Diana QuincyBesprekingen

I instantly fell in love with the two main characters right from the start. This was a book that was very hard for me to put down. I have discovered that the romance genre has increasingly had quite the effect on me, and I am here for it! I enjoyed the author’s writing style, as the various plots were easy for me to follow along with. If you are looking for a scandalous romance between two different classes, then look no further.

Very interesting story that would be improved with a little more sophistication in the writing. Narrative transitions tend to be rough and anachronistic language detracts.
“Dare I hope all of this money talk has you nice and wet?”
Yeah……hard NOPE!

I really enjoyed this read. I really loved this book was widow romance and also had a unique lead. It was fun read. I also loved that sisterhood was at the focus of this read. I also really did liked the romance as well. It was a fun read. I also liked how this book had a non-british lead. It was fun read and one that i flew through. I really am excited to read the second book in this series,

I really enjoyed this read. I really loved this book was widow romance and also had a unique lead. It was fun read. I also loved that sisterhood was at the focus of this read. I also really did liked the romance as well. It was a fun read. I also liked how this book had a non-british lead. It was fun read and one that i flew through. I really am excited to read the second book in this series,

Interesting conundrum!

Imagine if you will that you’re ready to finally have control of your Ducal lands only to find out things aren’t as you expected. The entail on Tremayne Castle had been allowed to lapse and the castle left to your stepmother.
Now Anthony Carey, Duke of Strickland can’t believe his stepmother had decided to leave the castle to her niece. Deena had assured him it would revert to him.
Raya Dawish can’t believe she’s been left a castle. She leaves New York with nothing to show for her expert handling of the very successful family business. Her role has not been acknowledged. She’s hurting.
Now the castle’s hers and she’s thinking of ways to make it pay, except it seems she only owns the castle and gardens, not the necessary outhouses or animals! Things have to change.
The Duke of Strickland is angry at what his step mother has done, but the more he sees of Raya the more he is attracted to her.
Then there’s the rumor that Raya might have pushed her aunt Deena to her death! What!?
A quirky tale. The attraction between the two reached its climax early on in the relationship. (I guess you’re allowed to be a little wild if you’re from New York, even in those days.)
Still something rang a jarring note. Was it the quick turn around from bitterness to love? Maybe the intimacy of the relationship felt too rushed. Still the title to the series says it all.
An interesting beginning to the Sirens in Silk series that had a fabulous premise but didn’t quite live up to its promise.

An Avon ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

I received this book for free, this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review

“Her Grace left the castle to a Miss Raya Darwish of New York City.”

The first in the Sirens of Silk series, this opens up with Anthony Carey, Duke of Strickland, learning that after the death of his stepmother, she went against her promise to him and willed his family home to her cousin from America. Anthony originally lost Castle Tremayne when his father let the entailment run out and willed the Castle, but not the lands surrounding it, to his new wife Deena. Anthony wasn't the biggest fan of Deena and even less so when she inherits his childhood home. Deena's death comes two years after his father's and as she fell to her death from exploring ruins on his land, some think Anthony might have pushed her to her death.

She blinked. What was happening? How could such a disagreeable man have this kind of effect on her?

On her way to visit the cousin she has never meet but has conversed with through letters, Raya is shocked not only about Deena's death but that she willed her Castle Tremayne. However, this couldn't come at a better time, after her Baba's death, her and her brother inherited their family business, manufacturing, embroidered linens, and the like, but her brother has recently pushed her out of the business. Raya poured her soul in the business and feels deeply betrayed by her brother and mother, who want her to just settle down and marry and not be involved in the business. With dwindling funds, Raya sees the castle as a lifeline for her and her aunt who is traveling with her. Anthony has some news for her though, the castle is going bankrupt. With Raya's business know-how, she has plans to change up the system and get the castle and estate making money again but she'll need Anthony's cooperation with the surrounding land.

“It is my intention to set things to rights by making you my duchess.”

The Duke Gets Desperate felt a little like when characters are written to fit a trope, enemies-to-lovers, and not a story. These two had dialogue like:
He kissed her neck. “We've lost our minds.”
“Clearly.” She lifted her chin to give him better access.
“I don't even like you.” He nipped her neck.
Pleasure shivered through her. “I detest you.”

Which is typically by-play I really enjoy but I could never feel the emotion behind it; the relationship depth and development was just never there for me. Without feeling the emotion, all the second half sexy scenes stage read like Anthony was Raya's pizza delivery boy. These two do get hot and heavy, with Anthony and then later Raya explicitly vocal for what they want, so if you've been missing that in your historical romance, this has more than one scene for you to enjoy.

