the truth before more people die...even if her actions threaten her future with Devon.'
__________________________________
A Lady Compromised is the fourth book in Darcie Wilde's A Rosalind Thorne Mystery series. Rosalind is off to the country and to explore the idea of marriage with Devon, but things to not go to plan. Almost immediately after her arrival she is recruited to look into the death of a neighbor, which appears to be a suicide.
I have adored this series so far. I love the dry and often satirical views of people maneuvering their way through the very rigid rules of society(although the author does not follow or is not clear on the rules regarding titles and address because they are consistently wrong and I'm disappointed that this has not been fixed by the fourth book in the series.)
The mystery of the villain was not difficult to solve, but I still enjoyed it. The danger level in each book has been consistent, but that's not to mean it has become predicable or anticlimactic. The harrowing situations in each book are unique and I'm invested every time. I'm especially curious to see what kind of danger she'll face now that Russell Fullerton has set his sights on her. That epilogue was the perfect cliffhanger, I'm excited for the next book. And Rosalind was quite the force to be reckoned with, now that she's breaking out of that society lady shell that she has so carefully adhered to. A lot is changing here, but I'm excited for what that may mean for ther series moving forward.
I recommend this series if you enjoy cozy-style historical mysteries. I suppose you don't need to, but I would recommend reading the books in order as a series rather than reading this book as a standalone. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and hope that it'll have more Harkness,
_____
I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for sharing an eARC of A Lady Compromised with me. This is my honest review.
Devon is as handsome as Rosalind remembers and it's clear the attraction they once shared hasn't waned. But their time together is interrupted by one crisis after another--not the least of which is an awkwardly timed request for help from Louisa's friend, Helen Corbyn.
Not long ago, the untimely death of Helen's brother, William, was ruled a suicide, but few people truly believe he took his own life. Helen needs to know what really happened--especially since she's engaged to the man some suspect of secretly killing William.
While Rosalind desperately wants to help, she fears her efforts might cast a pall over Louisa's nuptials, not to mention her reunion with Devon. But when another untimely death rocks the ton, Rosalind has no choice but to uncover the truth before more people die...even if her actions threaten her future with Devon.'
__________________________________
A Lady Compromised is the fourth book in Darcie Wilde's A Rosalind Thorne Mystery series. Rosalind is off to the country and to explore the idea of marriage with Devon, but things to not go to plan. Almost immediately after her arrival she is recruited to look into the death of a neighbor, which appears to be a suicide.
I have adored this series so far. I love the dry and often satirical views of people maneuvering their way through the very rigid rules of society(although the author does not follow or is not clear on the rules regarding titles and address because they are consistently wrong and I'm disappointed that this has not been fixed by the fourth book in the series.)
The mystery of the villain was not difficult to solve, but I still enjoyed it. The danger level in each book has been consistent, but that's not to mean it has become predicable or anticlimactic. The harrowing situations in each book are unique and I'm invested every time. I'm especially curious to see what kind of danger she'll face now that Russell Fullerton has set his sights on her. That epilogue was the perfect cliffhanger, I'm excited for the next book. And Rosalind was quite the force to be reckoned with, now that she's breaking out of that society lady shell that she has so carefully adhered to. A lot is changing here, but I'm excited for what that may mean for ther series moving forward.
I recommend this series if you enjoy cozy-style historical mysteries. I suppose you don't need to, but I would recommend reading the books in order as a series rather than reading this book as a standalone. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and hope that it'll have more Harkness,
_____
I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for sharing an eARC of A Lady Compromised with me. This is my honest review.
July 31, 2023
I really liked this installment in the Rosalind Thorne series. I find that I'm more interested in Rosalind's personal life than her investigations, and because the case in this one is so complicated (with a large cast of new characters) it feels like neither the personal developments nor the investigation get the page time that they deserve. Regardless, I liked both story threads and enjoyed seeing more of the Casselmaines. (I could swear that it was Casselmain without an "e" in previous books??)
Rosalind works through her possible future with Devon in this book, which is what needed more page time. Anyway, the fact that this mystery feels like it has personal stakes makes it one of the better installments, and I'm excited to see what happens next.
Rosalind works through her possible future with Devon in this book, which is what needed more page time. Anyway, the fact that this mystery feels like it has personal stakes makes it one of the better installments, and I'm excited to see what happens next.
January 28, 2021
3.5 stars for this uneven outing in one of my go-to historical mystery series.
While I enjoyed watching Rosalind trying to cope with country society, I thought the mystery she became involved in was poorly done. It was an intriguing murder mystery but the author's pacing left a lot to be desired. All of the revelations, including the existence of a pivotal character/motive, came in a rush near the end of the book.
For those who follow this series, I shall say that there are changes coming in Rosalind's life. To say any more would be spoiler-y in the extreme.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
While I enjoyed watching Rosalind trying to cope with country society, I thought the mystery she became involved in was poorly done. It was an intriguing murder mystery but the author's pacing left a lot to be desired. All of the revelations, including the existence of a pivotal character/motive, came in a rush near the end of the book.
For those who follow this series, I shall say that there are changes coming in Rosalind's life. To say any more would be spoiler-y in the extreme.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
December 19, 2020
Rosalind Thorne is back among the ton, this time as a guest at the Duke of Casslemaine's estate to help his young cousin Louisa with her wedding preparations. The trip will also give Rosalind a chance to see the estate and possibly rekindle the romance she once had with Devon, Duke of Casslemaine. From the get go, the visit is not idyllic. First, Devon is busy with a drainage project and has to manage the Irish and Scottish laborers and keep the neighbors from using their prejudices against immigrants to stop the project moving forward. The ladies of the neighborhood are catty and have long memories for scandal. In one corner we have Mrs. Vaughn, new money and new to the country; in the next corner is Mrs. Pennyworth who can trace her family back to William the Conqueror. How can Rosalind stay out of this drama? Then, Louisa's friend Helen Corbyn has a big request for Rosalind. Not long ago Helen's brother William died on the dueling grounds without having fought a duel. Everyone says the death was an accident but some whispers remain that Helen's betrothed, Mr. Peter Mirabeau killed William as the duel was to be between them. None of the surviving people involved in the duel will say what the duel was about and Helen wants answers. She needs to know what really happened, even if it means Peter is a murderer. Rosalind tries to stay out of it but Helen is persistent. Perhaps Rosalind can ask a few questions, send letters to Alice in London to do some sleuthing for her. She'll have to be discreet because enemies are everywhere and she doesn't want to ruin Louisa's wedding. If only Helen could be patient. Rosalind seems to have entered into a nest a secrets and lies. One of those secrets may have gotten William killed. To make matters worse, the Countess of Castlemaine, who never comes out of her rooms, secretly fears her second son, Devon, is a murderer. It's up to Rosalind to help her friends and solve the mystery.
This story is not my favorite in the series. It's repetitive because each chapter alternates viewpoints. I found that jarring and confusing. I just wanted to continue the thread from Rosalind's story. Not a whole lot happens until the middle of the book when Alice discovers a shocking secret. I was satisfied enough to put the book down there, guessing I was confident in knowing who was involved in William's death. In Chapter 37, I gasped and cried out NOOOOO!! The pace picks up from there in the last 10% of the novel. I hate it when authors don't plot their novels in advance because the reveal comes out of left field. There was only one little clue but no motive. I figured it out before Rosalind did but all the red herrings made for better plots. I didn't like the motive for killing William nor the identity of the murderer. It comes out of left field basically and is really awful. I did really like the epilogue where Rosalind finally discovers what's in her heart in regards to her relationship with Devon. That was sweet and satisfying.
