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Wrexford & Sloane #3
Murder at Kensington Palace
Wrexford and Sloane must unravel secrets within secrets—including a few that entangle their own hearts—when they reunite to solve a string of shocking murders that have horrified Regency London...
Though Charlotte Sloane’s secret identity as the controversial satirical cartoonist A.J. Quill is safe with the Earl of Wrexford, she’s ill prepared for the rippling effects sharing the truth about her background has cast over their relationship. She thought a bit of space might improve the situation. But when her cousin is murdered and his twin brother is accused of the gruesome crime, Charlotte immediately turns to Wrexford for help in proving the young man’s innocence. Though she finds the brooding scientist just as enigmatic and intense as ever, their partnership is now marked by an unfamiliar tension that seems to complicate every encounter.
Despite this newfound complexity, Wrexford and Charlotte are determined to track down the real killer. Their investigation leads them on a dangerous chase through Mayfair’s glittering ballrooms and opulent drawing rooms, where gossip and rumors swirl to confuse the facts. Was her cousin murdered over a romantic rivalry . . . or staggering gambling debts? Or could the motive be far darker and involve the clandestine scientific society that claimed both brothers as members? The more Charlotte and Wrexford try to unknot the truth, the more tangled it becomes. But they must solve the case soon, before the killer’s madness seizes another victim...
Though Charlotte Sloane’s secret identity as the controversial satirical cartoonist A.J. Quill is safe with the Earl of Wrexford, she’s ill prepared for the rippling effects sharing the truth about her background has cast over their relationship. She thought a bit of space might improve the situation. But when her cousin is murdered and his twin brother is accused of the gruesome crime, Charlotte immediately turns to Wrexford for help in proving the young man’s innocence. Though she finds the brooding scientist just as enigmatic and intense as ever, their partnership is now marked by an unfamiliar tension that seems to complicate every encounter.
Despite this newfound complexity, Wrexford and Charlotte are determined to track down the real killer. Their investigation leads them on a dangerous chase through Mayfair’s glittering ballrooms and opulent drawing rooms, where gossip and rumors swirl to confuse the facts. Was her cousin murdered over a romantic rivalry . . . or staggering gambling debts? Or could the motive be far darker and involve the clandestine scientific society that claimed both brothers as members? The more Charlotte and Wrexford try to unknot the truth, the more tangled it becomes. But they must solve the case soon, before the killer’s madness seizes another victim...
359 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2019
About the author
Andrea Penrose
19 books1,735 followersAndrea Penrose is the USA Today bestselling author of Regency-era historical fiction, including the acclaimed Wrexford & Sloane mystery series, as well as Regency romances written under the names Cara Elliott and Andrea Pickens. Published internationally in ten languages, she is a three-time RITA Award finalist and the recipient of numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery and two Gold Leaf Awards.
A graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Art and an M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Andrea fell in love with Regency England after reading Pride and Prejudice and has maintained a fascination with the era’s swirling silks and radical new ideas throughout her writing career. She lives in Connecticut and blogs with a community of historical fiction authors at WordWenches.com. She also can be found at AndreaPenrose.com and on Instagram @AndreaPenroseBooks.
A graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Art and an M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Andrea fell in love with Regency England after reading Pride and Prejudice and has maintained a fascination with the era’s swirling silks and radical new ideas throughout her writing career. She lives in Connecticut and blogs with a community of historical fiction authors at WordWenches.com. She also can be found at AndreaPenrose.com and on Instagram @AndreaPenroseBooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 669 reviews
September 4, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
“That the victim was from the highest circle of Society could soon have the investigators caught up in a vortex of secrets and lies. Beneath their gilded smiles and polished manners, the wealthy hid a multitude of sins”.
The atmospheric backdrop of Regency England, the rigid and uncompromising social structures of the period, themes of greed and revenge, the illuminating invention of electricity, and a well planned act of punishment all combine in this story of a sinister murder at Kensington Palace. Add to that the blossoming relationship of Wexford and Sloane and we have a compelling, action pact and suspenseful novel by Andrea Penrose. A believable historical fiction novelist.
So why the 3.5 stars? Whilst really enjoyable, it felt ‘safe’. Whilst an easy read and one to take on holiday because not much concentration is required, it lacked the edge of your seat thrill I love in crime / thrillers. And finally, although set in Regency England, I didn’t feel transported there with its cobbled streets and horse drawn carriages.
Rounded up though because it is a great story, there is little to be critical about overall but there are some things I wanted more off. The expectations and prejudices in society during this period felt real and intricately nuanced in the story and the characters I do love. Wexford brooding and Sloane a strong widowed woman who has enough compassion to support two young orphaned boys. The rest of the side characters brought a range of traits and therefore intrigue. Many corrupt but sophisticated and possessing the requisite social graces and polished etiquette of the ‘noble’ class and many able to hide behind their fashionable and expensive attire, while harbouring dirty secrets of their own.