“Don't be thick blooded.” Auntie made a moue of distaste. “Nobody likes a girl with a big head.”
“What you mean is that nobody likes a girl who knows her worth.”

I thought the first 30% read more streamlined and put together than the last half, this was 371 pages long and I really felt it in the 40-70%. The big battle between these two was Raya owning the castle and then wanting to implement money making ideas that went against Anthony's Regency old school views; taking money for tours of the castle, gift shop, etc. But Anthony gets on board fairly soon when he sees that it will save his home and when him and Raya get caught in a sort of compromising position by her aunt, Anthony takes the opportunity to get Raya betrothed to him.

She glanced over in his direction and his heart jumped a little.

There's some battling within Raya not feeling she can trust Anthony, some news Anthony kept from her comes to light around 70% but it all felt like shuffling feet around and really slowed the pace. There were some tiny little side-threads, the mystery of who stole Anthony's Anglo-Saxon metal works (Anthony is an amateur archaeologist), truth of what happened to Deena, mention of series baiting friends of Anthony, a railroad tycoon trying to build on Anthony's land, Raya's issues with her brother, and a could be shady town-person character. Little additives that could have enhanced the story but not much was done with some of them and definitely got lost in a page count that needed some editing.

She was home at last.

The ending gave us a Scooby Doo reveal of some of the little mysteries I mentioned and left the last 10% for Anthony to prove to Raya that he really loved her, he does some little actions earlier, like remembering her favorite food and flower, but not much in the ending and the last four pages just have Raya realizing the castle is now in her blood and deciding to stay with Anthony for their HEA. The words were there between these two but I couldn't feel the emotion behind them and missing that depth and development in the relationship, unfortunately had me not satisfied with the romance.

*3.5 stars rounded up*
Ooooh this was fun! Alex, the reclusive Duke of Brandon has been swindled out of his land by a shady neighbor due to a falsely drawn map. His next move, infiltrate the mapmaker’s home as a footman to get proof that the map had been drawn in bad faith. He never expected to be so drawn to the mapmaker’s wife Rose or have to drink used tea leaves, shine shoes, or eat scraps.

I really enjoyed this. Rose our female lead, was so good. Her chemistry with Alex was hot and I liked the way it built organically. It was very believable. Her reactions to the mess that also occurred with her husband touched me so much. It just drove home once again how much women really gave/give up to marriage. I am happy she got her HEA.

The secondary characters were also so fun. I enjoyed the banter between the servants when Alex was still a part of them. I loved Owen and his smart mouth and Dudley made me laugh so much when he became Alex’s valet and gave him marital advice.

Another lovely installment to the series.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.

THE REVIEW
Alexander Worthington, Marquess of Brandon is posing as a footman in the home of London’s preeminent mapmaker to seek revenge for using a fraudulent map to cheat Brandon out of his land. His father is known as the ‘Mad Marquess’ and being half-Arab people thought they were simpletons and that they wouldn’t understand.

Rose Fleming inherited a mapmaking business from her uncle and she continues it with her husband, although she does most do the work. Her husband, Roger, spends all the money and takes all the credit.

When Alex discovers the deception, he decides to go undercover as a footman at their home to find the proof he needs to fix it. What he doesn’t expect us to find Rose and fall in love with her. There are MANY twists and turns to this story, but to address them here would spoil the story immensely!

I really really enjoyed this book and have added the rest of her books, especially, this series to the top of my TBR list! The plot had enough angst to keep me ready, a bit of banter to lighten the mood, characters with depth and a passionate romance!

TROPES
Historical Romance, Shy/Recluse Hero, Mapmaker Heroine, self pleasure, bath steam, merchant class/Blue collar, Bath Steam, Betrayal Trope, Ton Society, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Titled Hero, Artist Heroine, Bluestocking Heroine, Damaged/Tortured Heroine, Experienced Heroine, Orphaned Heroine, Working Heroine, Class Difference, Workplace Romance, Betrayal Trope, Hidden Identity, Revenge Trope, Secret Baby, Five Star, Two Steam

Liked Atlas' innate goodness, like Lilliana's ability to think through problems and just her overall resilience, the mystery was well done.

An interesting plot and I liked the main female character but the Duke didn’t seem to have any personality so I couldn’t see why Leela would choose him. The duke just seemed one dimensional with physical attraction being his main guiding principle.