The writing style is good and chock full of historical details. Sometimes I found them a little too much. If you're new to the Regency era, you might find this interesting but after working my way through Austen, Heyer and her copycats, modern Regency authors and bloggers, I found all the detail slowed down the story. The canal project was so boring. I noticed some errors like Rosalind was talking about someone else and should have been saying "you" but instead it reads "she" as if Rosalind is thinking. There are a few typos and small things. My BIG pet peeve is the use of the word "hello." Authors, please use a dictionary when you write or make one based on Jane Austen's works and only use words that appear in her writing. Do not use words that didn't exist. Do not use modern Americanisms like "hello." No no no never. Please?! Every use of that word drove me to distraction and pulled me out of the setting.
I really like Rosalind but I think she cares for her place in society a little more than I do. She worries more about the effect of gossip on Louisa but as Louisa points out, she's moving to London and doesn't have to return. I think Rosalind is more worried about Devon. Rosalind shows some character growth here. She realizes she was selfish and must learn to think how her actions affect others, especially Mrs. Kendricks. I don't think Rosalind is cut out to be a Duchess. She doesn't fit in with the catty women who have nothing to do but gossip and sooner or later, someone will out her secret. I have a strong feeling that one of the families knows who her father is already. I wouldn't be surprised if the men know her sister! If you don't like the love triangle, things sort of get resolved here. Rosalind finally discovers what she wants out of life. It's not an easy decision. This isn't a typical love triangle like modern day when a woman just has to decide which man she loves more. Rosalind has to grapple with the loss of everything she has ever expected in life. She has to decide if she can live with her meagre earnings as a "helper" to Society ladies or does she give it up and return to her place in the ton? For a woman, this decision could mean the decision between destitution and life on the streets or comfort but perhaps in a loveless marriage. While I want to say to her "you don't need a man," she kind of does given the time period. The story suffers from lack of Adam. He appears in a few scenes at the end in a professional capacity. Rosalind also comes to terms with her sister's life choices and is slowly understanding why her sister does what she does.
Devon Winterbourne, Duke of Castlemaine, is a very nice man. He has to live with the sins of his father and elder brother and try to right the wrongs of estate mismanagement. He's fair-minded and not judgmental. Devon doesn't base his judgements on what "everyone" knows (or thinks they know). Devon uses his eyes and brain to form a judgement. If someone hasn't given him problems before, he's willing to give that person the benefit of the doubt. The Duke of Castlemaine is an anomaly. He's trying to be kind and sympathetic to his mother who has has much loss in her life but I think he's enabling her and hasn't dealt with her the right way yet. He likes to avoid confrontation if possible. He's sweet and caring towards Rosalind and I think he doesn't mind her investigations but he worries about her safety and also her status in the neighborhood. He doesn't want to see her hurt. He would make an excellent husband. His cousin Louisa is fun. She's stubborn and independent, a loyal friend and no longer a silly teenage drama queen. I appreciate her loyalty a lot. I like her fiancé, a banker, Mr. Firth Rollins. They have a cute relationship and I like how he appreciates her useful knowledge. He's the only one who doesn't dismiss Louisa as a silly girl. Louisa's aunt, Mrs. Showell, is another great family member. She's practical and knows all there is to know about correct behavior and navigating the social waters of country society, yet she's also shrewd, intelligent and kind.
The Dowager Duchess of Castlemaine, on the other hand, is a drama queen. I feel sorry for her but as Charlotte Lucas stated, "happiness in marriage is a matter of chance." I don't know what her expectations were when she married but she has been broken by years of betrayal and hurt. She seems to be depressed. In spite of being locked in her rooms, she seems to know everything that's going on and all the gossip. At first I didn't like her much because like Rosalind, I made assumptions that she was a depressed Lady Katherine de Burgh type. The Duchess turns out to be more than that and there's a lot of baggage there that needs to be resolved.
Most of the people in the neighborhood are very much unlikable. Helen Corbyn has had a tough life. She seems to be headed the way of the Countess if things don't change. I feel sorry for her but she's young, impatient and isn't thinking clearly. Of course she's still grieving her brother and wants answers but she doesn't seem to understand that questions could get her and/or Peter and/or Rosalind into big trouble, perhaps even killed. Rosalind knows how to be discreet whereas Helen will make her feelings known to everyone and they'll all know what she's up to. Still, I liked her enough not to want her to die. I liked Peter much better. He's a little too noble sometimes but a good and loyal friend. They have a relationship similar to Louisa and Rollins but with more drama and emotional baggage. Peter is a swoony sort of beau, wanting to protect Helen and keep her safe.
Helen's brother Colonel William Corbyn returned from the wars a broken man. In modern parlance he had PTSD. That made him drink to excess and lash out angrily at his family. He alternately wept and raged and couldn't settle down. He had secrets he couldn't keep on his own and one of those secrets got him killed. His story is so heartbreaking and probably not uncommon for the period. Without modern knowledge and without help, it's a real possibility he took his own life. I don't believe that because this IS a murder mystery after all but in real life, it would have been more probable than murder. Helen's second brother Marius also seems to have an anger problem without an excuse. He's frustrated by lack of money and limited progress on the ditch project. He loves his estate and wants to see the family continue to manage the land and care for it for all time but isn't willing to marry and have heirs himself. I don't think he likes women very much. The third member of the Corbyn household is Mrs. Fortuna Graves, the poor relation. Ostensibly she serves as Helen's companion and a sort of household manager. I don't trust her very much because she isn't servile but she isn't openly scheming either. I think she's up to no good.
The Vaughn family are completely awful. Mrs. Vaughn beats Mrs. Bennet in the pushy matchmaking mama category. With 9 children, she has her work cut out for her. Three of the children are adults. Bartolomew, the eldest son, sounds like a nasty man and a wastrel. He'll do anything for money except work. His father is also not very pleasant and makes me think of George Warleggan. Warleggan in his dealings with the immigrant laborers and the way he uses his gamekeeper to push people around. UGH. Gamekeeper Crease is so slimy. Vaughn is new money trying to social climb. The Vaughns use their daughter Cecilia as a pawn in their social climbing game. She was engaged to William Corbyn before his death and her mother is pushing her towards marrying Marius. Cecilia is anxious about something and it's making her sickly. I think I can guess what's wrong and why her mother is so eager to marry her off right now. I feel really bad for Cecilia. She seems like a sweet girl but innocent and helpless. Where is her brother Lucian? Disgraced and exiled back to London, Lucian is a mystery. What happened and could the Vaughn brothers have something to do with William's death? I sure think so.
Back in London we have George and Alice. Alice, Rosalind's best friend, is trying to scrape together a living as a writer. I like her a lot and admire her pluck but she's fighting a losing battle to be accepted as more than a Society gossip columnist. In Murder at the Breakers Emma is still fighting the same fight 80 years later. Alice is more aware of Rosalind's feelings than Rosalind is. She's enjoying having a front row seat to her friend's romance with the handsome Bow Street Runner. Adam is a better match for Rosalind. He sees her, listens to her and understands her desire to find things out and be useful. They'd make a good team but unless one of them suddenly comes into money, it seems impossible, even if Rosalind would openly admit her feelings.
Best secondary character award goes to the minor character Ernest Worthington! He's a Heyeresque character in the mold of Freddy Standen in Cotillion. He's considered safe by the young ladies and a sidekick by the men. He's a bit of a rattle but very loyal. Freddy fans will want a whole book just about Worthing.