The book is intense, satisfying and interesting as an HF crime / thriller. I just wanted a bit more flesh, substance, and depth in places.
Summary of the plot to come.
“That the victim was from the highest circle of Society could soon have the investigators caught up in a vortex of secrets and lies. Beneath their gilded smiles and polished manners, the wealthy hid a multitude of sins”.
The atmospheric backdrop of Regency England, the rigid and uncompromising social structures of the period, themes of greed and revenge, the illuminating invention of electricity, and a well planned act of punishment all combine in this story of a sinister murder at Kensington Palace. Add to that the blossoming relationship of Wexford and Sloane and we have a compelling, action pact and suspenseful novel by Andrea Penrose. A believable historical fiction novelist.
So why the 3.5 stars? Whilst really enjoyable, it felt ‘safe’. Whilst an easy read and one to take on holiday because not much concentration is required, it lacked the edge of your seat thrill I love in crime / thrillers. And finally, although set in Regency England, I didn’t feel transported there with its cobbled streets and horse drawn carriages.
Rounded up though because it is a great story, there is little to be critical about overall but there are some things I wanted more off. The expectations and prejudices in society during this period felt real and intricately nuanced in the story and the characters I do love. Wexford brooding and Sloane a strong widowed woman who has enough compassion to support two young orphaned boys. The rest of the side characters brought a range of traits and therefore intrigue. Many corrupt but sophisticated and possessing the requisite social graces and polished etiquette of the ‘noble’ class and many able to hide behind their fashionable and expensive attire, while harbouring dirty secrets of their own.
The book is intense, satisfying and interesting as an HF crime / thriller. I just wanted a bit more flesh, substance, and depth in places.
Summary of the plot to come.
September 12, 2019
A thoroughly satisfying read on in so many ways, MURDER AT KENSINGTON PALACE by Andrea Penrose is a well-plotted mystery that takes place during the Regency period. It is filled with unconventional Regency characters crafted so well it is easy to picture them as you read and compels you to care about their success. These characters are complex, with a deep commitment to seeing justice done and caring for those people who become part of their world.
The plot is complex and well constructed, pulling the reader through the book at a good pace and beckoning them to pick the book up and read “just one more chapter” regardless of other tasks at hand. It is well paced and builds to a thoroughly satisfying conclusion with just the right amount of ending tension.
This is the third book in the Wrexford and Slone mystery series, and my first read. The characters are so well drawn I had no problem understanding the relationships between Slone and Wrexford as well as the secondary characters in the book. The secondary characters, including the two young boys Slone has taken in as wards and the unconventional gentlemen Wrexford calls on to help solve the mystery add wonderful color and depth to the story.
While I was able to reason out the murderer prior to the denouement, this in no way lessened my enjoyment of the book. Instead, it was intriguing to pursue reading to verify my suspicions as well as helping to pull me through as I could anticipate the hurdles both Slone and Wrexford were bound to encounter on their way to the solution.
The book alternates between Slone’s point of view and that of Wrexford. The author uses this as a way of increasing tension and helping pull the reader through the book at an even pace. These changes occur at well-placed intervals that serve to leave the reader wanting more with one character while at the same time being intrigued by what is happening with the other.
I did find the prologue a little hard to follow and was initially concerned it’s (to me) slowness would be continued in the book itself. This was not the case and the prologue did serve to introduce some key characters and happenings. Once the book began in earnest, it moved at an excellent pace and engaged me all the way through.
My thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for providing me an advanced digital read copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. It is an excellent choice for anyone who likes mysteries and a bonus if the reader likes the Regency period.
The plot is complex and well constructed, pulling the reader through the book at a good pace and beckoning them to pick the book up and read “just one more chapter” regardless of other tasks at hand. It is well paced and builds to a thoroughly satisfying conclusion with just the right amount of ending tension.
This is the third book in the Wrexford and Slone mystery series, and my first read. The characters are so well drawn I had no problem understanding the relationships between Slone and Wrexford as well as the secondary characters in the book. The secondary characters, including the two young boys Slone has taken in as wards and the unconventional gentlemen Wrexford calls on to help solve the mystery add wonderful color and depth to the story.
While I was able to reason out the murderer prior to the denouement, this in no way lessened my enjoyment of the book. Instead, it was intriguing to pursue reading to verify my suspicions as well as helping to pull me through as I could anticipate the hurdles both Slone and Wrexford were bound to encounter on their way to the solution.
