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Beau Brummell #3
The Bloodied Cravat
While attending the Duchess of York's birthday celebration, London's arbiter of fashion Beau Brummell is called upon to solve a mystery when one of the guests is murdered with one of the duchess's hair ornaments.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
5 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Rosemary Stevens
16 books33 followersLibrarian 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 19, 2009
A superior example of the historical mystery. Ms Stevens does an excellent job of evoking the milieu, and with an investigator as charming as Beau Brummel, it's easy to see how the mystery could be resolved the way it plays out in the book. It just makes me sad, then, to know the ultimate fate of Brummel, after Ms Stevens has done such a wonderful job making him a character worthy of esteem. Great book!
July 20, 2014
It is the height of London’s Society season in 1806 and George “Beau” Brummell has gone to Oatlands, the country home of Frederica, the Duchess of York, for a weekend party celebrating her birthday. Unfortunately, he is having some difficulty maintaining his usual sartorial splendor as the esteemed Robinson and Beau’s luggage are long overdue.
As it turns out, Robinson has been held up by a highwayman and all of Beau’s belongings have been stolen except his gift for Freddie, which Robinson protected at risk of life, limb and dignity. Among the missing items is Beau’s scrapbook which contains a letter written to him by Freddie in a moment of weakness, a letter which, if exposed, could cause a Royal scandal and lead to Beau’s disgrace. At all costs, Beau must find the letter, and that means he must unmask the highwayman.
In the meantime, Freddie’s other guests have arrived, including a few of questionable quality. There are some thefts and Freddie receives the first blackmail threat. Feeling betrayed by Beau, she becomes noticeably cool towards him and begins to show favor to those who would be pleased to see him lose his high place in Society.
The Bloodied Cravat ebookA guest who has managed to antagonize nearly everyone is murdered during the house party. Freddie calls in John Lavender of Bow Street, a dour Scot with a low opinion of Society in general and George Brummell in particular, largely because of his earlier attentions to Lavender’s lovely daughter, Lydia. Beau knows that Lavender would like nothing better than to prove him guilty of the murder, propelling him into his own attempt to solve the murder as well as find the letter. Above all, Beau needs to win back the Duchess’s affection and trust.
Agatha award-winning and national bestselling author Rosemary Stevens brings the reader into the heart of Regency life, ranging from high society to the criminal world of Seven Dials, with both pathos and humor. The Siamese cat Chakkri, “otherwise known as Master and Supreme Ruler of the Brummell Household”, continues to be Robinson’s nemesis while Beau contends with more bodies, blackmail threats, spying and the malevolent gazes of Lavender and Freddie’s companion, Ulga. Red herrings abound to keep the reader guessing and Beau’s pain and confusion are evident as his feelings for both Freddie and Lydia become more apparent in this third entry in the Beau Brummell series. Ms. Stevens has created another winner and readers will clamor for more.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, May 2002.
As it turns out, Robinson has been held up by a highwayman and all of Beau’s belongings have been stolen except his gift for Freddie, which Robinson protected at risk of life, limb and dignity. Among the missing items is Beau’s scrapbook which contains a letter written to him by Freddie in a moment of weakness, a letter which, if exposed, could cause a Royal scandal and lead to Beau’s disgrace. At all costs, Beau must find the letter, and that means he must unmask the highwayman.
In the meantime, Freddie’s other guests have arrived, including a few of questionable quality. There are some thefts and Freddie receives the first blackmail threat. Feeling betrayed by Beau, she becomes noticeably cool towards him and begins to show favor to those who would be pleased to see him lose his high place in Society.
The Bloodied Cravat ebookA guest who has managed to antagonize nearly everyone is murdered during the house party. Freddie calls in John Lavender of Bow Street, a dour Scot with a low opinion of Society in general and George Brummell in particular, largely because of his earlier attentions to Lavender’s lovely daughter, Lydia. Beau knows that Lavender would like nothing better than to prove him guilty of the murder, propelling him into his own attempt to solve the murder as well as find the letter. Above all, Beau needs to win back the Duchess’s affection and trust.
Agatha award-winning and national bestselling author Rosemary Stevens brings the reader into the heart of Regency life, ranging from high society to the criminal world of Seven Dials, with both pathos and humor. The Siamese cat Chakkri, “otherwise known as Master and Supreme Ruler of the Brummell Household”, continues to be Robinson’s nemesis while Beau contends with more bodies, blackmail threats, spying and the malevolent gazes of Lavender and Freddie’s companion, Ulga. Red herrings abound to keep the reader guessing and Beau’s pain and confusion are evident as his feelings for both Freddie and Lydia become more apparent in this third entry in the Beau Brummell series. Ms. Stevens has created another winner and readers will clamor for more.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, May 2002.
October 7, 2008
I had been waiting to read this book since the summer, but I never got around to it until now. Overall, I would say it was worth the wait. Brummell is visiting his dear friend Frederica, the Duchess of York, when someone steals one of his prize possessions: a scrapbook, which happens to contain a damaging letter. Written in a fit of emotion, the letter reveals Frederica's tender feelings for Brummell. Since she is married to another and a member of the royal family, the Duchess cannot afford the scandal that would result if this letter fell into the wrong hands. Of course, the letter does fall into the wrong hands. The Marquess of Kendrick reveals that he has the document and that he plans to blackmail Frederica and Brummell. The plot thickens when Kendrick's body turns up in the Duchess's pet cemetery, and the letter goes missing. In order to protect his closest friend, Brummell must find out who murdered Kendrick and where the letter is. This plot is interesting enough, even if it does resort to a bit of romantic novel style melodrama. In the end, Brummell finds that his once close relationship with Frederica has suffered an incredible strain which may not be easily repaired. Thankfully, Lydia Lavender is there to comfort him. Or give him a set down. Whichever he deserves. Her scenes with Brummell provide just the spice that the series needs. Hopefully we will see more developments along those lines.
