Lady Violet Goes for a Gallop

The Lady Violet Mysteries #6

by Grace Burrowes

Lady Violet has decided that life in noisy, crowded, busy London is simply not her cup of tea. Her search for a rural property to purchase must be set aside when she learns that Hugh St. Sevier has been accused of murder. Worse, the handsome physician is doing nothing to aid those trying to exonerate him.

Though it requires out-smarting the magistrate, enlisting the aid of Sebastian, Marquess of Dunkeld, and literally poking around in the undergrowth, Violet is determined to prove her friend’s innocence–with or without St. Sevier’s cooperation. Solving the crime also means Violet must face a few of her own demons, and find peace with a past that has proven even more vexatious than this most challenging mystery!

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Historical Romance, Fiction

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2021

About the author

Grace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.

It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.

While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")

Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)

To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.

Reviews

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my giddy aunt! Violet’s life just keeps getting more amd more complicated. St. Sevier is in trouble and needs must. Violet to the rescue. The situation is perilous. Of course Sebastian turns up. And then Violet’s father the Earlof Derwent turned up trumps and we’re all softening towards him. Mischief, mayhem and something even more dire unfolds.

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The through plot is predictable in the appropriate way, with pleasing elaborations. Once again, the mystery is unusual. The resolutions to these stories gratify me no end. Plus, nerd that I am, I really appreciated the bits on English law and aspects of period life that aren't addressed in the more routine romance novels set then.

Seriously, I do love the period details. There is much I still don't understand about how swapping out teams on coach trips works, for example. Or dowries, which appear to be a bribe for taking the bride but also are somehow to be held for the widow's use and/or her children's? Arcane stuff that rarely makes sense to me out of the context of story, regardless of how much I enjoy any particular work of nonfiction on such topics.

Library copy

[carolintallahassee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannot understand the liberal input of historical books, that are meant to entertain, yet are full of modern day thought? Why let criminals go free? Woke in historical context, really? Why are authors inserting their liberal politics into a historical context? It has been turning me off for several years now, and I refuse to pay any more of my hard-earned money for a woman who is not a Lady, as Lady Violet is not, she is a 21st feminist. I will not recommend politically motivated books that should be entertaining not irritating. Thank you.
carolintallahassee

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

CW: discussion of past infidelity, loss of a spouse, and miscarriages

I absolutely devoured the six books currently in this series, which follow Lady Violet Belmaine as she emerges from mourning after her late and not-so-lamented husband's death. As she returns to society, she finds herself confronted with various mysteries and can't help getting involved. All six are relatively light mysteries: they're short, nothing really bad ever happens, and most conclude with a meeting of some sort where everyone talks out their differences and decides what to do now that the mystery has been solved and the guilty party or parties have been identified. Violet is a well-rounded character, and it's fun to watch her grow. Her sidekicks are also quite fun: Sebastian MacHeath and Hugh St. Sevier are gorgeous, have delightful personalities, and are completely infatuated with Violet because this is still Grace Burrowes. Despite the men both being interested in Violet, there is refreshingly little male rivalry.

In this novel, St. Sevier find himself accused of murdering a local woman (even though there's no body), and Violet and Sebastian rush to his rescue. Land use rights, agriculture, the English legal system, and English treatment of the French after the Napoleonic wars all make for interesting plot points. I really enjoyed these asides, but folks looking for more pure mystery might find them a little bit plodding. Books four and five focused on St. Sevier quite a bit, and I was thrilled to see Sebastian take center stage in this one. Like the fifth book, this one features female friendship more than the earlier books. Having Violet develop more friendships as she becomes more comfortable with her new role in life feels natural, and I'm happy to see more female characters.

Finally, a couple of thoughts for those who have read this one: I thought Burrowes did a great job of explaining why Violet didn't realize she was pregnant until much of the way through this book, but it's been so obvious since book five that I was ready to scream. Also, after enduring five books of getting hints that Sebastian and Violet are meant to be, it was lovely to see them finally get together. I'm excited to see more of these characters in the future!