The book alternates between Slone’s point of view and that of Wrexford. The author uses this as a way of increasing tension and helping pull the reader through the book at an even pace. These changes occur at well-placed intervals that serve to leave the reader wanting more with one character while at the same time being intrigued by what is happening with the other.
I did find the prologue a little hard to follow and was initially concerned it’s (to me) slowness would be continued in the book itself. This was not the case and the prologue did serve to introduce some key characters and happenings. Once the book began in earnest, it moved at an excellent pace and engaged me all the way through.
My thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for providing me an advanced digital read copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. It is an excellent choice for anyone who likes mysteries and a bonus if the reader likes the Regency period.
September 19, 2019
This is the third in Andrea Penrose's Wrexford and Sloane Regency mystery series. It's not necessary to have read the first two to enjoy this one, because Penrose gives enough catch-up information that you'll understand the characters' arc well enough. That said, it's not a bad idea to read the first two. They are interesting and at the moment are even on sale.
Our two main characters/sleuths are (1) widow Charlotte Sloane, who makes her living as anonymous cartoonist and political satirist A.J. Quill and (2) the Earl of Wrexford, peer of the aristocracy and amateur scientist. Charlotte's topical illustrations are extremely popular with the public and can even sway public opinion at times. And Charlotte has a secret. Although living a lower socioeconomic life, she is actually Lady Charlotte, a member of the peerage who was disowned by her family when, at seventeen, she ran off to Italy with her drawing instructor, whom she married.
Now back in London, Charlotte lives a quiet life with two young street orphans she has taken under her wing, named Hawk and Raven. She and the boys know their way perfectly around the seedier streets of London, the boys, of course, because they grew up there. Charlotte herself will at times dress up as a street urchin named Phoenix when she needs the freedom to move around the streets that is not afforded to women in general.
One of my favorite things about this series is those two street boys and their lovely interactions and relationship with Charlotte, and also with Lord Wrexford. Another favorite thing for me is Penrose's knowledge of the Regency period and her excellent use of this in the various mysteries and their development.
This third installment deals with one of the scientific innovations of the times: That of electricity and the recent (1802) invention by Alexander Volta of the voltaic pile, an early battery to generate electricity through chemistry. Is this new scientific invention being used improperly by certain individuals? It is looking that way.
When Charlotte's cousin and dear childhood friend Cedric, Lord Chittenden, is found brutally murdered and his twin brother Nicholas is suspected of the crime, it's up to Charlotte to prove the innocence of the one remaining twin, also dear to her. Wrexford, of course, is on hand to aid and abet her, as usual, and their investigations take them from the prison where Nicholas is being held to the streets of London, seedy and affluent, to the halls of science, to the Eos Society, whose upper-class members indulge in various scientific discussions and experimentation.
Is there something not quite aboveboard about the Eos Society? And what is the explanation for the burns that were found on Cedric's body during his autopsy? They intrigue Wrexford, the amateur chemist, and he has his thoughts about what may be going on. So this all must be investigated, with lots of possible suspects, lots of red herrings, and even a bit of a Perils of Pauline happening at the end (with a very competent "Pauline"). All in all, it was an enjoyable read for me.
I've enjoyed Penrose's writing for years. I began reading her Regency romances written under the pen name Andrea Pickens almost two decades ago and now am enjoying these Regency mysteries perhaps even more. She's a skillful author and makes her stories very readable. Her characters are well drawn, the dialogue is intelligent, and the plots are clever and well paced.
If you are a romance lover, there's a hint of that developing between Sloane and Wrexford, but if you do not enjoy romance with your mysteries, this is low-key enough that it will not annoy you, I believe.
Our two main characters/sleuths are (1) widow Charlotte Sloane, who makes her living as anonymous cartoonist and political satirist A.J. Quill and (2) the Earl of Wrexford, peer of the aristocracy and amateur scientist. Charlotte's topical illustrations are extremely popular with the public and can even sway public opinion at times. And Charlotte has a secret. Although living a lower socioeconomic life, she is actually Lady Charlotte, a member of the peerage who was disowned by her family when, at seventeen, she ran off to Italy with her drawing instructor, whom she married.
Now back in London, Charlotte lives a quiet life with two young street orphans she has taken under her wing, named Hawk and Raven. She and the boys know their way perfectly around the seedier streets of London, the boys, of course, because they grew up there. Charlotte herself will at times dress up as a street urchin named Phoenix when she needs the freedom to move around the streets that is not afforded to women in general.
One of my favorite things about this series is those two street boys and their lovely interactions and relationship with Charlotte, and also with Lord Wrexford. Another favorite thing for me is Penrose's knowledge of the Regency period and her excellent use of this in the various mysteries and their development.