The characters were memorable, the story original, the backstory unique, and the way everything played out SUPERB! Comeuppance was received, just desserts served, and happily ever afters found. The leading lady (Hanna) was a strong character and while she'd love another to share her life's journey with, she didn't see it in the cards, and that was still okay! Given the times, it wasn't acceptable to the ton, but she was content to do what she felt was her calling and serve the people as opposed to host parties and attend teas. Our leading man (Griff) was strong himself, both physical strength was certainly not all that was needed what with his family history, and all the secrets about the come to light. While his position allowed him to be doted on my the debutantes and their mothers, he wanted something more if he was to partake of it at all. When Griff was faced with Hanna's true nature, he was gobsmacked despite not wanting to be. He had set out on a mission to solve a mystery from his past, and unwittingly discovered his potential future...the same being said for her. As with many love stories, this one had its fair share (and then some!) of obstacles, and many times it didn't look like things would come to an agreeable end, but I have to say the final scenes were well worth waiting for, and no, I won't ruin them for you...you'll have to discover this fabulous pair yourself!

If you're a Historical Romance fan, you won't want to miss this one! It's got all the humor, all the drama, all the suspense, and all the heart you could hope for and then some! You'll laugh as a young dandy is taught a lesson about wasting a lady's time, and when the title of the book comes into play in the story! You'll cry at the outrage of how family can treat family. You'll blush at a few encounters, while still knowing in your heart of hearts that they are meant to be. You'll gasp as certain realizations are reached, hold you breath as things take a sharp turn towards danger, and ponder the eventual outcome of it all while you turn the pages. A great read with a great leading pair that you won't soon forget!


**ecopy provided for review; opinions are my own

Well I accidentally read the Author’s Note and somewhat spoiled the story; I spent most of it trying to figure out if I was right about the mystery (and I was correct as the big reveal at the end showed). I definitely enjoyed the reforming of the rake storyline, but all the secrets that Isabel held were a lot. Also the unholy amount of betrayal happening left and right was a bit much too.

3.5/5 stars!

The hero is investigating property issues and he goes undercover to solve them. He meets the heroine and there is instant connection between them. How will they get their happy ending when there are obstacles along the way?

This is the second Diana Quincy book that I've read. I've been looking forward to reading more about the hero since his character was not prevalent in the previous book of this series. I enjoyed reading more about the hero and how he fell in love. I liked the hero more than the heroine due to a detail that I wasn't partial about. It was also enjoyable to read more of the secondary characters that supported the couple, especially the hero's family. This book may not be my favorite book but it's still enjoyable. Diana Quincy has a distinctive voice and I look forward to reading more of the author's work in the future.

**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.**½

Alex knows his neighbor is trying to steal his land. He pretends to be a footman to be hired at the mapmaker's home so he can discover evidence showing his neighbor's duplicity. Roger Fleming, his master, assigns Alex to be the footman to his wife, Rose, who is the actual mapmaker. Alex tries but he is a terrible footman, but Rose keeps him because he does protect her. When she learns of her husband's duplicity, Alex is there to comfort her. Alex is the Marquess of Brandon and has plans to marry the darling of the ton to avenge his parents' reception from the ton, but Rose is so much the type of woman he wants. When his sister questions him, he has to decide revenge or love.

I loved Rose. She is so feisty. I could totally identify with her as being a fish out of water. Nothing she does is good enough for her husband. When she discovers what he has done, she is livid but adamant that the print shop is hers. She is willing and able to prove it. Alex is right by her side. He will not let her go alone. When she discovers his duplicity, she is disenchanted. She thought they had a good thing going, but he does not trust her with the truth. I felt like I was in her shoes and could feel the same things she was feeling. When she is yelling at someone (or vehemently discussing) I was cheering her on.

I liked Alex. I liked that he could see beyond Rose's sedate front. I liked that he encouraged her to own her mapmaking skills. I liked that he supported her no matter what (though he made errors along the way.) Rose and Alex were made for each other. I am glad he persisted with Rose.

The secondary characters were interesting. Alex's sister, Leela, was fun. His extend family on his mother's side were wild. He had a family member to provide anything Rose wanted or needed. His grandmother was a doll. She loved him but did not agree with him until he brought Rose around. Roger, Rose's husband, was abominable. He deserved what he got. Alex's neighbor also deserved what he got.

The story was good. I sat and read it in one afternoon. I wanted to know what was going to happen with Rose and Alex. I liked that they were able to allow each other to be who they truly were. After a few hiccups, they also got the love they deserved. I look forward to reading more of this series.