This book is a little bit Austen, a little bit Heyer, a little bit Winston Graham and a wholly original mystery. I can't wait to read about what Rosalind gets up to next. In the meantime, I will enjoy a reread Sarah Zettel's newest modern cozy To Fetch a Felon for a bit of light reading.
[b]Warnings:[/b]
Quite a few: language, PTSD, alcoholism, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, blood, violence, prejudice, anti-Semitism, prostitution- this is not a super light cozy. This is a more realistic 19th-century than Austen and Heyer. It's lighter than Victorian gaslight mysteries though.
This story is not my favorite in the series. It's repetitive because each chapter alternates viewpoints. I found that jarring and confusing. I just wanted to continue the thread from Rosalind's story. Not a whole lot happens until the middle of the book when Alice discovers a shocking secret. I was satisfied enough to put the book down there, guessing I was confident in knowing who was involved in William's death. In Chapter 37, I gasped and cried out NOOOOO!! The pace picks up from there in the last 10% of the novel. I hate it when authors don't plot their novels in advance because the reveal comes out of left field. There was only one little clue but no motive. I figured it out before Rosalind did but all the red herrings made for better plots. I didn't like the motive for killing William nor the identity of the murderer. It comes out of left field basically and is really awful. I did really like the epilogue where Rosalind finally discovers what's in her heart in regards to her relationship with Devon. That was sweet and satisfying.
The writing style is good and chock full of historical details. Sometimes I found them a little too much. If you're new to the Regency era, you might find this interesting but after working my way through Austen, Heyer and her copycats, modern Regency authors and bloggers, I found all the detail slowed down the story. The canal project was so boring. I noticed some errors like Rosalind was talking about someone else and should have been saying "you" but instead it reads "she" as if Rosalind is thinking. There are a few typos and small things. My BIG pet peeve is the use of the word "hello." Authors, please use a dictionary when you write or make one based on Jane Austen's works and only use words that appear in her writing. Do not use words that didn't exist. Do not use modern Americanisms like "hello." No no no never. Please?! Every use of that word drove me to distraction and pulled me out of the setting.
I really like Rosalind but I think she cares for her place in society a little more than I do. She worries more about the effect of gossip on Louisa but as Louisa points out, she's moving to London and doesn't have to return. I think Rosalind is more worried about Devon. Rosalind shows some character growth here. She realizes she was selfish and must learn to think how her actions affect others, especially Mrs. Kendricks. I don't think Rosalind is cut out to be a Duchess. She doesn't fit in with the catty women who have nothing to do but gossip and sooner or later, someone will out her secret. I have a strong feeling that one of the families knows who her father is already. I wouldn't be surprised if the men know her sister! If you don't like the love triangle, things sort of get resolved here. Rosalind finally discovers what she wants out of life. It's not an easy decision. This isn't a typical love triangle like modern day when a woman just has to decide which man she loves more. Rosalind has to grapple with the loss of everything she has ever expected in life. She has to decide if she can live with her meagre earnings as a "helper" to Society ladies or does she give it up and return to her place in the ton? For a woman, this decision could mean the decision between destitution and life on the streets or comfort but perhaps in a loveless marriage. While I want to say to her "you don't need a man," she kind of does given the time period. The story suffers from lack of Adam. He appears in a few scenes at the end in a professional capacity. Rosalind also comes to terms with her sister's life choices and is slowly understanding why her sister does what she does.
Devon Winterbourne, Duke of Castlemaine, is a very nice man. He has to live with the sins of his father and elder brother and try to right the wrongs of estate mismanagement. He's fair-minded and not judgmental. Devon doesn't base his judgements on what "everyone" knows (or thinks they know). Devon uses his eyes and brain to form a judgement. If someone hasn't given him problems before, he's willing to give that person the benefit of the doubt. The Duke of Castlemaine is an anomaly. He's trying to be kind and sympathetic to his mother who has has much loss in her life but I think he's enabling her and hasn't dealt with her the right way yet. He likes to avoid confrontation if possible. He's sweet and caring towards Rosalind and I think he doesn't mind her investigations but he worries about her safety and also her status in the neighborhood. He doesn't want to see her hurt. He would make an excellent husband. His cousin Louisa is fun. She's stubborn and independent, a loyal friend and no longer a silly teenage drama queen. I appreciate her loyalty a lot. I like her fiancé, a banker, Mr. Firth Rollins. They have a cute relationship and I like how he appreciates her useful knowledge. He's the only one who doesn't dismiss Louisa as a silly girl. Louisa's aunt, Mrs. Showell, is another great family member. She's practical and knows all there is to know about correct behavior and navigating the social waters of country society, yet she's also shrewd, intelligent and kind.
The Dowager Duchess of Castlemaine, on the other hand, is a drama queen. I feel sorry for her but as Charlotte Lucas stated, "happiness in marriage is a matter of chance." I don't know what her expectations were when she married but she has been broken by years of betrayal and hurt. She seems to be depressed. In spite of being locked in her rooms, she seems to know everything that's going on and all the gossip. At first I didn't like her much because like Rosalind, I made assumptions that she was a depressed Lady Katherine de Burgh type. The Duchess turns out to be more than that and there's a lot of baggage there that needs to be resolved.
Most of the people in the neighborhood are very much unlikable. Helen Corbyn has had a tough life. She seems to be headed the way of the Countess if things don't change. I feel sorry for her but she's young, impatient and isn't thinking clearly. Of course she's still grieving her brother and wants answers but she doesn't seem to understand that questions could get her and/or Peter and/or Rosalind into big trouble, perhaps even killed. Rosalind knows how to be discreet whereas Helen will make her feelings known to everyone and they'll all know what she's up to. Still, I liked her enough not to want her to die. I liked Peter much better. He's a little too noble sometimes but a good and loyal friend. They have a relationship similar to Louisa and Rollins but with more drama and emotional baggage. Peter is a swoony sort of beau, wanting to protect Helen and keep her safe.
Helen's brother Colonel William Corbyn returned from the wars a broken man. In modern parlance he had PTSD. That made him drink to excess and lash out angrily at his family. He alternately wept and raged and couldn't settle down. He had secrets he couldn't keep on his own and one of those secrets got him killed. His story is so heartbreaking and probably not uncommon for the period. Without modern knowledge and without help, it's a real possibility he took his own life. I don't believe that because this IS a murder mystery after all but in real life, it would have been more probable than murder. Helen's second brother Marius also seems to have an anger problem without an excuse. He's frustrated by lack of money and limited progress on the ditch project. He loves his estate and wants to see the family continue to manage the land and care for it for all time but isn't willing to marry and have heirs himself. I don't think he likes women very much. The third member of the Corbyn household is Mrs. Fortuna Graves, the poor relation. Ostensibly she serves as Helen's companion and a sort of household manager. I don't trust her very much because she isn't servile but she isn't openly scheming either. I think she's up to no good.
The Vaughn family are completely awful. Mrs. Vaughn beats Mrs. Bennet in the pushy matchmaking mama category. With 9 children, she has her work cut out for her. Three of the children are adults. Bartolomew, the eldest son, sounds like a nasty man and a wastrel. He'll do anything for money except work. His father is also not very pleasant and makes me think of George Warleggan. Warleggan in his dealings with the immigrant laborers and the way he uses his gamekeeper to push people around. UGH. Gamekeeper Crease is so slimy. Vaughn is new money trying to social climb. The Vaughns use their daughter Cecilia as a pawn in their social climbing game. She was engaged to William Corbyn before his death and her mother is pushing her towards marrying Marius. Cecilia is anxious about something and it's making her sickly. I think I can guess what's wrong and why her mother is so eager to marry her off right now. I feel really bad for Cecilia. She seems like a sweet girl but innocent and helpless. Where is her brother Lucian? Disgraced and exiled back to London, Lucian is a mystery. What happened and could the Vaughn brothers have something to do with William's death? I sure think so.