This third installment deals with one of the scientific innovations of the times: That of electricity and the recent (1802) invention by Alexander Volta of the voltaic pile, an early battery to generate electricity through chemistry. Is this new scientific invention being used improperly by certain individuals? It is looking that way.
When Charlotte's cousin and dear childhood friend Cedric, Lord Chittenden, is found brutally murdered and his twin brother Nicholas is suspected of the crime, it's up to Charlotte to prove the innocence of the one remaining twin, also dear to her. Wrexford, of course, is on hand to aid and abet her, as usual, and their investigations take them from the prison where Nicholas is being held to the streets of London, seedy and affluent, to the halls of science, to the Eos Society, whose upper-class members indulge in various scientific discussions and experimentation.
Is there something not quite aboveboard about the Eos Society? And what is the explanation for the burns that were found on Cedric's body during his autopsy? They intrigue Wrexford, the amateur chemist, and he has his thoughts about what may be going on. So this all must be investigated, with lots of possible suspects, lots of red herrings, and even a bit of a Perils of Pauline happening at the end (with a very competent "Pauline"). All in all, it was an enjoyable read for me.
I've enjoyed Penrose's writing for years. I began reading her Regency romances written under the pen name Andrea Pickens almost two decades ago and now am enjoying these Regency mysteries perhaps even more. She's a skillful author and makes her stories very readable. Her characters are well drawn, the dialogue is intelligent, and the plots are clever and well paced.
If you are a romance lover, there's a hint of that developing between Sloane and Wrexford, but if you do not enjoy romance with your mysteries, this is low-key enough that it will not annoy you, I believe.
September 21, 2019
I'm loving this series more and more with each new book.
This one has a very intricate mystery. So much research must go into these books. I find myself writing down things and looking them up when I'm finished a reading session. I've learned so much from the stories.
All our favorite characters are back. Raven and Hawk are growing up and into little gentlemen. They're starting to develop individual characters rather than just being two street urchins.
Charlotte and Wrexford's relationship is progressing just as I thought it would. Charlotte's life takes a different turn and I do wonder how long it will take for people to realise she's AJ Quill and if she'll continue with this persona.
There are a couple of new characters in this book. I love Lady Peake. I think she'll be a great addition and I'm hoping
As usual I had an idea who the murderer was and as usual I was wrong. I like this. I hate it when I can guess too early on who's done the deed.
The prose and picturesque writing is always a joy to me. If you enjoy 'cosyish' mysteries set in the Regency period then you'll love this series.
This one has a very intricate mystery. So much research must go into these books. I find myself writing down things and looking them up when I'm finished a reading session. I've learned so much from the stories.
All our favorite characters are back. Raven and Hawk are growing up and into little gentlemen. They're starting to develop individual characters rather than just being two street urchins.
Charlotte and Wrexford's relationship is progressing just as I thought it would. Charlotte's life takes a different turn and I do wonder how long it will take for people to realise she's AJ Quill and if she'll continue with this persona.
There are a couple of new characters in this book. I love Lady Peake. I think she'll be a great addition and I'm hoping
As usual I had an idea who the murderer was and as usual I was wrong. I like this. I hate it when I can guess too early on who's done the deed.
The prose and picturesque writing is always a joy to me. If you enjoy 'cosyish' mysteries set in the Regency period then you'll love this series.
December 1, 2020
We finally get Wrex and Charlotte to admit (or something similar...LOL) their feeling for each other! Yeah!!! Obviously, because of their characters, they're not sure what the other thinks and are unsure about what the other feels, so nothing is definitely solved, but I have hope! LOL
Also Charlotte's story and the how and why she became who's she now!
Here she must re-enter the world she left, but without disclosing that she's the (in)favmous AJ Quill!
I loved how the author made that work and how the mystery unravelled!
It's really good that the author is able to make you feel inside the story and give you deatils of what was happening in that period. It was not imposed to you, but I felt like I was inside the story and was living in that era!
I feel that I need to stop reading this series now because I'm afraid of overloading, but I will defintely come back to it! :)
Also Charlotte's story and the how and why she became who's she now!
Here she must re-enter the world she left, but without disclosing that she's the (in)favmous AJ Quill!
I loved how the author made that work and how the mystery unravelled!
It's really good that the author is able to make you feel inside the story and give you deatils of what was happening in that period. It was not imposed to you, but I felt like I was inside the story and was living in that era!
I feel that I need to stop reading this series now because I'm afraid of overloading, but I will defintely come back to it! :)
November 13, 2019
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars.