1814 and Atlas Catesby and his friend the earl of Charlton are on their way back from Bath to London when stopping at an Inn they witness a man selling off his wife. Ever the gentleman Catesby buys the wife to save her from worse degradation.
Unfortunately for the wife, her husband is found dead. And Endicott, the Bow Street Runner employed to find the murderer suspect her and Catesby. To clear their names he is determined to find the guilty party.
A well-written, romance mystery with characters who seem to have some progressive views for the time period though this didn't distract from the story. I look forward to see how the characters develop in the next book.
A NetGalley Book

1814 has arrived and Atlas Catesby is back from Jamaica. At the request of his friend Lady Roselyn he starts to investigate the death of Gordon Davis, a clerk, who is brother to her maid. Davis' death has been pronounced as an accident.
A well-written, enjoyable mystery with characters that I like.
A NetGalley Book

1815 London. As the theatre crowd are leaving the opera in Covent Garden the Marquess of Vessey's lost term mistress, Mrs Pike, is shot. Twenty-two years previously the wife of Vessey died. Atlas is convinced that his former brother-in-law Vessey killed his wife Phoebe. Phoebe being Atlas's older sister. So he takes the opportunity to investigate hoping to prove Vessey guilty of this murder.
I enjoyed this well-written mystery with its cast of well-developed characters. Hopefully the series will stay more mystery than romance to keep my interest.
A NetGalley Book

4.25/5 stars!

When the hero noticed a piece of jewelry that he knows belonged to his late mother was on the heroine's body, he wanted answers. Injured from war, the hero went to the heroine, a bonesetter, to help with his pain but also feeling attracted to the heroine. The heroine is also attracted to the hero, but knows that their differences in social standing will be dangerous to her reputation. Add along the mysterious murder of the hero's parents, this book deals with a strong couple who is facing obstacles to their happy ending.

I enjoyed reading this Diana Quincy book. This historical romance book can stand alone but for a clear image of some secondary characters in this book, the first book of the Clandestine Affairs series should be read. Focusing on flawed but strong characters, I enjoyed the main couple focused on this book. Both characters showed vulnerability and strength throughout the book, and I found how they faced everything together and individually an entertaining read. There were some distinctive secondary characters that were supportive of the couple and there were some others who I wouldn't mind shaking them to their senses, which also included the hero until a pivotal point of the book. The author's writing style is exclusive and I enjoyed the story's vibe. Lastly, it was interesting to learn more about an occupation that wasn't approved in the medical field during this historical period. Overall, this book is an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more Diana Quincy books in the future.

**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own.**½

I received an ARC of this book to read through Edelweiss+. All opinions are my own. The Viscount Made Me Do It is the second book in Diana Quincy’s delightful Clandestine Affairs series. It can be read as a stand-alone. Hanna Zayden has a calling and an ambition to be the best bonesetter in London, but her family wants her to marry a nice Arab boy, be a wife and mother, and the medical establishment thinks that all bonesetters are quacks and should be run out of business. Thomas Ellis, Viscount Griffin, has spent the last fifteen years under the shadow of his parent's murder. Many believe that he was responsible, even though he was only 15 years old at the time. Searching for clues as to the murderer, Griff sees Hanna in a coffee shop, and she is wearing the necklace that his mother was wearing when she died. Under an alias, Griff uses his injured shoulder and arm as an excuse to get close to Hanna and to find out where she got the necklace from. He is shocked and amazed when she heals the injuries that any number of doctors were unable to treat. When his ruse is revealed, he and Hanna work together to solve the mystery, growing closer to each other but knowing that a relationship between their different stations is impossible. I enjoyed reading this book immensely, with its well-written characters, intriguing mystery, a nasty villain and the perfect balance of angst and steam. Another thing I loved about this book is Griff’s respect for Hanna. He does not offer her carte blanche, which often happens in books where the hero and heroine are from different social classes. Steam Level: Medium. Publishing Date: July 27, 2021
#TheViscountMadeMeDoIt #DianaQuincy #ClandestineAffairs #HistoricalRomance #HistoricalRomanceSeries. #HistoricalRomanceReader #RomanceReader #AvonRomance
#HarperCollinsCanada #MyBookPledge #HCCFrenzy #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #EdelwiessPlus

Atlas Catesby has had a pleasant evening at the opera with Lady Lilliana but it ends viciously when Atlas witnesses the murder of a woman outside Covent Garden. He later determines that the woman was the mistress of his former brother-in-law, Marquess of Vessey, who he blames for his sister's death many years earlier. Atlas is determined to lay the blame for this death at Vessey's feet so that he can re-connect with his nephew, Nicholas. But how can he prove it?

Atlas searches to find all the connections to the victim hoping to find the motive for the murder.

The characters have grown in depth and the backstory of Atlas' sister gives more of an insight to his character as well.

Hoping for more!½

Lady Lillianna asks Atlas Catesby’s help in solving a murder. Her maid’s brother has been poisoned but the death is ruled an accident. As they investigate, they discover that the brother was a gigolo and there are plenty of suspects with secrets to hide, all the while Lilliana and Atlas are falling deeper in love.½

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

She was a widow, bound to no man, finally answerable to no one but herself. It was one night in the middle of nowhere. No one need ever know.

First in the Clandestine Affairs series, Her Night With the Duke introduces us to widowed Delilah (Leela) and almost betrothed Elliot, the Duke of Huntington, as they both take shelter at an Inn. Due to her tawny skin color, the Innkeeper doesn't want to give her a room and the men act less than gentlemanly towards her. With her janbiya, she demonstrates she can take care of herself but Elliot still steps in to offer to share his meal and room with her. As the night goes on, these two can't fight their instant attraction anymore and they both agree to share one night together. However, when true identities get revealed, their one night has dire consequences, in more ways than one.

There was no denying the truth any longer. She felt more than just a physical attraction for the Duke of Huntington.

I am a frequent reader of the Regency sub-genre in romance and I think that hurt my enjoyment of this; characters and lines came off cardboard cut-out and cliche. The beginning conversation between Leela and Elliot felt stilted and with some cheesy lines, I never felt the heat and passion between the two that was supposed to lead to them jumping into the bed right away. Elliot was our Duke who likes strict schedules to prove he is not a wastrel like his late brother and would never want to do anything to cause a scandal; I could never pick him out of a romance genre Regency Duke line-up. Leela was by far the more interesting character. With her English Marquess father marrying an Arab merchant's daughter, she had a more complex background. Leela was raised completely English, her mother didn't want her to acknowledge her Arab side to try and help her fit in better, married at seventeen, and then widowed at twenty-four where she decides to travel in and around Jerusalem to meet her mother's side of the family. While Leela's penchant to use Arabic words and phrases added some much needed character freshness to this sub-genre, I struggled with how it came off forced at times because of how English she was raised and how little time she spent with her mother's family. Leela talks about her travel and we get one scene with her mother's family but I still felt like the fabric of the connection to her Arabic side was missing.

“Some men enjoy flirting with danger.”

The angst in the story comes from Leela and Elliot discovering after their one night together that Leela's step-daughter Tori is who Elliot was planning on becoming betrothed to. Since I didn't feel the lust or heat between them in the beginning, I had trouble feeling the angst and struggle for them to keep apart. Without feeling the emotion between the two, this fell pretty flat for me. Leela and Tori had a good relationship but Tori's stuttered pauses whenever Elliot was in the scene made them drag and Leela's step-son character, from an attempted rapist super-villain to oh was just jealous calmly talking and working together made the character so uneven. Elliot's friend Griff does sound intriguing with society murmuring that he could have killed his parents, some tortured hero angst there.

“Following the rules certainly hasn’t proven satisfactory. Maybe everything in life cannot be tied up into a neat little package.”

This read closer to an Avon Impulse as Leela and Elliot's interactions take place more in the bedroom than anywhere else. About halfway through, Elliot makes a plea for Leela and him to be together but she refuses and the betrothal happens. Even at midway, this felt like a betrayal to the message of how strong the emotion between Leela and Elliot was supposed to be. However, at around 70% our couple gets together and then it feels like the ending was dragged out with some compulsory emotional obstacles that if they'd just sat and had a conversation could have been resolved.

I wish we could have gotten scenes with Leela's brother Alexander (he shows up once), along with more scenes with her dragoman Hashem to explore those emotional connections. Unfortunately, the romance fell flat for me in this, I found myself wanting to read more about Leela on her travels in Arabia. I missed the emotional fabric of why the characters thought and acted like they did, they felt like paper dolls moving from point A to point B. As I mentioned though, new readers to this sub-genre could have a different experience and Leela was an admirable heroine.

The second installment in D.M. Quincy's Atlas Catesby series, Murder in Bloomsbury is a beguiling historical mystery.