Back in London we have George and Alice. Alice, Rosalind's best friend, is trying to scrape together a living as a writer. I like her a lot and admire her pluck but she's fighting a losing battle to be accepted as more than a Society gossip columnist. In Murder at the Breakers Emma is still fighting the same fight 80 years later. Alice is more aware of Rosalind's feelings than Rosalind is. She's enjoying having a front row seat to her friend's romance with the handsome Bow Street Runner. Adam is a better match for Rosalind. He sees her, listens to her and understands her desire to find things out and be useful. They'd make a good team but unless one of them suddenly comes into money, it seems impossible, even if Rosalind would openly admit her feelings.
Best secondary character award goes to the minor character Ernest Worthington! He's a Heyeresque character in the mold of Freddy Standen in Cotillion. He's considered safe by the young ladies and a sidekick by the men. He's a bit of a rattle but very loyal. Freddy fans will want a whole book just about Worthing.
This book is a little bit Austen, a little bit Heyer, a little bit Winston Graham and a wholly original mystery. I can't wait to read about what Rosalind gets up to next. In the meantime, I will enjoy a reread Sarah Zettel's newest modern cozy To Fetch a Felon for a bit of light reading.
[b]Warnings:[/b]
Quite a few: language, PTSD, alcoholism, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, blood, violence, prejudice, anti-Semitism, prostitution- this is not a super light cozy. This is a more realistic 19th-century than Austen and Heyer. It's lighter than Victorian gaslight mysteries though.
June 2, 2022
I’m conflicted here…I love Rosalind and her friends. I liked the mystery that was set up. However, there was a point when everything got so incredibly complicated. What might have been a denouement must confused me more.
I read on because I want to see what happens with Rosalind and her friends.
I read on because I want to see what happens with Rosalind and her friends.
November 28, 2020
The stakes have grown high indeed when Rosalind is invited by Devon to his ducal estate and she will help with the wedding nuptials for a ducal cousin, but the mysteries around a local man’s death intrude and Devon seems to have been caught up in the affair.
This is the fourth in a series of historical mysteries that offer standalone mysteries, but a connected series arc for the regular characters.
A Lady Compromised takes Rosalind out of her comfortable Regency London setting to the countryside. She is there to spend time with Devon so they can sort out the possibility of a second chance, but her cover is helping his cousin with her wedding preparations. Meanwhile, Louisa presents her friend Helen who is still unsettled about her oldest brother’s death and the suspicion that the truth was buried with him because he was unstable after returning from war.
I love this series for the way the heroine’s family falling from grace placed her in the interesting position of being society’s fixer and an amateur detective. Rosalind is outside the norm, but still conforms to her historical social setting and is hampered by the way forensics, facts, and the law worked back then. The author puts a great deal of authenticity into the background and setting as well as each book’s focus. There is no stinting on developing the characters, either.
From the first book, there has been something of a romance triangle with Rosalind, Devon who is now a duke though was once her childhood love, and an intrepid Bow Street Runner who helps her solve the mysteries. It is more than choosing one of the men- or neither for that matter. It is also choosing her status so I get the need for thinking things through carefully. With Devon, she re-enters the aristocratic world she held before her father’s fall and the family sharing his disgrace, but with Adam, she would join the lower classes since he works as a policeman. At four books in, the situation is more distraction for me and I’m impatient for her to make a choice. Both men are wonderful and supportive and I hate to see them dangling though neither are really pressuring her. In truth, I wish the romance side wasn’t there if it’s going to drag on without a decision. That said, I think (because I’m not sure the way they were wording things) that she did eliminate one fellow at the very end.
The mystery was clever, but also obvious. There were a few surprises and some side villainy going on that kept me in the story. Rosalind first had to figure out if there even was foul play let alone how and why.
This historical part of the story was well-balanced with the mystery. I liked learning about the canal work, draining the fens to create more farmland, country life, and country society. War and the ravages it has on those who came back and also families was a huge element. And, as usual focus on women’s’ situations and limited choices were also highlighted.
In summary, I was impatient with the romance-side, was fascinated by the historical backdrop, and found the mystery rather satisfying. I look forward to what comes next especially the way an old enemy is still scheming against her. Those who enjoy strong, intelligent female detectives in a historical mystery should give this series a try.
I rec’d this book through Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fourth in a series of historical mysteries that offer standalone mysteries, but a connected series arc for the regular characters.
A Lady Compromised takes Rosalind out of her comfortable Regency London setting to the countryside. She is there to spend time with Devon so they can sort out the possibility of a second chance, but her cover is helping his cousin with her wedding preparations. Meanwhile, Louisa presents her friend Helen who is still unsettled about her oldest brother’s death and the suspicion that the truth was buried with him because he was unstable after returning from war.
I love this series for the way the heroine’s family falling from grace placed her in the interesting position of being society’s fixer and an amateur detective. Rosalind is outside the norm, but still conforms to her historical social setting and is hampered by the way forensics, facts, and the law worked back then. The author puts a great deal of authenticity into the background and setting as well as each book’s focus. There is no stinting on developing the characters, either.
From the first book, there has been something of a romance triangle with Rosalind, Devon who is now a duke though was once her childhood love, and an intrepid Bow Street Runner who helps her solve the mysteries. It is more than choosing one of the men- or neither for that matter. It is also choosing her status so I get the need for thinking things through carefully. With Devon, she re-enters the aristocratic world she held before her father’s fall and the family sharing his disgrace, but with Adam, she would join the lower classes since he works as a policeman. At four books in, the situation is more distraction for me and I’m impatient for her to make a choice. Both men are wonderful and supportive and I hate to see them dangling though neither are really pressuring her. In truth, I wish the romance side wasn’t there if it’s going to drag on without a decision. That said, I think (because I’m not sure the way they were wording things) that she did eliminate one fellow at the very end.
The mystery was clever, but also obvious. There were a few surprises and some side villainy going on that kept me in the story. Rosalind first had to figure out if there even was foul play let alone how and why.
This historical part of the story was well-balanced with the mystery. I liked learning about the canal work, draining the fens to create more farmland, country life, and country society. War and the ravages it has on those who came back and also families was a huge element. And, as usual focus on women’s’ situations and limited choices were also highlighted.
In summary, I was impatient with the romance-side, was fascinated by the historical backdrop, and found the mystery rather satisfying. I look forward to what comes next especially the way an old enemy is still scheming against her. Those who enjoy strong, intelligent female detectives in a historical mystery should give this series a try.
I rec’d this book through Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2020
A Lady Compromised is the fourth book in the Rosalind Thorne series by Darcie Wilde. I am a big fan of this series, and I'm always excited for the next book. In A Lady Compromised, Rosalind leaves London society and travels to the country to help her friend Louisa to plan her wedding. In the country, she will also be spending time with Louisa's cousin and Rosalind's first love and current suitor, Duke Casselmaine. Devon and Rosalind were almost engaged when they were young, but circumstances and a family scandal prevented them from getting married. Years later, they have a chance to be together, but Rosalind must decide if she wants up to give her independence to become a Duchess. Spending time in the country with Devon will help her see things more clearly.
