Lynn Messina Libri

Having solved the two murders that somehow fell in her path, Beatrice Hyde-Clare is on the lookout for a third. Through a absurd quirk of stupid fate, the shy spinster has fallen in love with the thoroughly unattainable Duke of Kesgrave and is desperate for something, anything, to occupy her mind. A dead body would do nicely. Fortunately for her, a fellow guest from a Lake District house party appears on her doorstep with exactly that: the lover of his fiancée's mother expired after a wretchedly painful episode just that morning in an apparent poisoning. As unorthodox as it is, he would like Bea to investigate rather than calling the authorities. Bea begins her inquiry into Mr. Wilson's death at once and almost immediately finds herself in the company of Kesgrave, who is as determined as ever to assist her. 'Twas patently unfair, for the whole point of the investigation was to get away from the handsome lord. Now Bea is faced with the daunting challenge of exposing the villain without revealing her heart. A Regency Cozy.

As much as Beatrice Hyde-Clare relished the challenge of figuring out who murdered a fellow guest during a house party in the Lake District, she certainly does not consider herself an amateur investigator. So when a London dandy falls dead at her feet in the entryway of a London Daily Gazette, she feels no compulsion to investigate. It was a newspaper office, after all, and reporters are already on the case as are the authorities. She has her own problems to deal with anyway-such as extricating herself from a seemingly harmless little fib that has somehow grown in into a ridiculously large fiction. Truly, she has no interest at all. Except the dagger that killed the poor earl seemed disconcertingly familiar... And so Bea is off to the British Museum because she cannot rest until she confirms her suspicion, while trying to allay her family's concerns and comprehend the Duke of Kesgrave's compulsion. For the handsome lord has no reason to waste his time solving a mystery alongside a shy spinster. And yet he turns up everywhere she goes.

Set in a world of intrigue and mystery, the story follows Verity Lark, a skilled investigator grappling with her own dark past. As she delves into a series of complex deceptions, Verity must navigate a web of lies that threatens to unravel her life and the lives of those she cares about. Themes of trust, betrayal, and the quest for truth intertwine as she confronts both external challenges and her inner demons, leading to a gripping climax that tests her resolve and ingenuity.

The story unfolds with Beatrice, Duchess of Kesgrave, who is excited yet apprehensive about meeting her husband's newly discovered illegitimate half-sister. The unexpected setting of the encounter—inside the keeper's house at Newgate—adds an element of tension and intrigue, hinting at the complexities of family dynamics and societal expectations. The narrative explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the challenges of navigating unexpected relationships.

Exploring themes of nostalgia and the impact of history, the narrative delves into how the past influences the present. Characters grapple with memories and relationships, revealing the complexities of their emotional landscapes. The story intricately weaves personal and collective histories, showcasing how unresolved issues can shape identities and futures. Through vivid imagery and rich storytelling, it invites readers to reflect on their own connections to the past and the beauty and pain it can bring.

Verity Lark finds herself in a whirlwind of chaos and excitement. As she navigates through a series of unexpected events, her resourcefulness and determination are put to the test. The story promises a blend of humor and drama, showcasing Verity's unique personality as she faces challenges that push her to her limits. With engaging characters and a lively plot, this tale captures the essence of adventure and self-discovery.

Verity Lark possesses an extraordinary ability to know everything, which sets her apart in a world filled with secrets and lies. As she navigates complex relationships and societal expectations, her gift becomes both a blessing and a curse. The story delves into themes of truth, deception, and the weight of knowledge, exploring how Verity's insights impact her life and those around her. Through her journey, readers are invited to question the nature of truth and the consequences of knowing too much.

Twenty-six-year-old Beatrice Hyde-Clare is far too shy to investigate the suspicious death of a fellow guest in the Lake District. A spinster who lives on the sufferance of her relatives, she would certainly not presume to search the rooms of her host's son and his friend looking for evidence. Reared in the twin virtues of deference and docility, she would absolutely never think to question the imperious Duke of Kesgrave about anything, let alone how he chose to represent the incident to the local constable. And yet when she stumbles upon the bludgeoned corpse of poor Mr. Otley in the deserted library of the Skeffingtons' country house, that's exactly what she does.