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Beatrice Hyde-Clare #6.5
A Boldly Daring Scheme
Finally, Flora Hyde-Clare has wrest the narrative from Beatrice by finding her own compelling murder mystery to solve.
Well, it’s not entirely her own because the victim is her cousin’s former beau, Mr. Theodore Davies, whose father cruelly separated the young lovers (though not so cruelly, for it left the door open for Bea to woo the Duke of Kesgrave). Bea insists, of course, that the law clerk’s death was merely an accident.
If only he had not been in the path of that wretched carriage!
Oh, but Flora knows that evasive look on her cousin’s face. Bea is hiding something. Clearly, Davies had gotten himself entangled in some nefarious business, and Flora is determined to discover the truth despite the danger it puts her in.
Or is that because it puts her in danger? After all, any heroine worth her salt must be willing to take on a great deal of personal risk. And Flora has her mind set on being a heroine of the highest order.
Well, it’s not entirely her own because the victim is her cousin’s former beau, Mr. Theodore Davies, whose father cruelly separated the young lovers (though not so cruelly, for it left the door open for Bea to woo the Duke of Kesgrave). Bea insists, of course, that the law clerk’s death was merely an accident.
If only he had not been in the path of that wretched carriage!
Oh, but Flora knows that evasive look on her cousin’s face. Bea is hiding something. Clearly, Davies had gotten himself entangled in some nefarious business, and Flora is determined to discover the truth despite the danger it puts her in.
Or is that because it puts her in danger? After all, any heroine worth her salt must be willing to take on a great deal of personal risk. And Flora has her mind set on being a heroine of the highest order.
262 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2020
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503 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Messina
55 books648 followersLynn Messina is author of more than a dozen novels, including the best-selling Fashionistas, which has been translated into sixteen languages, and a series of Regency romance novels. Her essays have appeared in Self, American Baby and the New York Times Modern Love column. She lives in New York City with her sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
December 28, 2022
Well wouldn’t you just know Flora dives into the detecting gig! With the purest of motives of course. She wouldn’t if Beatrice’s Big Lie about her solicitor who threw her over and died hadn’t made an appearance. Flora is convinced this non existent person was murdered but ends up in trouble with a capital T when one thing leads to another and a murder is actually uncovered. Oh My!
November 2, 2020
Although I'm not the biggest fan of fiction written in the present tense, and although this was sometimes so verbose as to slow the story to a snail's pace, I did very much enjoy getting a mystery from the viewpoint of Bea's cousin Flora.
Flora has shown signs of being interesting in previous books in this series, but here she really comes into her own. Loved the prickly relationship with Mr. Holcroft, too... the non-suitor who danced with Flora once at a ball and left her with a less than favorable impression. When he's the first person to notice Flora going about her investigation in a seedy part of town, he's not about to let her off the hook. A protector she needs and a protector she shall have.
It's a good idea to have read the previous books in the series to understand the character dynamics and back stories.
Flora has shown signs of being interesting in previous books in this series, but here she really comes into her own. Loved the prickly relationship with Mr. Holcroft, too... the non-suitor who danced with Flora once at a ball and left her with a less than favorable impression. When he's the first person to notice Flora going about her investigation in a seedy part of town, he's not about to let her off the hook. A protector she needs and a protector she shall have.
It's a good idea to have read the previous books in the series to understand the character dynamics and back stories.
August 13, 2022
Having a book that follows Flora on an adventure is a great way to make the transition from the first phase of the series to the second. Flora is silly and a little clueless, but she’s a fun character. Seeing her stumble upon corruption while trying to investigate the murder of Bea’s fictional lost love is great and the introduction of her own love interest was great.
Bea and Kesgrave make a cameo at the end and Bea is as funny as ever.
What an entertaining series. On to the next.
Bea and Kesgrave make a cameo at the end and Bea is as funny as ever.
What an entertaining series. On to the next.
July 25, 2025
Flora to the rescue......tagging Holcroft along.
Looking forward to her 2nd book.
October 27, 2020
i wanted bea and the duke
they will be back but this is an absurd story of Flora chasing after Bea’s fake beau, finding an even more absurd mystery. it was slow to start and there was too much second guessing ones self resulting in long suffering internal monologues. i do give Flora props for solving a more bizarre crime.
they will be back but this is an absurd story of Flora chasing after Bea’s fake beau, finding an even more absurd mystery. it was slow to start and there was too much second guessing ones self resulting in long suffering internal monologues. i do give Flora props for solving a more bizarre crime.
November 3, 2020
Relatively short read with an exciting ending. Pacing was bogged down at times by excessive verbosity.
July 16, 2023
3.5 rounded up
This was delightful.
I quite enjoyed Flora's adventures.
This was delightful.
I quite enjoyed Flora's adventures.
November 11, 2021
Okay but It feels odd
Emboldened by her “success” Flora Hyde-Clare Endeavors to get the battle of another mystery, the sudden death of her cousin Beatrice’s first love, Theodore Davies. While searching for the man, she encounters a Mr. Holocraft and hijinks ensue.