But instead of spending time with Devon, Rosalind finds herself embroiled in another murder investigation, which also threatens her relationship with him. Country society appears to be even more troublesome than the London society. There is a lot of animosity between families. Dark secrets are boiling over and are threatening the peace and even the lives of the residents. It's up to Rosalind to solve the murder before more people die.
I enjoyed this latest murder mystery and read it one day. The one thing I didn't love is the direction Rosalind's and Devon's relationship took! I am getting tired of love triangles. I've read a few books lately that left me disappointed because the heroine didn't choose my preferred love interest, or the romance just fizzled out. Give me all the romance but please, authors, no more love triangles!
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
But instead of spending time with Devon, Rosalind finds herself embroiled in another murder investigation, which also threatens her relationship with him. Country society appears to be even more troublesome than the London society. There is a lot of animosity between families. Dark secrets are boiling over and are threatening the peace and even the lives of the residents. It's up to Rosalind to solve the murder before more people die.
I enjoyed this latest murder mystery and read it one day. The one thing I didn't love is the direction Rosalind's and Devon's relationship took! I am getting tired of love triangles. I've read a few books lately that left me disappointed because the heroine didn't choose my preferred love interest, or the romance just fizzled out. Give me all the romance but please, authors, no more love triangles!
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
March 26, 2023
Regency Era. London/Countryside, England. Darcie Wilde’s A Lady Comprised (Rosalind Thorne Mystery #4) finds Rosalind accepting an invitation to Cassel House where her friend, Louisa, is getting married, but, more importantly, Rosalind will have the chance to spend time with Devon Winterbourne, the Duke of Casselmaine, who was a great friend of Rosalind’s when they were both children. Actually, Devon is the one who issued the invitation to Rosalind as he wishes to discover if he and Rosalind still feel they did as children and young adults and if Rosalind wishes to become the next Duchess of Casselmaine. Much has happened to Rosalind since the scandal surrounding her father which throws Rosalind to the outside of the the society of which she had been raised to be a part. She had to design a ‘job’ for herself". She is now a ‘Useful Woman’ to women of ‘the ton’, the society of which she had been a member. With this Rosalind has had a freedom. Does she want to give that up to become Devon’s duchess? Enjoyable! 4 stars.
March 3, 2021
I enjoyed the mystery in this book, but I am giving up on this series because of how the author is handling the central romance. I don't want to post spoilers so I'll just say that when you enjoy getting to know the characters and their backstories and their motivations, it's just too frustrating to have them doing a completely illogical about-face in their personal life, over and over. If you aren't invested in the main characters, I do think you'd enjoy the historical period and the mystery though.
August 17, 2020
3 3/4 stars. I enjoyed the book. It is a good mystery with plenty of suspects, motives and twists. Plus a dash of danger and suspense. Also, the story is intriguing for its impact on Rosalind's future. She has come to the country and Devon's home to see if what they once shared burns brightly now. Can she live her life centered on the country and as a wife of a Duke, leaving behind the life she has made for herself in London with all its uncertainties and struggles?
Wilde delivers the historical details. She shows the social mores of country life. She also depicts some of the, perhaps, lesser known aspects of country life: constructions of canals and poaching enforcement. Canals, from the 18th century, became an important, but risky, financial development. It was also a complicated one that included formations of corporations, at times, legislation, surveying and the actual construction. I was less aware of the disruption that could be caused by poaching enforcement. (Note: It didn't seem that the issue of who was responsible for the dead rabbits was ever completely cleared up.)
An enjoyable read and I look forward to what happens to Rosalind next.
I received a free ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in return for a honest review.
Wilde delivers the historical details. She shows the social mores of country life. She also depicts some of the, perhaps, lesser known aspects of country life: constructions of canals and poaching enforcement. Canals, from the 18th century, became an important, but risky, financial development. It was also a complicated one that included formations of corporations, at times, legislation, surveying and the actual construction. I was less aware of the disruption that could be caused by poaching enforcement. (Note: It didn't seem that the issue of who was responsible for the dead rabbits was ever completely cleared up.)
An enjoyable read and I look forward to what happens to Rosalind next.
I received a free ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in return for a honest review.
January 4, 2023
I am a big fan of this series as a whole. I felt that this book was a little complicated with numerous storylines, and I had trouble keeping up at times. However, the end tied it together.
February 18, 2021
The second half of A Lady Compromised was better than the first half, where Wilde purposely sidelines Rosalind in order to show that she doesn't quite fit in with the setting. Because of this sidelining, the POV switches multiple times in several chapters, causing Rosalind to feel like a secondary player in her own story. This gets resolved almost half way through and things go better from there, but the first half was a struggle to get through.
A lot of characters are involved in the mystery of A Lady Compromised, to the point where I had trouble keeping track of a few and their relation to each other. It felt a little too spread out, and while I realize you need multiple red herrings for your mystery novel, something about the number of characters here was just a bit too much. Wilde brings up a lot of different moving parts and doesn't quite successfully juggle all of them.
I also question the resolution of the mystery. It felt too neat.
Still, I enjoy the way Wilde is able to incorporate all the little details of manners that everyone has to follow in high society and never make it seem like an info-dump or have it slow down the pace of a scene. I always feel a little constrained when I read these books because Wilde is great at showing how constrained life was for everyone, but especially women, in Regency England. I still love the characters in this novel, and I still adore this series. A Lady Compromised simply wasn't my favorite of the series.
See more of my reviews at Red Hat Cat Reviews!
A lot of characters are involved in the mystery of A Lady Compromised, to the point where I had trouble keeping track of a few and their relation to each other. It felt a little too spread out, and while I realize you need multiple red herrings for your mystery novel, something about the number of characters here was just a bit too much. Wilde brings up a lot of different moving parts and doesn't quite successfully juggle all of them.
I also question the resolution of the mystery. It felt too neat.
Still, I enjoy the way Wilde is able to incorporate all the little details of manners that everyone has to follow in high society and never make it seem like an info-dump or have it slow down the pace of a scene. I always feel a little constrained when I read these books because Wilde is great at showing how constrained life was for everyone, but especially women, in Regency England. I still love the characters in this novel, and I still adore this series. A Lady Compromised simply wasn't my favorite of the series.
See more of my reviews at Red Hat Cat Reviews!
March 14, 2021
I really enjoy this series. At book 4 and the author continues to surprise and entertain me, with the plots and the characters.
I love Rosalind! She is the epitome of the woman managing to live a decent life in spite of the ludicrous rules of British society that are designed to punish women who can't, or don't fit into the role of wife and mother the powers that be have decided is the only option considered "respectable". Rosalind is not able to fill that role due to circumstances beyond her control, but she has found a path that allows her to support herself and maintain some respectability and I respect her for that.
The plots the author comes up with for Rosalind are interesting, clever and very engaging, while also fitting well into the time and world that Rosalind would inhabit. I enjoy going along with Rosalind on her adventures as "a useful woman" and I look forward to more books in this series!
I love Rosalind! She is the epitome of the woman managing to live a decent life in spite of the ludicrous rules of British society that are designed to punish women who can't, or don't fit into the role of wife and mother the powers that be have decided is the only option considered "respectable". Rosalind is not able to fill that role due to circumstances beyond her control, but she has found a path that allows her to support herself and maintain some respectability and I respect her for that.