In Murder at Kensington Palace, the third book in Andrea Penrose’s Wrexford and Sloane series, the author once again sets an intriguing, well-conceived mystery against the backdrop of the scientific discovery and innovation taking place during the Regency era while also continuing to explore the shifting relationship between Mrs. Charlotte Sloane (aka satirist A.J. Quill) and the darkly sardonic Earl of Wrexford. As the pair work together to clear the name of a young man accused of murdering his twin brother, Charlotte is forced to face the prospect of discarding her carefully guarded anonymity, while the Earl, a man who has always prided himself on his logical mind, finds himself in an unusual position of frustration and uncertainty.
Charlotte is working on her latest project when she hears that the murderer nicknamed the ‘Bloody Butcher’ has struck again, this time killing a young aristocrat whose body was found that morning in the gardens of Kensington Palace. When one of her young wards explains that the victim had been in attendance at a scientific gathering hosted by the Duke of Sussex the previous evening, Charlotte immediately wonders if Wrexford had been there and if he might know something about it. But she feels strangely awkward about asking the Earl for information; in fact, she hasn’t seen him for a couple of weeks, since their investigation into another murder (Murder at Half Moon Gate) almost cost Wrexford his life and led to their expressing certain … sentiments that perhaps neither of them were ready to bring out into the open.
When Wrexford arrives some time later, it’s with news that will quickly distract Charlotte from any ponderings over the nature of her feelings for him. The murder victim was Cedric, Lord Chittenden, a young man from the North of England who had only recently come into his title; and his twin brother, Nicholas, has been arrested for the crime on account of their having been overheard having a disagreement at some point during the course of the previous evening. Charlotte is adamant in her belief that the wrong man has been accused and that Nicholas could never have harmed his brother – but she won’t explain further or tell Wrexford what makes her so sure.
Like Charlotte, Wrexford is reluctant to look too closely at the things they said to each other in the heat of the moment, but her apparent lack of trust in him causes him to wonder if Charlotte may be having regrets and is now trying to put distance between them. Not wanting her to retreat further, Wrexford decides not to push for information, instead deciding to wait until she’s ready to tell him what she needs to. She has already revealed something of her past to him – she’s the daughter of an earl who, chafing at the restrictions and expectations constantly placed upon her, ran away with her drawing master and whose family subsequently disowned her. Charlotte knows Wrexford can be trusted, but even so, is struggling to reconcile her need to remain independent and her need for help to prove Nicholas innocent. Realising she can’t afford to hold back any longer, she tells Wrexford the truth – that Cedric and Nicholas are her cousins and that the three of them were childhood playmates.
Feeling as though they’re back on more of an even keel, Charlotte and Wrexford start to ask questions, Charlotte seeking information from the network of informants from whom she collects the gossip making the rounds on the London streets, and Wrexford in the scientific circles in which Chittenden and his brother moved since coming to London. His own standing in the scientific community naturally opens doors, and his enquiries reveal a worrisome picture of Chittenden as a young man possessed of an almost fanatical desire to push scientific boundaries and prepared to go to extreme lengths in order to do so. He also discovers that Chittenden had a rival for the affections of a certain young lady, and that he was owed a large sum of money by a man who seemed to be having trouble paying his gambling debts… could his murder have been motivated by love? Or money? Or are there darker, more clandestine forces at work?
Andrea Penrose has found a rather unique hook for this series in the way she incorporates an aspect of the Regency era that readers of novels set during that time don’t often come across; namely the fervour for scientific knowledge and advancement that was prevalent at the time. Many of the characters featured in Murder at Kensington Palace are specifically interested in the experiments of Luigi Galvani and Giovanni Aldini, who had explored the possibility that electricity could be used to reanimate the dead – a concept made famous by Mary Shelley in Frankenstein (1817).
Through all of this is woven the continuing development of the relationship between Charlotte and Wrexford, both of whom are gradually acknowledging (to themselves) that they feel something more than friendship for each other, but are reluctant to take that first step towards becoming more. Their feelings for one another are made clear through their thoughts and actions, although I have to say that I’d have liked things to have become a little more concrete by this stage. Still, there are positive developments in this book that make me think that’s not far off now.
The novel boasts a colourful secondary cast, including Charlotte’s two wards, Hawk and Raven (aka the Weasels) her housekeeper, McLellan, who is as much bodyguard as she is servant, Wrexford’s friend Kit Sheffield and his valet/assistant, Tyler; and they’re joined by the formidable Dowager Marquess of Peake, Charlotte’s aunt, a wonderfully forthright and shrewd lady I hope we’ll meet again in future books.
While the mystery in Murder at Kensington Palace is wrapped up by the end and the book could be read as a standalone, I’d recommend that anyone interested in trying this series should start at the beginning with Murder on Black Swan Lane in order to get the full picture of the relationship between the two principals. Wrexford and Sloane make a great team, personally as well as investigatively, and I’m looking forward to the next instalment in the series.