—
I don’t love this book. While I like Flora’s character voice, it’s a bit of a switch to go from third person which the other books are in to first person. But I think my biggest problem with this book is that it is predicated on a giant lie that we the readers know is a lie if you’ve read any of the earlier books… So there’s a lot of secondhand embarrassment and nervousness regarding how Flora is going to find out that she’s been duped for so long. And that tension actually lessened my enjoyment. That’s a very sitcom plot, and I’m not a huge fan of sitcoms. Readers who like this kind of thing will probably enjoy this. But it wasn’t the best for me.
And while I liked the new hero and Flora’s new love interest, I missed the dynamics between Bea and Kesgrave. There just wasn’t quite the same spark. And even the final villain was fairly easy to pinpoint.
Shrugs…
I didn’t love this book. But I didn’t hate it either.
Three Stars
Emboldened by her “success” Flora Hyde-Clare Endeavors to get the battle of another mystery, the sudden death of her cousin Beatrice’s first love, Theodore Davies. While searching for the man, she encounters a Mr. Holocraft and hijinks ensue.
—
I don’t love this book. While I like Flora’s character voice, it’s a bit of a switch to go from third person which the other books are in to first person. But I think my biggest problem with this book is that it is predicated on a giant lie that we the readers know is a lie if you’ve read any of the earlier books… So there’s a lot of secondhand embarrassment and nervousness regarding how Flora is going to find out that she’s been duped for so long. And that tension actually lessened my enjoyment. That’s a very sitcom plot, and I’m not a huge fan of sitcoms. Readers who like this kind of thing will probably enjoy this. But it wasn’t the best for me.
And while I liked the new hero and Flora’s new love interest, I missed the dynamics between Bea and Kesgrave. There just wasn’t quite the same spark. And even the final villain was fairly easy to pinpoint.
Shrugs…
I didn’t love this book. But I didn’t hate it either.
Three Stars
January 7, 2021
Full disclosure: The first coup attempt in my country for nearly 250 years, as well as a bottle of Pinot Grigio that proved, alas, to be drier than my wit, preceded this review.
I have very much enjoyed this series. I really enjoyed the way this book ended. I like Flora Hyde-Clare, even. I have for some time. Nonetheless, I admit I was more than a little irritated to learn this book would be about Mr. Davies. Please don't misunderstand. I applaud the branching out into other characters' stories. It was, if anything, over-long in coming. I just didn't know that the whole Davies fiction was the path to take. I freely admit that I am sometimes wrong. The story unfolded beautifully.
I am glad the Duke and Duchess of Kesgrave have had their honeymoon. Let's get them back on the case, and please let's find the right girl for poor Nuneaton!
I have very much enjoyed this series. I really enjoyed the way this book ended. I like Flora Hyde-Clare, even. I have for some time. Nonetheless, I admit I was more than a little irritated to learn this book would be about Mr. Davies. Please don't misunderstand. I applaud the branching out into other characters' stories. It was, if anything, over-long in coming. I just didn't know that the whole Davies fiction was the path to take. I freely admit that I am sometimes wrong. The story unfolded beautifully.
I am glad the Duke and Duchess of Kesgrave have had their honeymoon. Let's get them back on the case, and please let's find the right girl for poor Nuneaton!
January 13, 2023
Flora has been my favorite character in this series. I know Bea is the lead in the other books of the series. I adore Bea so very much but she is with her love now. Flora is going to find out who murdered Bea's former Sweetheart. (There is no such man) So she sets out and is seen on her first endeavor of her quest by Mr. Holcroft. Bea does not care for him as his breath on their one dance smelled like kippers. She even smells the undertones of fish.
October 10, 2022
3 stars
I'm actually not sure how to rate this one, as it's Flora who is the narrator of this story rather than Bea. Whilst I do admire Jill Smith's narration by infusing Flora's voice as an intrepid young woman, Lynn Messina stayed with her use of lengthy inner preambles to set up the background which I think is unnecessary since this one is not centred on Bea at all. On top of that, I do have an aversion to the 1st POV.
I find my attention wandering a lot while listening to this one, which is unfortunate as it has all the workings of a very funny comedy of errors starting with Flora trying to investigate Bea's phantom law clerk lover's death but stumbling on a real murder and a nest of dastardly lawyers.
Overall, this was an interesting but not really compulsory read of the series.
I'm actually not sure how to rate this one, as it's Flora who is the narrator of this story rather than Bea. Whilst I do admire Jill Smith's narration by infusing Flora's voice as an intrepid young woman, Lynn Messina stayed with her use of lengthy inner preambles to set up the background which I think is unnecessary since this one is not centred on Bea at all. On top of that, I do have an aversion to the 1st POV.
I find my attention wandering a lot while listening to this one, which is unfortunate as it has all the workings of a very funny comedy of errors starting with Flora trying to investigate Bea's phantom law clerk lover's death but stumbling on a real murder and a nest of dastardly lawyers.
Overall, this was an interesting but not really compulsory read of the series.
June 26, 2022
Let me be honest: Was getting this outta the way so that I can get back to Beeeea!!! But it wound up mildly charming…
Thought it’d be 3-stars but realized I DID like it enough for 4-stars
My Full Review →
Thought it’d be 3-stars but realized I DID like it enough for 4-stars
My Full Review →
September 15, 2022
It was fun to get to know Flora better and see her in her own mystery. She is dreadfully melodramatic but that made this book more fun. It’s an absurd premise for a mystery but it worked.
