Death on a Silver Tray

Beau Brummell #1

by Rosemary Stevens

When the Countess of Wrayburn is poisoned and her paid companion becomes the prime suspect in the scandalous killing, Regency England's arbiter of fashion, Beau Brummell, turns amateur sleuth to investigate and discovers that there is more than one person with a motive for murder. Reprint.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction, Regency, Historical, Cozy Mystery, Fiction

277 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Rosemary Stevens has won the Agatha Award and the Romantic Times Award for Best First Mystery. She has appeared on the IMBA bestseller list several times for her Beau Brummell Mystery Series published in North America by the Penguin Group and in France by EDITIONS DU MASQUE.

Other Regency-set books include four Regency Romances. The Cats of Mayfair series includes A CRIME OF MANNERS, MISS PYMBROKES RULES, LORD & MASTER, AND HOW THE ROGUE STOLE CHRISTMAS.

Under the name Rosemary Martin, Rosemary is the author of the Murder-A-Go-Go mystery series also published by Penguin in the United States and listed as "Required Reading" by the New York Post.

Rosemary also wrote PASTA MORTEM (2018) which is part of Ellery Adams's Supper Club series.

Her current project is the Jane Austen Town Mysteries. Death Comes to Jane Austen Town is a November 2025 release.

Rosemary lives in Central Virginia with her family including two Siamese cats.

Reviews

[Richard Derus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Real Rating: 2.5* of five

Perfectly fine through chapter 2 but I won't be continuing. There are a lot of books I am eager to finish and this is a time-suck I can't afford and don't want.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beau Brummell actually existed in history. He wasn't part of the "landed" gentry nor of noble birth. Yet he managed to rise to the top of society merely by his wits and his impeccable sense of style. And became a celebrity of his time. He befriended the Prince of Wales at one point and suddenly "all kinds of doors opened". Though this book is not written as a serious historical tale, it does make for a nice, easy read more in line with a young adult level of reader. And one thing that I noticed reviewers here were not catching was the absolutely serious level of attention that was given to male dress at this period in history. A sloppily tied cravat would cost its owner "points" in his societal standing that could last for months if not rectified on his next appearance in public. It's hard to imagine the importance given then to proper tailoring, "correct" color schemes, and proper hem lengths when our generation goes everywhere dressed in t-shirts and jeans. Dress codes of that period were very strict and someone who achieved and even exceeded the dress codes was looked up to and became a figurehead to be emulated by all.

This book intrigued me and I will check out additional books with this character along with the author's other Regency period novels.

[MAP · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the first in the Beau Brummel mystery series. I picked it up because I am interested in Beau Brummel, and the biography I wanted to buy I couldn't immediately get my hands on.

I will be the first to say I don't read a lot of mysteries, so I don't really know what the standards are. However, I think there were some amateurish moments. The book really suffered from being written in first person -- it meant a lot of expository dialogue and a LOT of Beau thinking nice things about himself and his clothing, which would have been less abrasive if written in a third person format. The reason for Beau becoming involved in the investigation is flimsy at best. And I figured out who the killer was about 6 pages after the murder -- though I did get the motive wrong. Like I said, I don't read a lot of mysteries, and when I do I often can't ever figure out who the killer is, but when entire characters don't seem to have a plot-related reason to exist, it's pretty easy to figure that they must be the one.

It wasn't a great book, but it was a nice light read, less than 300 pages, and took less than 2 days. And sometimes nice light reads are just that -- nice.