The plots the author comes up with for Rosalind are interesting, clever and very engaging, while also fitting well into the time and world that Rosalind would inhabit. I enjoy going along with Rosalind on her adventures as "a useful woman" and I look forward to more books in this series!
November 25, 2022
3 Stars
*A decent mystery overshadowed by the frustration of a love triangle dragging on for four books*
A Lady Compromised is the fourth installment of the Rosalind Thorne series, and I have to admit, this might be where I part ways with it. While the mystery itself was decent, any enjoyment in that was constantly blocked by my frustration with the characters. Most specifically annoying was the fact that the love triangle was still dragging on in book four. That is simply too long to drag out a love triangle! On top of that, I honestly gave up caring which dude she picked. I just wanted her to make a damned choice and end the agnsty suffering.
This story is heavily marketed as perfect for fans of Jane Austen. And I’m still baffled as to why. Other than the Regency setting and the author’s obviously chosen pseudonym, this series does not even remotely resemble Austen’s writing. There is no cunning wit or charming characters. And while Wilde does examine the complexities and hypocrisies of a society obsessed with class, the stories lack the spark for which Austen is so famous. If I did have to compare Rosalind to any Austen character, it would be Charlotte Lucas: practical to the point of tedium. It feels like Rosalind’s personality has eroded with each book until by this instalment, we are left with an almost robotic main character. And yes, I understand that she is the product of a nearly destitute woman trying desperately to survive in a vicious, judgmental world where women had almost no rights or way of living independently. But by this point in the story, Rosalind has suppressed her emotions so successfully for so long that I doubt she has any left. I don’t recall a single moment in this book where the characters’ emotions felt genuine. Even the side characters started to feel insipid and emotionless. I won’t give away any spoilers, but there is a scene at the end that should have been quite poignant but was simply awkward and massively anticlimactic.
It probably hasn’t helped that I’ve been alternating between two similar series: this one and the Lily Adler Mysteries. They are both cozy mysteries with love triangles about female amateur sleuths set in Regency England. But with this installment, the Rosalind Thorne series has definitely fallen behind. Honestly, I’m on the fence regarding whether or not to even continue with this series. I’d say there is a chance at some point in the future I will want a light historical mystery as an in-between read. But for now, it’s going all the way to the bottom of my TBR. In fact, it might be accurate to say it’s on the unofficial portion of my TBR that could best be labeled “read when desperate” – which is really the equivalent of the third string acquaintances that you’re only going to invite to your party if all the people you like suddenly get food poisoning and can’t attend.
So although the mystery was good enough for me to give this a generous three stars, my frustration with the characters will most likely keep me from continuing the series.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 2 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 2 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
*A decent mystery overshadowed by the frustration of a love triangle dragging on for four books*
A Lady Compromised is the fourth installment of the Rosalind Thorne series, and I have to admit, this might be where I part ways with it. While the mystery itself was decent, any enjoyment in that was constantly blocked by my frustration with the characters. Most specifically annoying was the fact that the love triangle was still dragging on in book four. That is simply too long to drag out a love triangle! On top of that, I honestly gave up caring which dude she picked. I just wanted her to make a damned choice and end the agnsty suffering.
This story is heavily marketed as perfect for fans of Jane Austen. And I’m still baffled as to why. Other than the Regency setting and the author’s obviously chosen pseudonym, this series does not even remotely resemble Austen’s writing. There is no cunning wit or charming characters. And while Wilde does examine the complexities and hypocrisies of a society obsessed with class, the stories lack the spark for which Austen is so famous. If I did have to compare Rosalind to any Austen character, it would be Charlotte Lucas: practical to the point of tedium. It feels like Rosalind’s personality has eroded with each book until by this instalment, we are left with an almost robotic main character. And yes, I understand that she is the product of a nearly destitute woman trying desperately to survive in a vicious, judgmental world where women had almost no rights or way of living independently. But by this point in the story, Rosalind has suppressed her emotions so successfully for so long that I doubt she has any left. I don’t recall a single moment in this book where the characters’ emotions felt genuine. Even the side characters started to feel insipid and emotionless. I won’t give away any spoilers, but there is a scene at the end that should have been quite poignant but was simply awkward and massively anticlimactic.
It probably hasn’t helped that I’ve been alternating between two similar series: this one and the Lily Adler Mysteries. They are both cozy mysteries with love triangles about female amateur sleuths set in Regency England. But with this installment, the Rosalind Thorne series has definitely fallen behind. Honestly, I’m on the fence regarding whether or not to even continue with this series. I’d say there is a chance at some point in the future I will want a light historical mystery as an in-between read. But for now, it’s going all the way to the bottom of my TBR. In fact, it might be accurate to say it’s on the unofficial portion of my TBR that could best be labeled “read when desperate” – which is really the equivalent of the third string acquaintances that you’re only going to invite to your party if all the people you like suddenly get food poisoning and can’t attend.
So although the mystery was good enough for me to give this a generous three stars, my frustration with the characters will most likely keep me from continuing the series.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 2 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 2 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
April 11, 2021
I really think that reading the first three books in this series first would be a great help, as some of the minor things that puzzled me would probably be clearer if I had known, for instance, why Rosalind and her sister Charlotte see little of each other before the end. Once Rosalind and Devon thought they were in love, before life tore them apart. Then Devon unexpectedly succeeded to the dukedom, and Rosalind's father's disgrace left her in penury. She has made a life for herself, but is invited to Devon's seat for the marriage of his cousin Louisa and--unspoken but in both their thoughts--to see if their love has survived. Their meeting is overshadowed by local gossips, and a friend of Louisa's wants Rosalind to investigate the death of her brother six months earlier.
November 12, 2020
Series: Rosalind Thorne Mysteries #4
Publication Date: 11/24/20
Number of Pages: 304
*** 3.5 Stars ***
Historical Mysteries are my favorite sub-genre and I am always looking for new-to-me authors and series to love. I found this series and wanted to give it a try even though I was coming into the series on the 4th book rather than starting at the beginning. This book can easily be read as a standalone and I don’t feel I missed much by not reading the first three books. I can also say that this book didn’t entice me to go back and read the first three books.
Rosalind Thorne, daughter of Baronet Sir Reginald Thorne, who is/was a forger, has lived in very reduced circumstances for the last several years. She has survived and supported herself by becoming ‘A Useful Woman’ in society. Basically, she helps ladies out of tangled situations. As she prepares to leave London for a two-fold mission – to help her friend Louisa Winterbourne prepare for her wedding – and to see if her former relationship with Devon, Duke of Casselmaine is still as warm as it once was. She wonders if she can leave all she has created for herself in London for the quiet country life of a duchess. Of course, decisions can never be simple, so a letter from Helen Corbyn arrives, asking Rosalind to help unravel the mystery of her brother’s death while she is visiting Louisa and Devon.
There are a great many secrets held within several families as well as family animosities and feuds. With suspects galore, Rosalind may not escape before a murder ends her life as well. Twisted and tangled relationships nestled within political issues of the time make Rosalind’s inquiries particularly perilous.
I am not a fan of love triangles and this series seems to have had one during the previous three books. It doesn’t appear that any of the relationships were secret and each of the men knew about the other, so I guess that is good. I believe this book was to ‘settle’ the triangle – and I suppose it did in that Rosalind made a choice to decline one of them for anything beyond friendship. However, it didn’t appear to me that she actually chose the other. Frankly, I like more romance in my mysteries that this one had – it was lukewarm at best.