This is the first one I’ve listened to on audio and the performance was decent. I might try another one on audio.
This is the first one I’ve listened to on audio and the performance was decent. I might try another one on audio.
November 5, 2022
To my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn’t expect to because I never really thought too much of Flora before. To me, she was just Beatrice’s annoying cousin. But I found her to be very funny in many ways.
January 6, 2021
Enjoyable
A story told by Flora this time. Enjoyable storyline, and I liked hearing it told from Flora’s point of view and getting to know her better.
A story told by Flora this time. Enjoyable storyline, and I liked hearing it told from Flora’s point of view and getting to know her better.
October 28, 2020
This was absolutely delightful! If you love the Beatrice Hyde-Clare series, you’ll love this foray into Flora’s first mystery. It strings all the previous books together using Flora’s point of view, while at the same time following Flora’s growth as a young woman. As soon as I realized it was released, I immediately started on it and read all the way through. I giggled repeatedly...it was a wonderful ride!
July 16, 2021
3.5 stars rounded down
Finally, Flora Hyde-Clare has a chance to be the heroine and solve a mystery for her cousin. As Bea is busy learning to be a Duchess, Flora seizes the opportunity to find out who killed her cousin’s former beau, Mr. Theodore Davies. Bea insists, of course, that the law clerk’s death was merely an accident, but Flora knows Bea is hiding something. Davies had surely gotten himself entangled in some nefarious business. She's assisted in her quest for answers by the odious, fish-breathed Mr. Holcroft, who is definitely NOT her suitor. Flora is determined to solve the mystery and be the heroine of her own adventure for a change.
While this story is told with Messina's characteristic trademark humor (I highlighted a LOT of passages), the beginning really dragged. I wasn't into this mystery knowing that Theodore Davies was a figment of Bea's imagination and Flora was going to end up in a heap of trouble for no reason. I also worried she would get someone killed because of her quest. The dead body turns up around 30% in and the story picks up a bit from there. My fears were allayed, however, later in the book. I should have known. I just didn't really care for this adventure though. The villain was rather transparent to me but I can see how the characters would be surprised. Too much of the story is taken up by the confusing Chancery Court. I read Bleak House and remember Jardyce & Jardyce taking years and years to settle. Now I know why. I didn't really care. Bea's investigations take her far more interesting places.
The romance doesn't have the same swoon/smile factor as Bea and Damien. It strongly reminds me of Pride and Prejudice yet Flora can't see she's in the middle of one her favorite novels!
I caught ONE gaping historical error that really took me out of the story. On p. 229 "...if the plastic is so rotted it crumbles like sand." PLASTIC? Plastic won't be invented for nearly 100 years! That's an egregious error. Lynn Messina has been writing in the Regency period for a long time. She should know better. She's usually pretty good. Sometimes there's one or two little things that seem off. Also, she seems to have made up a bunch of Gothic novels/"horrid" novels. I bet Flora would love Catherine Morland Northanger Abbey ). I tried looking up the references and it bothered me when I couldn't find them. I would have preferred references to real books or books I can bring up easily to read.
Flora is too young and silly a heroine for me. She goes off on a harebrained quest without much of a plan and it backfires spectacularly- at least it seems to. Flora has a lot of growing up to do in the course of this novel. She becomes introspective and realizes she has mistreated her cousin, hence her motivation to solve Bea's unsolved mystery. However, she's also motivated by selfish reasons, showing her youth. Mr. Holcroft is soooo much more boring than the Duke of Kesgrave. Holcroft is a very model gentleman. He is a pattern card of propriety and lives his life according to a strict code of honor. In short, he's more boring than Mr. Darcy. At least Darcy rises to the challenge of sparring with Elizabeth but Holcroft doesn't rise to Flora's bait too often, when she even gets out what she's longing to say. They come to a partnership halfway through the book and he becomes staid, in spite of participating in Flora's quest for Mr. Davies. I think he goes along with Flora because a)his sense of honor makes him want to protect her and b)he believes she loves Mr. Davies so she's not out to trap him into marriage. His thoughts are his own, however, so I don't actually know what he's thinking. In fact it takes someone else to reveal his motivation! I prefer a hero with a sense of humor who can laugh with the heroine and laugh at himself.
I quite like Holcroft's cousin, Charles Caruthers. He's brooding over lost opportunity and drinking himself to death-things I don't approve of, but I feel sorry for him because his cousin is such a prosing bore! Stop badgering him, Holcroft! Holcroft is a harbinger of the Victorian moralists to come. He's digging in his heels because his cousin won't leave him alone. Charles needs to WANT to improve his situation and needs to ask for help, not be badgered to death. UGH. Flora, having a brother, knows just how to deal with Charles.