March 5, 2017
This is a fun series of mysteries. With some history and artistic license along with the great writing of the author, I will be picking up the next in the series, immediately.
*Mini spoiler???*
I particularly love the descriptions of the period clothing and find it funny that Beau Brummel has yet to figure out that his cat, Chakkri has been dropping hints of who the murderer(s) could be with his odd cries, the way he poses himself, and items he has pushed from tabletops. I suspect he will catch on soon...
*Mini spoiler???*
I particularly love the descriptions of the period clothing and find it funny that Beau Brummel has yet to figure out that his cat, Chakkri has been dropping hints of who the murderer(s) could be with his odd cries, the way he poses himself, and items he has pushed from tabletops. I suspect he will catch on soon...
September 1, 2014
Book 3 of the Brummell Mysteries heats up
Things get tense after a holdup on the way to Freddie the Duchess of York's estate. A letter from Freddie to Brummell is in the satchel taken and blackmail and murder follows. The Beau must use all his wits to figure out the tangle and avoid Newgate Prison and the noose himself. The series just gets better and better.
Things get tense after a holdup on the way to Freddie the Duchess of York's estate. A letter from Freddie to Brummell is in the satchel taken and blackmail and murder follows. The Beau must use all his wits to figure out the tangle and avoid Newgate Prison and the noose himself. The series just gets better and better.
December 5, 2025
A True Gem 💎
This novel is a true gem, especially for fans of light-hearted murder-mysteries. Rosemary Stevens exhibits a deep understanding of the Regency period, accurately capturing its nuances. Her use of real historical figures in the narrative is a highlight. The author's writing style is engaging, and the characters are well developed. I have developed a strong affection for the protagonist's loyal manservant and endearing cat. Beau's inner dialogue is humorous and entertaining. Overall, this is a delightful and engaging read. Once again, I was captivated by Beau's escapades and the charming cast of characters surrounding him. The author's ability to craft vivid, believable characters is impressive, with the exception, of course, of those who meet a tragic end. I am eager to begin the fourth installment.
This novel is a true gem, especially for fans of light-hearted murder-mysteries. Rosemary Stevens exhibits a deep understanding of the Regency period, accurately capturing its nuances. Her use of real historical figures in the narrative is a highlight. The author's writing style is engaging, and the characters are well developed. I have developed a strong affection for the protagonist's loyal manservant and endearing cat. Beau's inner dialogue is humorous and entertaining. Overall, this is a delightful and engaging read. Once again, I was captivated by Beau's escapades and the charming cast of characters surrounding him. The author's ability to craft vivid, believable characters is impressive, with the exception, of course, of those who meet a tragic end. I am eager to begin the fourth installment.
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May 12, 2021Unfortunately, I cannot give this novel any stars at all. It is terrible. Nothing happens. It isn't until halfway through the book that someone finally gets murdered and then the solution to the case is utterly anti-climatic, it's laughable. I read this book in its entirety, hoping that it would pick up and be an actual mystery. It was not. It wasn't even mostly about navigating the rigid Regency society. It was....well...highly disappointing. I wanted to read something entertaining and instead I was on the verge of tossing it in the donate pile the entire time. 0/10. Do not recommend.
February 1, 2022
This has been the best book in the series, so far. I am understanding the character Beau's reaction to things and think better of him, as I get to know him in the story. The plot is easily followed and the supporting characters interact with the Beau Brummel character in interesting ways. I enjoyed this story very much and highly recommend this book.
October 10, 2022
That’s right, I'm pulling the trigger on a five-star review. The latest entry in this series was flat-out fantastic and I don't even feel like I'm grading on a "well it's good for what it is" curve anymore. I am fully invested and I loved it! The only question now is whether to read the fourth and final book in this series or the Beau Brummell biography I have coming next.
January 15, 2018
This was a great book. An exciting mystery with a fascinating historical hero. There are few books I've read more than once, but the Bloodied Cravat as well as the rest of the Beau Brummell series are stories I've added to my bookshelf and love to read over and over again.
May 12, 2017
Great dialogue and characterization. I wish there'd been less focus on his feelings for a married woman.
February 3, 2020
boring.
December 19, 2016
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.
March 17, 2015
The cat still bugs me with the whole magic clue thing, but since the magic clue is never how the case gets cracked it doesn't ruin the book just annoys me. In this entry, a letter of Beau's is stolen and is being used as blackmail against he and Freddie, the Duchess of York. Bodies start dropping and the letter prevents Beau from doing everything he could to avoid suspicion. Interesting twist in the killer.
February 29, 2016
A delightful little book about Beau Brummel (George) and the "society of the ton". Humorous remarks and interestingly penned, Rosemary Stevens correctly portraits Regency England. Doubtful that the real Beau Brummel solved murder mysteries, but it was entertaining.
April 26, 2010
I am really enjoying this one! It is totally my kind of book- mystery, romance, intrigue, historical... can't wait to get a long stretch of time to completely indulge in it!
August 9, 2011
4.5 stars
October 28, 2013
The arbiter of fashion attends the Duchess of York's birthday party. But when a guest is murdered-with one of the Duchess' hairpins-Beau must clear her name and find the culprit.
April 9, 2015
Shocked by the big killer reveal.
May 8, 2015
I've read the first 3 books back to back, and this one is no better or worse than the others. Bland, but not so much that I won't read the last one in the series.
August 3, 2016
A quick and entertaining read albeit with an unlikely hero doing the sleuthing.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews