A mystery with a lot of twists and turns, sorrows and joys. ( )

Book 2 of the Rosalind Thorne Series. Excellent mystery with Rosalind Thorne an excellent investigator of the inner high society, murder mystery. ( )

In the second book in this Regency cozy mystery series, Rosalind's reporter friend Alice introduces Rosalind to Mrs. Seymore who requires help in trying to prevent her husband from pursuing a criminal conversation case against a beloved actor. Unfortunately, shortly after they meet, the actor is found murdered and Rosalind once again finds herself trying to untangle the many threads within the Seymore family and beyond to determine who may have committed the crime.

While not quite as sparkling as the first entry in this series, I was still really satisfied with the mystery. The historical details continue to be strong and the mystery is well-crafted with minimal coincidences moving the investigation forward. Of course, there's an inevitable love triangle although the time period adds some interesting elements as considerations of class are a major factor with both men. Rosalind continues to be an excellent heroine although I was disappointed that Mrs. Kendricks, her housekeeper appeared so little in this entry as I enjoyed the chapters from her perspective in the previous book. Suffers a bit from sophomore wobble but an enjoyable mystery nonetheless. Recommended if you liked the first book. ( )

A very enjoyable mystery with a hint of romance in the vein of Jane Austen. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the book. ( )

A Purely Private Matter is the second book in the Rosalind Thorne series, the first coming out last year. The story is set in Regency London. Rosalind is a young gentlewoman who has come down in the world. Her family used to be part of upper-class society (the haut ton) until her father fell into gambling troubles and turned to embezzlement. Knowing she can no longer marry the man she loves, Devon Winterbourne, who has now become Duke of Casselmain, she tries to become a useful woman by helping women in society with their problems. Her good friend and reporter, Alice, who has also come down in the world, introduces Mrs. Seymore to Rosalind. Mrs. Seymore's husband, who is second in line to the Marquis of Weyland, wants to bring suit against Fletcher Cavendish and Mrs. Seymore for adultery. Mrs. Seymore claims that Cavendish, a famous actor, is only a good friend and wants Rosalind's help to prove it. Matters become complicated when Cavendish is found murdered, and Mrs. Seymore lies to the Bow Street runners.

Last year, I received the first book as an advanced copy from NetGalley and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. When I saw the second book was coming out, I immediately pre-ordered it. Ms. Wilde also writes romances, so there is a thread of romance in this book as Rosalind is still attracted to Devon Winterbourne, but also finds herself thinking about Adam Harkness, the Bow Street runner she assisted in the first book. I find myself a little frustrated with the romance aspect of the book, as I have made my choice for Rosalind, and I wish Rosalind would make hers. Personally, I find I have little patience for romantic triangles in the middle of a good murder mystery, but that's just me.

I found the writing to be excellent and the editing likewise. There were several historical explanations thrown in, but they added to my enjoyment of the book. The book seems to be well-researched and historically accurate.

The clues all there and presented in the flow of the story, but were not blatant. One could have reasoned out the murderer, and I believed I had but was surprised at the end. The plot was suspenseful, but not overly so, but I thought the story moved along nicely. The author does a good job of letting us get to know the protagonist and her motivations.

In both the first book and this second, the author has set up the plot so there are unfinished story lines with regard to both Rosalind's romantic situation and her family situation. Then, she makes you care enough about the character to make you want to read the next book. I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy historical mysteries with a touch of romance. ( )