Overall, it was a good mystery, but it was slower paced than I usually like, and without an active romance to shore it up, it fell flat for me. The author threw a lot of historical ‘facts’ at us about life during the period, but I’m not sure how much of it was totally accurate. For instance, Adam Harkness, Principal Investigator at Bow Street would not have been wearing a red vest. The Bow Street Horse Patrol was the only one who wore the red vests. Others at Bow Street wore regular clothing. I am happy to have read the story and to have met Rosalind, Devon, and Adam, but I wouldn’t re-read the book – nor am I sure that it enticed me to try the next book when it comes out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 11/24/20
Number of Pages: 304
*** 3.5 Stars ***
Historical Mysteries are my favorite sub-genre and I am always looking for new-to-me authors and series to love. I found this series and wanted to give it a try even though I was coming into the series on the 4th book rather than starting at the beginning. This book can easily be read as a standalone and I don’t feel I missed much by not reading the first three books. I can also say that this book didn’t entice me to go back and read the first three books.
Rosalind Thorne, daughter of Baronet Sir Reginald Thorne, who is/was a forger, has lived in very reduced circumstances for the last several years. She has survived and supported herself by becoming ‘A Useful Woman’ in society. Basically, she helps ladies out of tangled situations. As she prepares to leave London for a two-fold mission – to help her friend Louisa Winterbourne prepare for her wedding – and to see if her former relationship with Devon, Duke of Casselmaine is still as warm as it once was. She wonders if she can leave all she has created for herself in London for the quiet country life of a duchess. Of course, decisions can never be simple, so a letter from Helen Corbyn arrives, asking Rosalind to help unravel the mystery of her brother’s death while she is visiting Louisa and Devon.
There are a great many secrets held within several families as well as family animosities and feuds. With suspects galore, Rosalind may not escape before a murder ends her life as well. Twisted and tangled relationships nestled within political issues of the time make Rosalind’s inquiries particularly perilous.
I am not a fan of love triangles and this series seems to have had one during the previous three books. It doesn’t appear that any of the relationships were secret and each of the men knew about the other, so I guess that is good. I believe this book was to ‘settle’ the triangle – and I suppose it did in that Rosalind made a choice to decline one of them for anything beyond friendship. However, it didn’t appear to me that she actually chose the other. Frankly, I like more romance in my mysteries that this one had – it was lukewarm at best.
Overall, it was a good mystery, but it was slower paced than I usually like, and without an active romance to shore it up, it fell flat for me. The author threw a lot of historical ‘facts’ at us about life during the period, but I’m not sure how much of it was totally accurate. For instance, Adam Harkness, Principal Investigator at Bow Street would not have been wearing a red vest. The Bow Street Horse Patrol was the only one who wore the red vests. Others at Bow Street wore regular clothing. I am happy to have read the story and to have met Rosalind, Devon, and Adam, but I wouldn’t re-read the book – nor am I sure that it enticed me to try the next book when it comes out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 11, 2020
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book to review. I was thrilled to see another Rosalind Thorne mystery available, as I really enjoyed the previous two books in the series. Rosalind is a “useful woman” in Regency England. Although a daughter of an aristocrat, she is in genteel poverty and is forced to essentially act as an assistant to other noble women for her living, due to the actions of her father. One thing I liked about Ms. Wilde’s writing is that even though the novels include some of Rosalind’s interior thoughts, you never get the whole story, so Rosalind’s actions can sometimes surprise you when you thought you had her figured out. This especially worked in previous books concerning her feelings for the two potential romances in her life - Devon Winterbourne and Adam Harkness. However, Rosalind’s flip flopping between the two of them has gotten old by the third book. If I was either of these men, I would be fed up with her indecision. I don’t know why, but it really grates on me! Both guys are great and so accepting and patient, and Rosalind essentially acts like she is very interested in them both then leaves them hanging. It really distracts from the book, as this is the third one where she is indecisive through the entire novel. Just move on or pick one!! As for the mystery itself, I had narrowed down the suspects to two about halfway through, and then decided on one about 60% through, which turned out to be the correct one. There wasn’t really enough information to guess the motivation until the end, when there is a massive dump of narrative that somewhat messily ties things together, but leaves random unanswered questions on things that just don’t make sense. Rosalind manages to completely offend and isolate herself from the person who cares for her most, and she doesn’t seem particularly bothered by it, even if it leaves the other character in a really bad position. Two of the secondary female characters keep repeating that men dismiss them as hysterical women, but in truth, they act irrationally, dramatically, and carelessly, so I didn’t have a lot of sympathy for them. Meanwhile Rosalind could use more emotion; her character is supposed to play her cards close to her chest, but she acts really uncaringly sometimes to the people who love her the most. I was pretty disappointed in this novel, and I’m sad to say I’m not sure if I’ll read the next entry. The writing is excellent, but the heroine is tiring.
November 30, 2020
The story begins right where the previous left off, and then it steams into a web of manufactured country controversy. I loved the first three books, so this was very disappointing. There was none of the tension or investment of the three novels. It’s clear Rosalind won’t stay in the country from very early on, so most of the book is just slow walking between over decorated rooms to have people expel dialogue. There is not a lot of describing, mostly just people telling you how things are in heavy handed exchanges. The last chapters of the book really felt like the author didn’t know how to end things. Most story lines have little to do with the actual resolution of the mystery and they are dealt with quick one liners as the author tries to button everything up.
It seems so rushed and would improve from some structural edits. I’m hoping that everything is ok with the author.
Spoilers:
The lack of characterization of the villain truly makes no sense. I mean he references at some point pure blood lines and from this ( and mostly only this) Rosalind makes a leap to several grisly murders and attempted murders. What was the weird fortuna lady about ? No idea. Not relevant to the plot as far as I can remember. The manufactured tension between the Vaughns and Corbyns? Sloppy red herrings because they truly are external to the resolution of the plot. The final conversation between Devon snd Rosalind made me think of a conversation someone had while trying to rush the book out. “ but what about so and so?” “ oh yeah well they split the estate so no problems” - “ okay but are we going to write all of these emotional scenes ? Visualize the resolution for the readers?” “ no no.... we will just slap in some hasty dialogue.”
It seems so rushed and would improve from some structural edits. I’m hoping that everything is ok with the author.
Spoilers:
The lack of characterization of the villain truly makes no sense. I mean he references at some point pure blood lines and from this ( and mostly only this) Rosalind makes a leap to several grisly murders and attempted murders. What was the weird fortuna lady about ? No idea. Not relevant to the plot as far as I can remember. The manufactured tension between the Vaughns and Corbyns? Sloppy red herrings because they truly are external to the resolution of the plot. The final conversation between Devon snd Rosalind made me think of a conversation someone had while trying to rush the book out. “ but what about so and so?” “ oh yeah well they split the estate so no problems” - “ okay but are we going to write all of these emotional scenes ? Visualize the resolution for the readers?” “ no no.... we will just slap in some hasty dialogue.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2020
Rosalind is invited to Cassel house to help her friend Louisa prepare for her wedding. The opportunity also allows Rosalind to see if there is a chance of rekindling her relationship with Devon, Duke of Casselmaine. While at Cassel House Rosalind opens the wound of the recent debacle of a duel gone wrong. The Corbyn family, from nearby Corbyn Park is dealing with the recent death of William Corbyn from odd circumstances of a duel. Helen Corbyn asks Rosalind to look into what happened when William was killed. This puts Rosalind in jeopardy of losing the respect of the local society ladies.