At the center of the investigation is a lawyer, Mr. Brooke. It was for Mr. Brooke whom Davies clerked when he supposedly met Bea. It turns out Brooke really is a villain just as Flora suspected and he will apparently stop at nothing to keep his corruption from being exposed-even murder! So THAT must be what happened to Mr. Davies but how to prove it? While Charles is a disgraced ex-clerk, we also meet two employed clerks,Mr. Altick and Mr. Roberts. I don't quite trust either of them. Mr. Altick seems friendly enough but is quick to deny ever seeing Mr. Davies, therefore Flora thinks he's hiding something. Mr. Altick is young and eager but has been employed by the villainous Brooke for years. Mr. Roberts is older but new to the job. He won't give away any information in on the spot but he may have something to share in a clandestine meeting. FINALLY! A clue to follow! The next clue comes from Mr. Chambers, the wine merchant. He's a suspicious person and prepared to defend himself. Is he telling the truth? Does he really understand what's happening or is the law just too complicated? Finally, the truth will come out with help from Sir Dudley Grimston, Master of the Rolls. Personally, I think he's too indolent to actually do anything and also too busy. I don't think he'll be much help. He's very kind and a little bit spacey but a good friend to Mr. H's father.
I'm glad I read this but am more eager to return to Bea's adventures.
Finally, Flora Hyde-Clare has a chance to be the heroine and solve a mystery for her cousin. As Bea is busy learning to be a Duchess, Flora seizes the opportunity to find out who killed her cousin’s former beau, Mr. Theodore Davies. Bea insists, of course, that the law clerk’s death was merely an accident, but Flora knows Bea is hiding something. Davies had surely gotten himself entangled in some nefarious business. She's assisted in her quest for answers by the odious, fish-breathed Mr. Holcroft, who is definitely NOT her suitor. Flora is determined to solve the mystery and be the heroine of her own adventure for a change.
While this story is told with Messina's characteristic trademark humor (I highlighted a LOT of passages), the beginning really dragged. I wasn't into this mystery knowing that Theodore Davies was a figment of Bea's imagination and Flora was going to end up in a heap of trouble for no reason. I also worried she would get someone killed because of her quest. The dead body turns up around 30% in and the story picks up a bit from there. My fears were allayed, however, later in the book. I should have known. I just didn't really care for this adventure though. The villain was rather transparent to me but I can see how the characters would be surprised. Too much of the story is taken up by the confusing Chancery Court. I read Bleak House and remember Jardyce & Jardyce taking years and years to settle. Now I know why. I didn't really care. Bea's investigations take her far more interesting places.
The romance doesn't have the same swoon/smile factor as Bea and Damien. It strongly reminds me of Pride and Prejudice yet Flora can't see she's in the middle of one her favorite novels!
I caught ONE gaping historical error that really took me out of the story. On p. 229 "...if the plastic is so rotted it crumbles like sand." PLASTIC? Plastic won't be invented for nearly 100 years! That's an egregious error. Lynn Messina has been writing in the Regency period for a long time. She should know better. She's usually pretty good. Sometimes there's one or two little things that seem off. Also, she seems to have made up a bunch of Gothic novels/"horrid" novels. I bet Flora would love Catherine Morland Northanger Abbey ). I tried looking up the references and it bothered me when I couldn't find them. I would have preferred references to real books or books I can bring up easily to read.
Flora is too young and silly a heroine for me. She goes off on a harebrained quest without much of a plan and it backfires spectacularly- at least it seems to. Flora has a lot of growing up to do in the course of this novel. She becomes introspective and realizes she has mistreated her cousin, hence her motivation to solve Bea's unsolved mystery. However, she's also motivated by selfish reasons, showing her youth. Mr. Holcroft is soooo much more boring than the Duke of Kesgrave. Holcroft is a very model gentleman. He is a pattern card of propriety and lives his life according to a strict code of honor. In short, he's more boring than Mr. Darcy. At least Darcy rises to the challenge of sparring with Elizabeth but Holcroft doesn't rise to Flora's bait too often, when she even gets out what she's longing to say. They come to a partnership halfway through the book and he becomes staid, in spite of participating in Flora's quest for Mr. Davies. I think he goes along with Flora because a)his sense of honor makes him want to protect her and b)he believes she loves Mr. Davies so she's not out to trap him into marriage. His thoughts are his own, however, so I don't actually know what he's thinking. In fact it takes someone else to reveal his motivation! I prefer a hero with a sense of humor who can laugh with the heroine and laugh at himself.
I quite like Holcroft's cousin, Charles Caruthers. He's brooding over lost opportunity and drinking himself to death-things I don't approve of, but I feel sorry for him because his cousin is such a prosing bore! Stop badgering him, Holcroft! Holcroft is a harbinger of the Victorian moralists to come. He's digging in his heels because his cousin won't leave him alone. Charles needs to WANT to improve his situation and needs to ask for help, not be badgered to death. UGH. Flora, having a brother, knows just how to deal with Charles.