[Shobhana Stoyanov · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 for the series overall: The books are well-written enough that I wanted to keep reading. I like many of the characters. Now for my quibbles: did they really use the word “bide” so much? I was so annoyed by that word and also pulchritude. The author used it multiple times in a single chapter!!
Also, I find Lady Violet kind of humorless, but that is sort of explained by her backstory. The romance is a bit slow and the mysteries a bit light so the story falls between two stools. On the whole, somewhat engrossing and rather well-written.

[Bdrake · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far there are only six Lady Violet books and I fervently hope there will be more. I just finished the sixth one and they were all a wonderful read. Ms Burrowes created a superb cast of characters and some compelling mysteries with more than one romance threaded throughout. Lady Violet Goes for a Gallop ties up a myriad of loose ends yet there is room for this series to go on. I hope!
Enjoy Lady Violet!

[Lulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Oh, delightful. We were to enjoy a bout of polite sniping. I mentally nocked my arrow and let fly. “So you are capable of competent investigation when it suits your purposes. How very encouraging. I assume Pamela filled your ear with all the delectable details?”

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not so much an ending!

Well, the main plot about who, if anyone, Lady Violet will marry, is solved. But so much more is up in the air! I definitely want more books, and to find out what happens next.

[Nancy Haddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't get enough

Another wow read! Violet, Sebastian, Hugh, Ann with a new mystery and more twists. I love Violet's passion to protect and see justice done, and the setting with the cultural information was well-woven into the plot. A lovely book!

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story. Interesting history of the English justice system.

[Jill Fetch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Violet Strikes Again

I love this series. The plots are intriguing and the characters are so real that they become your friends... or your enemies. In this book, Lady Violet is asked by her ex-lover's wife for help. What could have been an extremely awkward situation is not as they are both fighting on the same side for justice. The plot has many twists and turns and will keep you guessing until revealing the surprise ending. I love that Violet and her father make peace. I love that Dunkeld arrives on the scene to support and love Violet unconditionally. I highly recommend this book but I think it's better to read the series in order than start with this one so as to truly appreciate the changing relationships.

[Anne Egger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugh and Violet are no longer together, I won't tell you why, in case you want to read the books. Hugh has been accused of murder, but there is no body. Violet and Sebastian come to aid Hugh. I don't want to give anything away, but it is a plot line I've never seen before. There are complications, which I again I don't want to get into but Violet and Sebastian are able to have a happily ever after, but it is a little messy, but there are both mature enough to handle it. I really enjoyed this series, I recommend it.

[Kimberley Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Enjoyable

A very good addition to the series. A good mystery and bringing together hints made in the previous book. It was good to read Violet coming to not only an acceptance of the change in her relationship with Hugh but to be working towards a friendly result for all. Also happy to see the deepening of her relationship with Sebastian, and even Derwent (did not see that one coming). A very enjoyable read.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sad that this is the last (so far) but I have enjoyed the series and Grace Burrowes intends to write more. The mystery was a good one. It was also a bit more serious. It is not a cliff-hanger but it does have a linger quality to it. Get writing Grace! I love how much I learn from her books. There's law and agricultural history galore in this one. Until next time, Lady Violet.

[Kashelia B. Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed

This was a great series that finished in about ten days. I hope that there will be more to this series. I want to know if Violet has her baby, if she's happy and how the relationship between the four continues. Please don't wait too long before publishing the next few in this series.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this historical, mystery, romance series. It pulls no punches on how the poor and women were treated.

Lady Violet gallops to the rescue of her former lover, a French doctor. who is being railroaded for the murder or then kidnapping (since the body disappeared) of a young lady.

[MELISSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am racing through this series as I am so enjoying Lady Violet and Sebastian. This was quite the mystery and Ms. Burrowes had me gnashing my teeth at injustice and entitled, arrogant people. Naturally, Lady Violet, her Papa and Sebastian put it all together. No spoilers, here. Once again, I sigh happily and look forward tomorrow to book 7, "Lady Violet Pays a Call."

[Mary Helen Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting story with a twist.

Ms. Violet is called to save St. Sevier from a murder charge. The characters are well thought out and realistic. The story gives us a murder to solve with a surprise ending. I can't tell you it and spoil your enjoyment of trying to figure things out. This was a delightful book and I eagerly await the next one.