A Lady Compromised is the 4th installment of the Rosalind Thorne series by Darcie Wilde. I would suggest reading the books in order. The mysteries themselves stand alone, but the continuing storyline of Rosalind and her friends builds with each book. Thank you #NetGalley for the enjoyable opportunity to read and give my honest review on #ALadyCompromised.
A Lady Compromised is the 4th installment of the Rosalind Thorne series by Darcie Wilde. I would suggest reading the books in order. The mysteries themselves stand alone, but the continuing storyline of Rosalind and her friends builds with each book. Thank you #NetGalley for the enjoyable opportunity to read and give my honest review on #ALadyCompromised.
September 14, 2020
Well done continuation of the series.
Rosalind is heading to the country to spend some time getting reacquainted with Devon Winterbourne, a man that she was nearly engaged to in the past. They are both hoping to figure out their feelings for each other and if there is any chance for them to have a future together. Things get complicated when Helen Corbyn asks Rosalind make inquiries into her brother William Corbyn’s recent death. It was ruled an accident, but her and others question that verdict. Helen is specifically concerned to know if her fiancé was involved or not, since he was supposed to fight a duel with her brother that same day.
Rosalind initially refuses to get involved with any investigation, but matters soon leave her little choice, especially once questions about Devon’s involvement in the death start to arise.
Some of the strong points of this novel are the engaging storytelling and the likable main characters. Since the beginning of the series there has been the makings of a love triangle. Normally, I don’t enjoy that particular plot device. However, it is handled well here. Everyone involved acts like the grown ups that they are. Both men know about each other, yet they don’t try to compete for her affections. Nor do they pressure her to ‘make a decision’. And she doesn’t spend her time agonizing over which man to choose, as if she’s the only one who gets a say in any relationship. I also enjoyed the fairly exciting denouement.
However, it was not without its flaws. There were a surprising number of typos (hopefully they will be fixed before release date). The solution to the mystery was not as complex or interesting as I had hoped. It felt like the reader was constantly being reminded of Rosalind’s ingrained hesitancy to break any social rules or show weakness, to the extent that it becomes somewhat cliche. I’m not sure how the title relates to the actual story. And, unless I am very much mistaken, some of the details in the book description don’t even match the events in the book.
I have really liked this series and would recommend it to fans of the genre. However, I recommend starting at the beginning rather than with this book. I could see it being hard to care that much about the characters without the opportunity to get to know them over the last three books.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me a digital ARC!
Rosalind is heading to the country to spend some time getting reacquainted with Devon Winterbourne, a man that she was nearly engaged to in the past. They are both hoping to figure out their feelings for each other and if there is any chance for them to have a future together. Things get complicated when Helen Corbyn asks Rosalind make inquiries into her brother William Corbyn’s recent death. It was ruled an accident, but her and others question that verdict. Helen is specifically concerned to know if her fiancé was involved or not, since he was supposed to fight a duel with her brother that same day.
Rosalind initially refuses to get involved with any investigation, but matters soon leave her little choice, especially once questions about Devon’s involvement in the death start to arise.
Some of the strong points of this novel are the engaging storytelling and the likable main characters. Since the beginning of the series there has been the makings of a love triangle. Normally, I don’t enjoy that particular plot device. However, it is handled well here. Everyone involved acts like the grown ups that they are. Both men know about each other, yet they don’t try to compete for her affections. Nor do they pressure her to ‘make a decision’. And she doesn’t spend her time agonizing over which man to choose, as if she’s the only one who gets a say in any relationship. I also enjoyed the fairly exciting denouement.
However, it was not without its flaws. There were a surprising number of typos (hopefully they will be fixed before release date). The solution to the mystery was not as complex or interesting as I had hoped. It felt like the reader was constantly being reminded of Rosalind’s ingrained hesitancy to break any social rules or show weakness, to the extent that it becomes somewhat cliche. I’m not sure how the title relates to the actual story. And, unless I am very much mistaken, some of the details in the book description don’t even match the events in the book.
I have really liked this series and would recommend it to fans of the genre. However, I recommend starting at the beginning rather than with this book. I could see it being hard to care that much about the characters without the opportunity to get to know them over the last three books.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me a digital ARC!
October 16, 2024
The mystery in A Lady Compromised is the most complex in the series thus far, but the center of Darcie Wilde's ability to detail and note the precise manners of Regency society, particularly the Ton, holds.
The romantic triangle between Miss Rosalind Thorne, Lord Casselmaine, and Adam Harkness provides the tension against which Wilde's careful delineation of manners and politesse is tested.
Alice & George Littlefield are excellent friends and well-written characters, as is Lord Casselmaine's mother, the Dowager Countess. And it appears Alice (at minimum) will continue to play a pivotal role in the ongoing series.
One minor confusion: it's not yet clear to what or to whom the title of this episode belongs or refers.
The romantic triangle between Miss Rosalind Thorne, Lord Casselmaine, and Adam Harkness provides the tension against which Wilde's careful delineation of manners and politesse is tested.
Alice & George Littlefield are excellent friends and well-written characters, as is Lord Casselmaine's mother, the Dowager Countess. And it appears Alice (at minimum) will continue to play a pivotal role in the ongoing series.
One minor confusion: it's not yet clear to what or to whom the title of this episode belongs or refers.
August 2, 2020
I really liked the first three books in this series and I enjoyed this one as well. Rosalind is investigating two deaths in this one. This brings her back in Devon’s sphere too.
The plot regarding the mysteries of the deaths was interesting and kept me reading as quick as I could to find out the who and why of it. From the relationship perspective; I thought this was well written too. I’ve said this before about this series, I usually hate anything even close to a love triangle but thought that has always been handled well here. I’ve always been more of an Adam fan instead of Devon but I did like Devon in this book too. I’m glad there appears to be a resolution of the life triangle by the end of the book too.
I definitely think this is a series that you need to start at the beginning for, particularly with the history these characters have. The short epilogue definitely has me interested in what comes next for Rosalind!
The plot regarding the mysteries of the deaths was interesting and kept me reading as quick as I could to find out the who and why of it. From the relationship perspective; I thought this was well written too. I’ve said this before about this series, I usually hate anything even close to a love triangle but thought that has always been handled well here. I’ve always been more of an Adam fan instead of Devon but I did like Devon in this book too. I’m glad there appears to be a resolution of the life triangle by the end of the book too.
I definitely think this is a series that you need to start at the beginning for, particularly with the history these characters have. The short epilogue definitely has me interested in what comes next for Rosalind!
May 15, 2021
Very good story. I was worried that the ending would be different but without spoiling it the ending was a good ending.
July 16, 2021
Regarding the mystery…kept my guessing but was well trained and interesting. Re: Rosalind’s heart: So glad things ended the way they did.
January 17, 2021
4.5 stars
dnf
February 23, 2025I did not care for the narrator. I'll read a hard copy.
Audiobook BKYN
Rosalyn Landor - Narrator
Duration: 11:03:10
Abandoned at 19:30
Audiobook BKYN
Rosalyn Landor - Narrator
Duration: 11:03:10
Abandoned at 19:30
July 28, 2020
This is a series I have enjoyed since it first premiered and A Lady Compromised is a great addition! Rosalind's creation of a place for herself and a way to survive following her family's downfall is so clever and makes for such interesting plots. This new one comes as she and the Duke of Casselmaine try to figure out if there is anything left of their youthful romance and what the future holds for both of them. Rosalind taking on a new case is not helpful and causes a number of issues but in the end brings a horrible murderer to justice and rights a horrible wrong. I won't tell you what happens between the two of them but I am very anxious to see what happens next for Miss Thorne!
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