[Eleanor Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't miss this series of four books starring the answer to fashion Beau Brummell and his sleuthing ways. This series is cleverly written, entertaining, and always interesting in plot. Pretty much everything a good mystery should be with entertaining regency characters thrown in, as well as Beau's incorrigible butler, Robinson (maybe my favorite character). I will keep these and read them again. If you are looking for something refreshing and different, and don't mind a little laugh-out-loud in your mysteries, these are for you.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 bk 13. Rosemary Stevens started out writing straight Regency Romances, but she has found her particular niche in writing Regency mysteries. Written from the point of view of Beau Brummell, the reader's are introduced to the Beau's thoughts on dress, the loves of his life, the people he surrounds himself with, and his insatiable quest to lead society in fashion and manners. When the young protegee of his unrequited love is accused of murder, Beau steps in, thus opening his life to an entirely different set of characters. Stevens ability to create numerous characters, each with their own individual quirks, cues, and speech patterns and keep these straight is greatly to be admired, as is her mystery plotting. Very enjoyable mystery.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like novels that incorporate real historical characters, in this case, Beau Brummell. It is his utter devotion to fashion and good taste that makes the story amusing. Beau is asked by a member of society to help solve the murder of a nasty duchess. The police are trying to pin the murder on her innocent lady's maid. Beau gallantly comes to the rescue. I had to look him up -- he died in insane and in poverty in France in 1840 (the story is set in 1805, when he was still besties with the heir to the British throne).

[Ана Хелс · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ако сте от почитателите на исторически книги или криминални такива, развиващи се във великолепните регентски и викториански времена, няма как да не попаднете на името на Бо Брумел – истинска историческа личност, еманацията на елегантност и дендизъм, хигиена и стил, чар и високомерие. Само на база на историческите бележки човек може да заключи, че е бил по-скоро неприятно богаташче, което рано или късно си получило заслуженото, и когато се е уморил да ухажва правилните благородни задни части, е бил изхвърлен да бере душа в канавките на Франция. Но Роузмари Стивънс разказва една различна история, за очарователен, интелигентен, забавен, изящен, изключително добър човек, който се опитва да направи света около себе си по-красив – и по-хигиенно чист, и то докато разследва елегантно зловещи престъпления. Как да не харесваш псевдо историческите фантазии?

Бо Брумел е символ на аскетичният стил, враг на претрупаността, привърженик на солидните цветове и определено мъжествения шик, истинска модна икона без сянка от съмнение за неговите лични предпочитания в леглото. Негов истински добър приятел е принцът на Англия – Прини, който може и да е малко противен, глуповат и отмъстителен хипохондрик, но е трудно да бъдеш свестен, ако кръвта ти е противоестествен кръвосмесителен коктейл от благородническите фамилии на Европа, предполагам. Но Бо се опитва да изкара най-доброто от принца, и понякога даже успява, ако и в повечето време някак просто да се измъква между капките на талазите гняв и досада, които обичайно завладяват величията. Освен да бъде кралски приятел и арбитър на стила, Бо е и детектив, и романтик, и има най-фантастичната и вълшебна сиамска котка на света.

Престъпленията на висшето общество изискват детектив от този ранг, и макар и Брумел да няма капка благородна кръв във вените си, той притежава бърза мисъл, направо свръхестествена наблюдателност и безпогрешна преценка за хората. Понякога работи със , понякога въпреки, силите на реда, но когато някой е невинен, и този някой е красива и крехка млада дама, особено ако същата обожава животинки и има нежен смях на райски камбанки, то направо си е задължително да се извадят принадлежностите на рицаря в бляскава броня, и да се тръгне към драконите на правосъдието в ранни зори.

Сюжетите са изящни, темпото е малко бавно, разказвано от първо лице с добросърдечен сарказъм и огромна любов към модата, което много бързо ще ви даде да разберете дали това е вашата чаша следобеден чай или не. Аз лично читателски се влюбих във алтернативната книжна версия на регентският бог на елегантността, и страниците усмихнато иронично обсъждане на модните грешки на висшето общество ми доставиха еднакво удоволствие със задъханите преследвания, лудите машинации и откачени планове за разкриване на престъпниците, без които нито един приключенско – криминален романс не може да мине. А романтиката е малко, като аромат на виолетки и поувехнали жълти рози, невъзможни любови, но и неотказващи се сърца. Още една очарователна черта, която прави Бо Брумел достоен съперник дори на Дарси за всенародната читателска обич. Дори и да е просто измислен.