In Murder at Kensington Palace, the third book in Andrea Penrose’s Wrexford and Sloane series, the author once again sets an intriguing, well-conceived mystery against the backdrop of the scientific discovery and innovation taking place during the Regency era while also continuing to explore the shifting relationship between Mrs. Charlotte Sloane (aka satirist A.J. Quill) and the darkly sardonic Earl of Wrexford. As the pair work together to clear the name of a young man accused of murdering his twin brother, Charlotte is forced to face the prospect of discarding her carefully guarded anonymity, while the Earl, a man who has always prided himself on his logical mind, finds himself in an unusual position of frustration and uncertainty.
Charlotte is working on her latest project when she hears that the murderer nicknamed the ‘Bloody Butcher’ has struck again, this time killing a young aristocrat whose body was found that morning in the gardens of Kensington Palace. When one of her young wards explains that the victim had been in attendance at a scientific gathering hosted by the Duke of Sussex the previous evening, Charlotte immediately wonders if Wrexford had been there and if he might know something about it. But she feels strangely awkward about asking the Earl for information; in fact, she hasn’t seen him for a couple of weeks, since their investigation into another murder (Murder at Half Moon Gate) almost cost Wrexford his life and led to their expressing certain … sentiments that perhaps neither of them were ready to bring out into the open.
“What a pair we are,” she muttered. “Prickly, guarded, afraid of making ourselves vulnerable.”
When Wrexford arrives some time later, it’s with news that will quickly distract Charlotte from any ponderings over the nature of her feelings for him. The murder victim was Cedric, Lord Chittenden, a young man from the North of England who had only recently come into his title; and his twin brother, Nicholas, has been arrested for the crime on account of their having been overheard having a disagreement at some point during the course of the previous evening. Charlotte is adamant in her belief that the wrong man has been accused and that Nicholas could never have harmed his brother – but she won’t explain further or tell Wrexford what makes her so sure.
Like Charlotte, Wrexford is reluctant to look too closely at the things they said to each other in the heat of the moment, but her apparent lack of trust in him causes him to wonder if Charlotte may be having regrets and is now trying to put distance between them. Not wanting her to retreat further, Wrexford decides not to push for information, instead deciding to wait until she’s ready to tell him what she needs to. She has already revealed something of her past to him – she’s the daughter of an earl who, chafing at the restrictions and expectations constantly placed upon her, ran away with her drawing master and whose family subsequently disowned her. Charlotte knows Wrexford can be trusted, but even so, is struggling to reconcile her need to remain independent and her need for help to prove Nicholas innocent. Realising she can’t afford to hold back any longer, she tells Wrexford the truth – that Cedric and Nicholas are her cousins and that the three of them were childhood playmates.
Feeling as though they’re back on more of an even keel, Charlotte and Wrexford start to ask questions, Charlotte seeking information from the network of informants from whom she collects the gossip making the rounds on the London streets, and Wrexford in the scientific circles in which Chittenden and his brother moved since coming to London. His own standing in the scientific community naturally opens doors, and his enquiries reveal a worrisome picture of Chittenden as a young man possessed of an almost fanatical desire to push scientific boundaries and prepared to go to extreme lengths in order to do so. He also discovers that Chittenden had a rival for the affections of a certain young lady, and that he was owed a large sum of money by a man who seemed to be having trouble paying his gambling debts… could his murder have been motivated by love? Or money? Or are there darker, more clandestine forces at work?
Andrea Penrose has found a rather unique hook for this series in the way she incorporates an aspect of the Regency era that readers of novels set during that time don’t often come across; namely the fervour for scientific knowledge and advancement that was prevalent at the time. Many of the characters featured in Murder at Kensington Palace are specifically interested in the experiments of Luigi Galvani and Giovanni Aldini, who had explored the possibility that electricity could be used to reanimate the dead – a concept made famous by Mary Shelley in Frankenstein (1817).
Through all of this is woven the continuing development of the relationship between Charlotte and Wrexford, both of whom are gradually acknowledging (to themselves) that they feel something more than friendship for each other, but are reluctant to take that first step towards becoming more. Their feelings for one another are made clear through their thoughts and actions, although I have to say that I’d have liked things to have become a little more concrete by this stage. Still, there are positive developments in this book that make me think that’s not far off now.
The novel boasts a colourful secondary cast, including Charlotte’s two wards, Hawk and Raven (aka the Weasels) her housekeeper, McLellan, who is as much bodyguard as she is servant, Wrexford’s friend Kit Sheffield and his valet/assistant, Tyler; and they’re joined by the formidable Dowager Marquess of Peake, Charlotte’s aunt, a wonderfully forthright and shrewd lady I hope we’ll meet again in future books.