At the center of the investigation is a lawyer, Mr. Brooke. It was for Mr. Brooke whom Davies clerked when he supposedly met Bea. It turns out Brooke really is a villain just as Flora suspected and he will apparently stop at nothing to keep his corruption from being exposed-even murder! So THAT must be what happened to Mr. Davies but how to prove it? While Charles is a disgraced ex-clerk, we also meet two employed clerks,Mr. Altick and Mr. Roberts. I don't quite trust either of them. Mr. Altick seems friendly enough but is quick to deny ever seeing Mr. Davies, therefore Flora thinks he's hiding something. Mr. Altick is young and eager but has been employed by the villainous Brooke for years. Mr. Roberts is older but new to the job. He won't give away any information in on the spot but he may have something to share in a clandestine meeting. FINALLY! A clue to follow! The next clue comes from Mr. Chambers, the wine merchant. He's a suspicious person and prepared to defend himself. Is he telling the truth? Does he really understand what's happening or is the law just too complicated? Finally, the truth will come out with help from Sir Dudley Grimston, Master of the Rolls. Personally, I think he's too indolent to actually do anything and also too busy. I don't think he'll be much help. He's very kind and a little bit spacey but a good friend to Mr. H's father.
I'm glad I read this but am more eager to return to Bea's adventures.
February 2, 2023
This one was from Flora's perspective. She's considerably more annoying and less intelligent than Bea. However, it was a very cute love story! A little quick but cute. Listened to the audiobook for this one, and the narrator was amazing always!
2023 Update: 2.5 Stars - I forgot how annoying Flora was in this book. I like Flora as a character, but not as a narrator. Every other sentence in her narration is a rhetorical question - it drove me crazy. I still stand by what I said in my original review about the cute love story. And that's partially why I read it (listened to it) again, because I couldn't remember how that all went down. But I'm not sure I'll read it again.
Aside from the love story, the only other thing that I enjoyed about this book was seeing Bea through someone else's eyes. We always only have her perspective, so it was great to get a chance to see her as others do. Unfortunately, neither of these things make up for Flora's endless prattle.
2023 Update: 2.5 Stars - I forgot how annoying Flora was in this book. I like Flora as a character, but not as a narrator. Every other sentence in her narration is a rhetorical question - it drove me crazy. I still stand by what I said in my original review about the cute love story. And that's partially why I read it (listened to it) again, because I couldn't remember how that all went down. But I'm not sure I'll read it again.
Aside from the love story, the only other thing that I enjoyed about this book was seeing Bea through someone else's eyes. We always only have her perspective, so it was great to get a chance to see her as others do. Unfortunately, neither of these things make up for Flora's endless prattle.
August 21, 2024
This is one of those books that I am writing the review for to help me determine the rating. Like the other books in this series this one belabours a lot of the points. Did you know Flora took Bea for granted and treated her like a servant because her parents did? If not you definitely will by the end of the book. Did you not realise yet, having read 6 other books where Bea is described as drab that she is drab? Fear not, this book has you covered because that point is made a fair amount given Bea is hardly in it.
I did like that Flora is similar to her cousin but also... slightly more vapid. It's given her character some depth that was missing even if she does take too many actions based on her parents actions, especially in relation to her drab cousin. It's nice as well to have her realise that she has treated her drab cousin unfairly, based on the actions of others (have I made the point yet), because her internal monologue was quite different to Bea's. Of the two Flora definitely shows more growth in a single book than Bea did over ... honestly, 6.
I like that at the end of this Bea was forced to admit the truth about Davies as that plot point dragged on far too long in the earlier books, and I am interested to see the impact that has on Bea's next entry (which I started reading first because Amazon counted this one as not part of the series... I was VERY confused). The romance between Flora and... her beau is fine. I didn't see any chemistry there if I am honest but it's fine for what it is, because I also didn't see much chemistry between Bea and the duke either.
I've decided this is a 4 star read, it's stronger than some of Bea's stories but isn't the strongest of the series so far. So 4 seems fair.
I did like that Flora is similar to her cousin but also... slightly more vapid. It's given her character some depth that was missing even if she does take too many actions based on her parents actions, especially in relation to her drab cousin. It's nice as well to have her realise that she has treated her drab cousin unfairly, based on the actions of others (have I made the point yet), because her internal monologue was quite different to Bea's. Of the two Flora definitely shows more growth in a single book than Bea did over ... honestly, 6.
I like that at the end of this Bea was forced to admit the truth about Davies as that plot point dragged on far too long in the earlier books, and I am interested to see the impact that has on Bea's next entry (which I started reading first because Amazon counted this one as not part of the series... I was VERY confused). The romance between Flora and... her beau is fine. I didn't see any chemistry there if I am honest but it's fine for what it is, because I also didn't see much chemistry between Bea and the duke either.
I've decided this is a 4 star read, it's stronger than some of Bea's stories but isn't the strongest of the series so far. So 4 seems fair.
July 8, 2021
Finding Justice When a Murder Has Been Ignored
Suitable for teen - adult
>Series - Yes, it's #7 in the series, but I don't think anyone would really need to read the others in order to enjoy the story. The author catches us up on previous situations without ruining the plots of other books. That's refreshing!
>Violence? - Action, but nothing stomach turning or described in detail.
>Language - No memorable strong language, if any at all
>Sex - Nope
>Fun - yes
Plot No Spoilers:
Before this book, all the Beatrice Hyde-Clare mysteries have centered on Bea discovering the crime and with the help of her husband, justice is served. This book's main character is Bea's young cousin, Flora. Bea had previously told her family that they need not keep looking for a man for her to marry because her heart had already been given to another. Then, sadly, that young man was killed in a suspicious carriage accident. Thereafter, meets and marries another.