[Cindie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with this one at first. It seemed confusing and did not draw my attention. When I realized that it is a more light hearted book then I normally read, I could let go and enjoy. This was definitely more of a "trade" book, that does not have much depth in the character development. I do like the cat and may read the next to see if that character develops. A good light break from some of the heavier book reading.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not completely like the main character of this book. He is far too full of himself and very much like the men of the era and like most male humans period, mostly ego and self centered. However the story itself is quite well written, especially of the main character, so the balance evens out. It helps there are very intelligent, outspoken, and strong-willed female characters to provide that balance. I enjoyed the story quite a bit and definitely recommend it.

[Phair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much better than expected. Lots of history and period culture as well as much biographical info on Brummell all woven into the story without feeling pedantic. While the mystery perp was no great surprise the "ride" was thoroughly enjoyable. Left me thinking I wouldn't mind another adventure with the Beau.

[Jay Cardam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Might have given this 31/2 stars and rounded up to four, but I just couldn't do it. There was much I liked about it. The period, the clothing detail, some of the characters. Unfortunately, I found Beau himself rather tiresome and hard to like. I will probably try to read the next book in the series and see if I become more invested in the character.

[Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more of a two, but I didn't want to give the impression this was a bad book! It's a good book to pass time and a fun, lighthearted read. It's not a groundbreaking story that will keep you hooked for days, but it is a good mystery with a balance of humour that engages and entertains the reader.

[Lillian Marek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of meticulous detail about Brummell and his world, with a number of real people scattered around the landscape. Very little mystery, however, and of the characters, only Brummell is really fleshed out.

[Ruhani · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming historical mystery. So good to see many real people appearing in the story but I am wondering - is the portrayal of Beau Brummel realistic? The one in the story is vain but compassionate and likeable. Was he really as nice?

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite fun

It was a fun read. I thought sometimes it felt a bit forced but I enjoyed reading it all the same.

[Gabrielle David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection

The Beau Brummell Mysteries by Rosemary Stevens is among my favorites. I enjoy losing myself in the era and only wish the series were longer.

[L B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author's characterization of Brummell is not what I had understood it to be, but I enjoyed the period details and name-dropping.

[Regine]

Arch.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

A library find.
It was ok.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1805. George 'Beau' Brummell is asked by Frederica Duchess of York to investigate the death of the Countess of Wrayburn. As she suspects Lavender, a Bow Street Investigator will arrest the wrong person.
Why he is asked is not explained as he is shown to be nothing more than a fashion clothes horse.
Still an entertaining cozy mystery.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

During the reign of George III, London had its own Mr. Blackwell, of sorts -- a man named Beau Brummell, whose eye for fashion and trendsetting in England's Regency Era is now the stuff of legend. That romance author Rosemary Stevens thought to immortalize such a person as a fictional sleuth intrigued me enough to select this title on a recent library trip.
Having enough disposable income to live comfortably without having to resort to manual labor (lucky bastard), Mr. Brummell lives his days leisurely, relishing his Dressing Hours with loyal valet Robinson and wielding his power over Society as the last word on fashion and propriety. When Brummell decides calamander wood is a must for that sedan chair, one can be sure the chairmakers will be flooded with orders. When Brummell goes out for the evening, one doesn't expect him to return home before the sun, and not until his pockets are stuffed with his winnings from various card games around town.

When the Duchess of York begs Brummell to help solve the mystery of a cantankerous lady's murder and thereby clear the name of a dear friend, the gentleman's gentleman cannot refuse, and Brummell devotes some of his leisure time quizzing house servants and social butterflies about the murder. Mind you, he doesn't devote all his time, not when there is whist to be played, reels to be danced, and perfectly starched crevats to be showcased around town.

I still haven't decided whether or Stevens was trying, through Brummell's meticulous narration, to make Death on a Silver Tray a funny book. If so, she succeeded -- it's a rare moment when I end up laughing out loud at words on a page, even rarer when the words are funny! That Brummell is more concerned for his outward appearance than his life, which is threatened often during his investigation, is a scream, as is a cute subplot concerning the gift of a Siamese cat which mirrors the good taste of his new master. It is my hope Stevens doesn't dally in producing another installment to what promises to be an enjoyable series. She just may make mystery reading fashionable.