While the mystery in Murder at Kensington Palace is wrapped up by the end and the book could be read as a standalone, I’d recommend that anyone interested in trying this series should start at the beginning with Murder on Black Swan Lane in order to get the full picture of the relationship between the two principals. Wrexford and Sloane make a great team, personally as well as investigatively, and I’m looking forward to the next instalment in the series.
August 29, 2019
Series: A Wrexford & Sloane Mystery #3
Publication Date: 9/24/19
Number of Pages: 304
Yet another book in the Wrexford & Soane series that I couldn’t put down once I’d started reading. I mean, really, when you have science, art, murder, and romance all in one lively, compelling, intricately woven story you just absolutely cannot put it down. You COULD read this as a stand-alone, but I wouldn’t recommend it simply because the first two books lay the groundwork for the relationship between the main characters and the secondary characters – besides, they are just darned good reads!
Charlotte’s life is about to change – totally – not from her desire, but from a need to save the life of her closest childhood friend, her cousin Nicholas. Charlotte will sacrifice most anything, even her hard-won independence, to free her cousin, but the decision fills her with trepidations. Can she do it? What if she makes the sacrifice and she’s still not successful?
The romance between Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane is a tenuous one. Well – perhaps tenuous isn’t the right word – they are each denying it to themselves, but it comes out in the actions they take, in their thoughts and their terror when the other is in danger. They are about to get on my last nerve! They need to get on with it already! I’m ready for them to be a real team – living and working together.
The weasels (Hawk and Raven) are as entertaining as ever – and dressing them up in fancy clothes doesn’t change them one whit. They have been my favorite secondary characters (shux – they are almost primary characters) from the beginning. We also get to spend time with Kit Sheffield and Basil Henning and I love that. Maybe we have a love interest for Sheffield – I’d really like that. Aunt Alison, the Dowager Marchioness of Peake, was a delightful addition to the cast and I hope we see more of her in future books.
Most of the villains get their just desserts, but one was left standing. Granted, he wasn’t hands-on, but he definitely knew what was going on and enabled its happening – so – I wanted to see him go down in some way or another.
The gist of the story – and it is a really good one – is that Cedric and Nicholas were Charlotte’s best friends (and cousins) as they were growing up and she loved them like brothers. They encouraged her to be the independent, strong woman that she is. However, she hasn’t seen them for several years and when she finally hears something about them, it is to learn that Cedric has been murdered and Nicholas has been arrested for it. Charlotte knows, in her heart, that there is no way Nicholas would murder his twin brother. However, knowing something in your heart and being able to find evidence to prove it are two entirely different things. Charlotte and Wrexford are up against some very sly and devious murderers – with not a hint of who they might be or why they did it. Charlotte and the weasels engage their extensive network of informants, but information is still scarce. Time is running out. Can Charlotte and Wrexford save the day? Can Wrexford save Charlotte?
I absolutely love how the author weaves details of the science of the times into these tales. That time was such an important one for the science and achievements we have today and all of that is seamlessly woven into the story.
This author is a master storyteller and I highly recommend this story and this series in total.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 9/24/19
Number of Pages: 304
Yet another book in the Wrexford & Soane series that I couldn’t put down once I’d started reading. I mean, really, when you have science, art, murder, and romance all in one lively, compelling, intricately woven story you just absolutely cannot put it down. You COULD read this as a stand-alone, but I wouldn’t recommend it simply because the first two books lay the groundwork for the relationship between the main characters and the secondary characters – besides, they are just darned good reads!
Charlotte’s life is about to change – totally – not from her desire, but from a need to save the life of her closest childhood friend, her cousin Nicholas. Charlotte will sacrifice most anything, even her hard-won independence, to free her cousin, but the decision fills her with trepidations. Can she do it? What if she makes the sacrifice and she’s still not successful?
The romance between Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane is a tenuous one. Well – perhaps tenuous isn’t the right word – they are each denying it to themselves, but it comes out in the actions they take, in their thoughts and their terror when the other is in danger. They are about to get on my last nerve! They need to get on with it already! I’m ready for them to be a real team – living and working together.
The weasels (Hawk and Raven) are as entertaining as ever – and dressing them up in fancy clothes doesn’t change them one whit. They have been my favorite secondary characters (shux – they are almost primary characters) from the beginning. We also get to spend time with Kit Sheffield and Basil Henning and I love that. Maybe we have a love interest for Sheffield – I’d really like that. Aunt Alison, the Dowager Marchioness of Peake, was a delightful addition to the cast and I hope we see more of her in future books.
Most of the villains get their just desserts, but one was left standing. Granted, he wasn’t hands-on, but he definitely knew what was going on and enabled its happening – so – I wanted to see him go down in some way or another.