Flora cannot understand why Bea has not pursued the death of her first love, so determines to solve the case herself. She is entirely unsuited to be an investigator, and were it not for her good fortune in quite providentially running into a young man of her acquaintance, she would have failed miserably. In fact she might have gotten herself killed.
Flora and the young man, to whom she was not initially attracted because of his bad breath, discover the existence of a complex plot among well-known businessmen to rob their clients and friends.
The story is told in a lighthearted way incorporating several instances that should give the reader a good giggle.
Absolutely light reading. Recommended.
Suitable for teen - adult
>Series - Yes, it's #7 in the series, but I don't think anyone would really need to read the others in order to enjoy the story. The author catches us up on previous situations without ruining the plots of other books. That's refreshing!
>Violence? - Action, but nothing stomach turning or described in detail.
>Language - No memorable strong language, if any at all
>Sex - Nope
>Fun - yes
Plot No Spoilers:
Before this book, all the Beatrice Hyde-Clare mysteries have centered on Bea discovering the crime and with the help of her husband, justice is served. This book's main character is Bea's young cousin, Flora. Bea had previously told her family that they need not keep looking for a man for her to marry because her heart had already been given to another. Then, sadly, that young man was killed in a suspicious carriage accident. Thereafter, meets and marries another.
Flora cannot understand why Bea has not pursued the death of her first love, so determines to solve the case herself. She is entirely unsuited to be an investigator, and were it not for her good fortune in quite providentially running into a young man of her acquaintance, she would have failed miserably. In fact she might have gotten herself killed.
Flora and the young man, to whom she was not initially attracted because of his bad breath, discover the existence of a complex plot among well-known businessmen to rob their clients and friends.
The story is told in a lighthearted way incorporating several instances that should give the reader a good giggle.
Absolutely light reading. Recommended.
September 6, 2023
I am ashamed to admit, that I have been procrastinating this read.... I am so much in love with Beatrice and Kesgrave, that I found myself a bit disappointed that this was a Flora-story.
But oh, was I wrong!
Flora adventure was heartwarming, funny and captivating.
As the narrator, Flora was fresh and colourful in her descriptions.
I really liked the fact, that where Bea is practical, wondering and sometimes too brave for her own good - Flora was sometimes a bit distracted by her own thoughts. She is very feminine and fearful when expected of a young lady, yet curious and good-hearted.
Her thoughts surrounding her relationship with Bea through the years, her guilt and her passion for making everything right was so very lovely.
Yet she is never jealous of Bea, and she does not compare herself to her - she sees Bea more as inspiration for her next move - making it a healthy view.
I very much enjoyed her bond with Mr. Holcroft - they suit each other so good and their difference complimenting each other. I look forward to seeing them again.
What a lovely, colourful, entertaining read!
But oh, was I wrong!
Flora adventure was heartwarming, funny and captivating.
As the narrator, Flora was fresh and colourful in her descriptions.
I really liked the fact, that where Bea is practical, wondering and sometimes too brave for her own good - Flora was sometimes a bit distracted by her own thoughts. She is very feminine and fearful when expected of a young lady, yet curious and good-hearted.
Her thoughts surrounding her relationship with Bea through the years, her guilt and her passion for making everything right was so very lovely.
Yet she is never jealous of Bea, and she does not compare herself to her - she sees Bea more as inspiration for her next move - making it a healthy view.
I very much enjoyed her bond with Mr. Holcroft - they suit each other so good and their difference complimenting each other. I look forward to seeing them again.
What a lovely, colourful, entertaining read!
June 2, 2024
Oh wow, I LOVED this. This book is narrated by Bea's cousin Flora who finally has an adventure all by herself - she's going to find who killed Theodore Davis, Bea's completely made up former lover. As she tries to navigate London while having not even the slightest idea how much a carriage ride costs, she's joined by the detestable Mr Holcroft, a man she abhors who danced with her once at a ball and who seems determined to contradict her every thought and move.
The mystery was insane - we all know the victim doesn't even exist - but wow did the author nail the enemies-to-lovers here. I haven't laughed this much in so long. Flora spends the entire book trying to shake off the overbearing, over attentive Mr Holcroft and these two are just chef's kiss if you like this trope (it's my favourite). She also realises just how bad Bea has been treated all these years and I thoroughly enjoyed the ending where Bea and Kesgrave come back and Flora has a surprising (only to her) happily ever after.
I wasn't expecting this book but after having been underwhelmed by the redundancy of the last couple of books in this series, this was a welcome change.
The mystery was insane - we all know the victim doesn't even exist - but wow did the author nail the enemies-to-lovers here. I haven't laughed this much in so long. Flora spends the entire book trying to shake off the overbearing, over attentive Mr Holcroft and these two are just chef's kiss if you like this trope (it's my favourite). She also realises just how bad Bea has been treated all these years and I thoroughly enjoyed the ending where Bea and Kesgrave come back and Flora has a surprising (only to her) happily ever after.
I wasn't expecting this book but after having been underwhelmed by the redundancy of the last couple of books in this series, this was a welcome change.