Atlas Catesby has not been home long from his latest travels when he unexpectedly teams up with Lady Roslyn Lilliana Sterling Warwick to investigate the death of Gordon Davis, the brother of Lilliana’s maid, Tacy. Gordon died from an overdose of arsenic and his death has been ruled accidental. However, there are enough inconsistencies surrounding his death that Atlas agrees there is chance foul play might be involved, so he and Lilliana begin their investigation.

Atlas quickly discovers that Gordon had no shortage of enemies. He was incredibly good looking and he was well liked by the ladies. He definitely had aspirations of rising above his lower class status and he had no trouble turning the heads of aristocratic young women. Atlas also learns that Davis lost more than a few positions over his improper relationships. He also hears a rumor about Gordon's ongoing romance with a married woman whom he supposedly truly loved. He and Lilliana quickly determine that Gordon was an indiscriminate lover who did not care if he ruined the young ladies' reputations and he was quick to use blackmail to line his pockets.

In between the investigation, Atlas tries to keep his distance from Lilliana due to their complicated history together. He holds her in the highest esteem so he wants nothing but the best for her and her two young sons. Atlas is dismayed by the news that she is being courted by the Marquess of Roxbury but he also knows the Marquess can offer her everything she deserves in life. But will Lilliana agree with Atlas's assessment?

Murder in Bloomsbury is a fast-paced mystery with a charming cast of characters. Atlas is quite clever and his penchant for solving puzzles serves him well as he tries to unearth the truth about Gordon's death. Lilliana is a strong and independent woman who knows her own mind and does not hesitate to go after what she wants. D.M. Quincy brings the setting and time period vividly to life. An absolutely delightful addition to the Atlas Catesby series that will leave readers eagerly awaiting Atlas and Lilliana's next adventure.

With a cast of eclectic characters, an intriguing murder and a wonderful setting, Murder in Mayfair, the first release in D.M. Quincy's Atlas Catesby series, is a marvelous mystery set in 1814 England.

Atlas Catesby's zest for adventure usually keeps him far from home, but he has been sidelined for months while waiting for an injury to heal. When he and his good friend, the Earl of Charlton Gabriel Young stop for a meal, Atlas chivalrously steps in to rescue Lilliana Warwick when her odious husband Godfrey sells her at a public auction. He then takes her to his sister Thea Palmer's home and they begin to brainstorm how to permanently reunite Lilliana with her two young sons, Peter and Robin. Godfrey continues to be a thorn in her side as he attempts to force her to return to their country home. After Atlas discovers Godfrey's corpse, he becomes Bow Street runner Ambrose Endicott's prime suspect when the death is ruled a homicide. Uncertain whether Endicott is pursuing the case with enough vigor, Catesby turns amateur sleuth in order to unmask the killer.

Atlas is quite intelligent with a penchant for solving puzzles. He is growing increasingly restless as his recovery takes much longer than he originally anticipated. He is rather forward thinking for the time period as he eschews many of society's rules and champions women's rights. Atlas is unable to leave behind his guilt from a long ago tragedy and he cannot resist stepping in when he witnesses a damsel in distress.

Lilliana is a bit mysterious as she reveals as little as possible about herself to her new acquaintances. She is fiercely devoted to her sons and she will do anything to maintain contact with them. Despite her untenable marriage, Lilliana is a strong, resilient woman who refuses to let fear prevent her confronting her vile husband when she needs to.

During his investigation into Godfrey's murder, Atlas discovers there are many people who have good reason to kill the despicable man. Topping the list is the mysterious man who was recently involved in a physical altercation with Godrey not long before the murder. But with only a vague description of a man wearing distinctive ring, Atlas's efforts to locate him are quickly stalled. Another clue leads Atlas to a local tailor with a secret to keep but would he kill Godfrey in order to silence him? Atlas also discovers that Godfrey recently had a falling out with his only friend but is this a motive for murder?

Murder in Mayfair is an enthralling mystery with a fascinating storyline and an interesting cast of characters. The slow build up to Godfrey's murder provides D.M. Quincy with ample opportunity to develop the various characters and the storyline. Atlas's investigation reveals a vast pool of suspects who have viable motives for murder, but which one of them is the killer? The novel hurtles to an absolutely stunning conclusion as Atlas finally uncovers the jaw-dropping truth about Godfrey's murderer. A wonderful beginning to the Atlas Catesby series that is sure to delight fans of historical mysteries.

Murder at the Opera: An Atlas Catesby Mystery is the 3rd in an excellent series. I think this is my favorite with all the excitement and action. There are so many who could have motives for murder that the reader is kept guessing. Well crafted story and characters. I hope to read many more books by this author.