[mrs marigold v weithley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I enjoyed the whole series by book six I got really tired of the heroine saying she needed more time to decide whether she remarried or not. Hopefully if there is another book she will be married to the marques before the baby appears.

[Stephen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant addition to the series

This is another brilliantly crafted story that is a great addition to the series. This is a plot that is full of mystery and emotional interludes. All the characters are incredibly crafted.

[Pj Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly

This book was exactly what was needed to finish one part of a series. I very much want to continue with these new friends. Such a treat to become friends with new adventures.

[Shirley kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy ending

Very inter book. Good description of how I understand the economic status was during that period on the common People . Lady Violet,Ann, & Huge were all excellently described through dialogue.

[Danielle Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

fairly clean series

For those interested, although the author in this series briefly touches on bedroom scenes, they are not overly explicit. I find them unnecessary to a story, but others probably prefer them. I do skip the details. I don't remember this book 6 having any bedroom scenes..

I did skip the"violet goes for a frolic" book in the series, as I gathered from reviews it would not be to my liking. More of violet and Hugh sleeping together and one review spoke of orgy type situations. So anyway I skipped it.

This one does see her and Sebastian's relationship unfolding. I enjoyed it.

Nope for plot quality. I feel the mysteries seem very convoluted. This one is extremely so. Really, it seemed way too many people were involved in the crime. Why would anyone involved so many people when only a few would suffice.

But then there were added crimes from others. Everyone was doing something illegal. I won't say more about the mystery part, but there really are no red herrings for us too try too figure out what is realty going on in my opinion. It just is a jumble of lies and then obvious things are ignored by violet. Why didn't they investigate the cottage further??? Why didn't they figure out what the footmen were carrying with them on horseback at odd times? Obvious things ignored.

Anyway the book did keep me pretty engrossed but I think it is more enjoyable to read mysteries when the reader is given more clues. And the crime(s) are a bit more realistic.

I'm onto the next book.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best mystery of the series so far. It was also refreshing to see four adult characters who handled a tricky social and emotional situation in a mature way. These characters are a little too progressive for their time but for a fun, brain candy read, it works well.

I also really appreciated the evolving relationship between Violet and her father. To a modern reader, he's made a lot of missteps in her life, but the writing makes it clear that it's from a place of sincere love and growing respect, which feels very real to my lived parenting experience.

All-in-all, to this point, this is a fun historical mystery series with likeable characters. Recommended to light mystery fans.

[A.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers for previous books.

Hugh has found his wife and gone back to the estate he has left for … I want to say a while. He immediately upsets the local gentry by refusing to fence his common land and forest. In a time of failing crops and limited income he knows the local people can hunt or forage on his land. And he does not object to that; damned Frenchie…

So when he is charged with the murder of a missing local woman, nobody steps up to defend him, except Lady Violet.

This one felt … I don’t know; I am not sure the mystery worked. A little far fetched for me.

3 stars

So far this year, my library saved me A$1214.63

[Janshea (Tobborah C.) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Violet has so much melancholy I was turned off from what was going on. The story moved slowly and it took forever for me to care this time. But after some surprises and the story picked up and I finally found fun in Violet, Sebastian, and Hugh. The end was surprising to me and all in all it was a satisfactory entry in this series.

[Deb Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Series!

I love a good mystery, and I love everything Grace Burrowes writes. Lady Violet and her swains are marvelously complex characters. Lady Violet's brothers, father and sisters-in-laws are fun supporting characters. The little puzzles are interesting and intricate, especially in this book. A joy to read!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

That Hugh remains silent even when so close to being sent off for trial & to be hanged made no sense. And not at all honourable. Dying for criminals he barely knows and who chose the crime for greed this leaving his wife, daughter and unborn child equals stupid not honourable. I really like Lucy and Violet& Lucy's unconventional relationship

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I love the Lady Violet series! The characters are wonderful and the mysteries keep the reader hooked. However I am still voting for Sebastian no matter what plot twists occur. This series reminds me of another series that I love by Anna Lee Huber. Both are great!

[Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

Done

I paid way too much for this series. The first one was so good it seemed a good idea to go ahead and buy the rest of the series.Mistake