October 23, 2020
I approached A Boldly Daring Scheme with some trepidation. How could author Messina manage to have Flora investigate the story of Mr. Davies' death (a story that has dogged our normal heroine for the last five books) without cringing mortification to both our heroines. Since I don't tend to like Embarrassment Comedies, I wasn't looking forward to seeing that. I also couldn't imagine how we would have a real mystery in this book.
Thankfully, all is well. While there is a little bit of (deserved) embarrassment for our heroines, the story is a delight; and Flora's voice as a mixture of self aggrandizement and chagrin is fun. We have a new hero in Mr. Holcroft, who (though being only the slightest acquaintance) insists on inserting himself into Flora's investigation. He has many of the same loveable qualities as our darling Duke of Kesgrave without being like the Duke of Kesgrave.
I have just one complaint: there is not nearly enough Nuneaton, my favorite non Beatrice/Kesgrave character of the series. I do hope Messina allows him into the fun in future endeavors.
Thankfully, all is well. While there is a little bit of (deserved) embarrassment for our heroines, the story is a delight; and Flora's voice as a mixture of self aggrandizement and chagrin is fun. We have a new hero in Mr. Holcroft, who (though being only the slightest acquaintance) insists on inserting himself into Flora's investigation. He has many of the same loveable qualities as our darling Duke of Kesgrave without being like the Duke of Kesgrave.
I have just one complaint: there is not nearly enough Nuneaton, my favorite non Beatrice/Kesgrave character of the series. I do hope Messina allows him into the fun in future endeavors.
March 25, 2021
This was good but not great. When I was reading it I was pleasantly entertained, but once I put it down, I felt no real need to pick it up again and see what happens next - which is probably why a pretty short book took me a week to finish. I guess the main thing I kept coming up against was that I missed Bea and Kesgrave. They were really the biggest draw for me in the books, and they only make a small appearance at the end. This is almost entirely Flora with a cast of new characters. Although I will say I thought it was sweet how often Flora tries to think of what Bea would do in a situation, and wills herself to be brave like she imagines Bea must be on her adventures. Considering how Flora and the rest of her family treated Bea at the beginning of the series, it was nice seeing her reflect on that and look up to her now.
If you're a fan of the series, I would definitely still read it. Flora and Holcroft have some funny moments of banter, and it was nice seeing the mystery of Mr. Davies finally being put to rest.
If you're a fan of the series, I would definitely still read it. Flora and Holcroft have some funny moments of banter, and it was nice seeing the mystery of Mr. Davies finally being put to rest.
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December 25, 2023The concept was immediately intriguing since - how does one solve a crime that patently did not happen? Since Flora has historically not been the sharpest knife in the drawer, I was somewhat apprehensive. On the other hand, she has demonstrated a steady improvement from one book to the next. Well... she is not as erudite as Beatrice and certainly more squeamish which contributes to the "against" column. What she is is lucky, though, which proves to be invaluable in the kind of scrapes she hot herself into.
Holcroft the Holy is an adorable character, rather clever, and refreshingly principled. While I would not be incredibly interested in more books with Flora as the protagonist, Holcroft would be a redeeming feature.
Overall, if you are fearful that this would be a minor modification of Bea's books, it truly is not. It does lack the most appealing attributes of the Beatrice Hyde-Clare mysteries: demonstrations of Bea's arcane knowledge, the Duke's and Bea's scintillating dialogue, and their evolving romance.
Holcroft the Holy is an adorable character, rather clever, and refreshingly principled. While I would not be incredibly interested in more books with Flora as the protagonist, Holcroft would be a redeeming feature.
Overall, if you are fearful that this would be a minor modification of Bea's books, it truly is not. It does lack the most appealing attributes of the Beatrice Hyde-Clare mysteries: demonstrations of Bea's arcane knowledge, the Duke's and Bea's scintillating dialogue, and their evolving romance.
August 5, 2021
Utterly Charming.
I am totally in love with the Hyde-Claire mysteries but in this book, Flora has wrestled the narrative and the mystery away from her cousin Bea the usual heroine. Flora’s character has evolved and has come into her own since book one, and the character is utterly delightful. The book is funny and the banter between Flora and Mr. Holcroft, her mystery sleuth companion, is simply fabulous. Flora isn’t Bea, she isn’t a Holmes or a Watson; and she stumbles her way through this book, which I loved. Bea stumbles too in her books but with elegance; Flora doesn’t possess such elegance. I honestly wasn’t set to love this book, as Flora under her mother’s tutelage didn’t really see Bea, but throughout the series she has grown and awoken to be a wonderful character.
I highly recommend this book and series. I read it via kindle unlimited, but also listened via audible and I have to say the narrator is one of the best I have listened to.
I am totally in love with the Hyde-Claire mysteries but in this book, Flora has wrestled the narrative and the mystery away from her cousin Bea the usual heroine. Flora’s character has evolved and has come into her own since book one, and the character is utterly delightful. The book is funny and the banter between Flora and Mr. Holcroft, her mystery sleuth companion, is simply fabulous. Flora isn’t Bea, she isn’t a Holmes or a Watson; and she stumbles her way through this book, which I loved. Bea stumbles too in her books but with elegance; Flora doesn’t possess such elegance. I honestly wasn’t set to love this book, as Flora under her mother’s tutelage didn’t really see Bea, but throughout the series she has grown and awoken to be a wonderful character.
I highly recommend this book and series. I read it via kindle unlimited, but also listened via audible and I have to say the narrator is one of the best I have listened to.
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August 11, 2021Ms Messina shows more brilliance than ever
I've enjoyed all the Beatrice Hyde-Clare books but this one raised my enjoyment even more. Written similarly with the same humor, introspection, cunning mystery, and realness as the previous 6 Bea books but it's an entirely different character, a different -mind- that we're shown here . Flora's mind is seen as younger, less mature, less serious than her cousin at the start we also get to see her grow in all those areas. Her humor is simular to Bea's but is truly her own. Flora's humor is lighter, more irreverent. Her thoughts are more free-flowiing, slipping from her immediate goal more often. She allows in flights of fancy and notices things she'd like to have more often. She is young! It the quality of the writing that shows us her unique character. It is a feat to keep the feeling familiar with the Beatrice books while crafting a whole individual. Enjoyable is a weak understatement.
I've enjoyed all the Beatrice Hyde-Clare books but this one raised my enjoyment even more. Written similarly with the same humor, introspection, cunning mystery, and realness as the previous 6 Bea books but it's an entirely different character, a different -mind- that we're shown here . Flora's mind is seen as younger, less mature, less serious than her cousin at the start we also get to see her grow in all those areas. Her humor is simular to Bea's but is truly her own. Flora's humor is lighter, more irreverent. Her thoughts are more free-flowiing, slipping from her immediate goal more often. She allows in flights of fancy and notices things she'd like to have more often. She is young! It the quality of the writing that shows us her unique character. It is a feat to keep the feeling familiar with the Beatrice books while crafting a whole individual. Enjoyable is a weak understatement.
September 3, 2021
Pleasantly Surprised, after the negative reviews! 4.75🌟
So, I'm the type that reads the summary and the reviews before I buy a book... and the reviews weren't very promising for this one, and I have absolutely loved the series. I'm glad I took a chance on it! It is a bit of a change up with Flora being the main character, and yes she can be a bit annoying at times but I really liked getting to know her better as a character and seeing her grow. This is a series my 14 year old daughter and I have listened to together and she felt the same that it was a great story, kept us engaged and needing to see where the investigation ends up. The narrator is fantastic as always and the voice for Flora both fit her and we didn't find it to be off putting like others said. We are looking forward to more of Bea but wouldn't be opposed to more from Flora too, she is quite fun in a very different... more snobbish way without meaning to.
So, I'm the type that reads the summary and the reviews before I buy a book... and the reviews weren't very promising for this one, and I have absolutely loved the series. I'm glad I took a chance on it! It is a bit of a change up with Flora being the main character, and yes she can be a bit annoying at times but I really liked getting to know her better as a character and seeing her grow. This is a series my 14 year old daughter and I have listened to together and she felt the same that it was a great story, kept us engaged and needing to see where the investigation ends up. The narrator is fantastic as always and the voice for Flora both fit her and we didn't find it to be off putting like others said. We are looking forward to more of Bea but wouldn't be opposed to more from Flora too, she is quite fun in a very different... more snobbish way without meaning to.
October 26, 2020
This was a cute addition to the Hyde-Clare mysteryverse! I really liked Flora, whose penchant for using her expertise of gothic fiction novels to find clues was adorably relatable & whose narration was pert and fresh. I did feel the hero, Holcroft, was a bit of a cookie cutter version of Kesgrave (he’s banal, where Kesgrave is pedantic, and yes there’s a difference between the two but only a very slight one, imo). Still, their banter was very enjoyable...I just wish there was more of it! The mystery plot was pretty interesting, with an cool glimpse into British law during the 1800s, but I would have preferred more witty dialogue and banter between the characters (which is my fave thing about this series) over pages and pages of the heroine’s inner monologue as she made deductions.
Still here for the next one, though!
Still here for the next one, though!
August 19, 2023
Read: April 2023
Reviewed: August 2023
Be warned - this book is very different to the others in the series. It's told from another POV - which might seem strange 7 books in. But it actually great as we see how Flora works and how she deals with the guilt of how she has treated Bea all the years. She reveals a real intelligence and shows the same wonder at being treated as an equal as Bea did at the start.
Holcroft is a great compliment to Flora and I loved how we knew that most of the story was based on a lie, but how easily Flora was able to fit it into the current reality. I find the biggest pity the fact that we only get inside flora's head once, when I think the best part of this series is the growth throughout the books. But I so think it helped grow some sympathy for Flora in future books - so don't give this a skip.
Reviewed: August 2023
Be warned - this book is very different to the others in the series. It's told from another POV - which might seem strange 7 books in. But it actually great as we see how Flora works and how she deals with the guilt of how she has treated Bea all the years. She reveals a real intelligence and shows the same wonder at being treated as an equal as Bea did at the start.
Holcroft is a great compliment to Flora and I loved how we knew that most of the story was based on a lie, but how easily Flora was able to fit it into the current reality. I find the biggest pity the fact that we only get inside flora's head once, when I think the best part of this series is the growth throughout the books. But I so think it helped grow some sympathy for Flora in future books - so don't give this a skip.
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