Not that it ever was not fashionable in the first place.

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. I love her witty writting style. The mysteries are cozy and the stories are clean. I will be reading all the books in this fun series.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

"In Regency England, Beau Brummell stood as the uncrowneed king of genteel Society. Whatever he wore was the height of fashion. Wherever he went was the place to be. And the last place one would expect to find himwas in the middle of a murder mystery. But then, Beau brummel was never one to do what was expected.

"When the Duchess of York asks for his help, Beau Brummell cannot refuse. The cantankerous Countess of Wrayburn has been fatally poisoned, and her paid companion -- for whomthe Duchess arranged employment -- is the prime suspect. If the accusations prove true, the scandal would ruin the Duchess' good name. Brummell hastens to the Wrayburn house, and it doesn't take long to realize that more than one person had motives against Lady Wrayburn. And Brummell is going to find out who. Because if there's one thing that's never in style, it's murder..."
~~back cover

Familiar plot, tepid characterizations, the murderer well known early on, but not because of any clues but a general hunch. The book helped pass away a long day of recovery from being ill, but only worthwhile as a piece of fluff.

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet again another historical mystery. Now I think I am Chia obsessed. In this one, Beau Brummel, the leader of the Ton in early 1800s England investigates the murder of a rather grumpy old countess. Brummel is asked by a friend, the Duchess of York, to prove that her friend did not kill this countess. Along the way, Brummel randomly picks up a new pet: a Siamese cat. This plot device follows in the long tradition of cat sleuths, where certain feline friends provide vital clues for their owners. Anywho, Stevens rather obviously drops hints as to who the killer is. In this respect her technique is amateurish. Her attempts at using Regency language also feel forced. But overall, I found this book appealing. I really don't know why. I know that's not much of a recommendation, but it's all I've got.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

[bluerose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really 3.5 stars because this easy read was much more charming than it needed to be. A story written with a nice light touch that has historical figures seamlessly woven in and period details sprinkled throughout; not too heavy despite being a murder mystery. I will definitely read the rest of these, especially as I've always had a bit of a fascination with Beau Brummell.

Absolutely upgraded to five stars on this reread. Not sure what I was thinking the first time around. This is one of my favorite series and my history crush on Beau Brummell has only increased with time. I've enjoyed other work by this author as well. It's really a shame these books aren't available on audio. (Also this is the first time I've noticed the multiple shades of blue that his coats come in...)

[Amanda Sexton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehhh, I'm actually wishing I could give this 3.99 stars, I reserve 5 stars for books that I was sad were over and would immediately read again, 4 stars for books I really liked and 3 stars are for blah books. This was almost a 4 star, but after sleeping on it, I realize that reading book two will be something to read, but I'm not invested in the series yet. The main character was nice and well developed, the supporting characters were there, but had very little substance. My favorite was his pet, who seemed smarter than everyone else in the story. Like I said, almost a 4star from me, but not quite up to snuff (pun intended

[Argum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Regency historical mystery casts dandy supreme Beau Brummel as a crime solver. His great friend the Duchess of York has recommended a lady's maid to a friend and she is the prime suspect in the murder of that odious woman. To protect her reputation, Beau steps into to find the real culprit. I did enjoy the mystery, I did enjoy the cat, I am not sure I enjoyed the cat being so key in pointing out clues. I will be putting the next on my to read list, but am not totally sold just yet.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beau Brummell to the rescue

In this first book of the Brummell mysteries, we find the Beau going about society as usual and acquiring the only Royal Siamese Cat in England. He then becomes involved in a public scene which later turns into murder. The author has a very deft touch with Regency manners, more's and affectations. Her research is well done and her characters are in keeping with the historical figures that they are based on. Very enjoyable light mystery.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really just got this book on a whim cause it had Brummell in it and i was in a Regency England mood. I ended up adoring it. Brummell is great, his jabs to rude people in society are amusing and you see where he's heading and feel a bit sorry for him knowing about his history. The mystery was good and written so you saw how Brummell's help was needed to get Society tidbits. I enjoyed it and will probably buy more of the series!