The Confounding Case of the Carisbrook Emeralds by Stephanie Laurens - 3.5 stars

[Theresa]

A parure of heirloom though extremely ugly emeralds goes missing and Lady Carisbrook takes the opportunity to rid herself of the too vivaciously beautiful Italian niece, Cara, whom her husband added to the household when she was orphaned. Fortunately Inspector Stokes along with Barnaby and Penelope Adair, the ton couple who assist Scotland Yard with ton cases, is on the job and manages to solve the theft and a subsequent murder in the same household all while helping Cara to her HEA. It's also a rather fascinating study of Regency marriages, romances, and family relationships.

I actually give this 3.5 stars. It's very enjoyable bringing together a number of familiar characters from other of Laurens' books but it can be read as a standalone quite easily. This one is part of Laurens' Casebook of Barnaby Adair series that are far more about detecting and mystery/murder than they are romance. In fact, these are not steamy at all, bearing a closer relationship to the Lady Osbaldestone Christmas series than to many of her other series. Speaking of Lady O, she makes a short but very important appearance early on.