The gist of the story – and it is a really good one – is that Cedric and Nicholas were Charlotte’s best friends (and cousins) as they were growing up and she loved them like brothers. They encouraged her to be the independent, strong woman that she is. However, she hasn’t seen them for several years and when she finally hears something about them, it is to learn that Cedric has been murdered and Nicholas has been arrested for it. Charlotte knows, in her heart, that there is no way Nicholas would murder his twin brother. However, knowing something in your heart and being able to find evidence to prove it are two entirely different things. Charlotte and Wrexford are up against some very sly and devious murderers – with not a hint of who they might be or why they did it. Charlotte and the weasels engage their extensive network of informants, but information is still scarce. Time is running out. Can Charlotte and Wrexford save the day? Can Wrexford save Charlotte?
I absolutely love how the author weaves details of the science of the times into these tales. That time was such an important one for the science and achievements we have today and all of that is seamlessly woven into the story.
This author is a master storyteller and I highly recommend this story and this series in total.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 29, 2023
4.5 stars
October 9, 2019
3.5 stars for the third outing with widow Charlotte Sloane and the Earl of Wrexford.
The blurb gives a nice idea of the basic plot, so I'll skip a recap of the action.
What I liked:
The mystery was clever, with a school of red herrings strewn about to befuddle the reader. The science element, which was essential to the plot, was the hot-topic of the era: electricity! The reader gets a nice refresher course on the early efforts to generate, in a laboratory setting, this force of nature.
There is growth in the continuing characters, especially the two boys who Charlotte has unofficially adopted. Hawk and Raven are a delight and are developing their own interests: Hawk is becoming a naturalist and artist, while Raven has found a love for numbers and a fascination with Wrexford's laboratory. Their burgeoning talents play a part in solving the murders.
Charlotte, while continuing her career as AJ Quill--political/social cartoonist, is grappling with her need to rejoin society if she is to truly help her cousin Nicky prove his innocence.
Wrexford is showing cracks in his façade of emotionless man of science. His friend, Christopher Sheffield, is also revealing some depth of character.
I liked several of the new characters, especially Cordelia and Charlotte’s aunt Lady Peake. I hope we see more of them in future books.
What I didn’t like:
I got really, really tired of Charlotte’s ‘gilded cage’ speeches. Really tired.
I thought that Griffin (from Bow Street) was dumber than he needed to be. He is still very much a one-note character, IMO.
Lastly, there’s a clanger of a typo as we head into the dramatic conclusion that jerked me right out of the story. How that one got by the author, editors and proof-readers is a mystery to me.
All in all, I had a great time and I'm looking forward to the next book.
The blurb gives a nice idea of the basic plot, so I'll skip a recap of the action.
What I liked:
The mystery was clever, with a school of red herrings strewn about to befuddle the reader. The science element, which was essential to the plot, was the hot-topic of the era: electricity! The reader gets a nice refresher course on the early efforts to generate, in a laboratory setting, this force of nature.
There is growth in the continuing characters, especially the two boys who Charlotte has unofficially adopted. Hawk and Raven are a delight and are developing their own interests: Hawk is becoming a naturalist and artist, while Raven has found a love for numbers and a fascination with Wrexford's laboratory. Their burgeoning talents play a part in solving the murders.
Charlotte, while continuing her career as AJ Quill--political/social cartoonist, is grappling with her need to rejoin society if she is to truly help her cousin Nicky prove his innocence.
Wrexford is showing cracks in his façade of emotionless man of science. His friend, Christopher Sheffield, is also revealing some depth of character.
I liked several of the new characters, especially Cordelia and Charlotte’s aunt Lady Peake. I hope we see more of them in future books.
What I didn’t like:
I got really, really tired of Charlotte’s ‘gilded cage’ speeches. Really tired.
I thought that Griffin (from Bow Street) was dumber than he needed to be. He is still very much a one-note character, IMO.
Lastly, there’s a clanger of a typo as we head into the dramatic conclusion that jerked me right out of the story. How that one got by the author, editors and proof-readers is a mystery to me.
All in all, I had a great time and I'm looking forward to the next book.
April 28, 2021
4.5 stars.
This series is addictive!
The romance is starting here too, lovely ☺️😍.
But there’s only one book already published after this, then I have to wait! 😩.
Oh I don’t care, on to book #4 soon! 😘
❤️❤️❤️
This series is addictive!
The romance is starting here too, lovely ☺️😍.
But there’s only one book already published after this, then I have to wait! 😩.
Oh I don’t care, on to book #4 soon! 😘
❤️❤️❤️
August 16, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an e-galley of this novel.
Although this is the third book in the Wrexford and Sloane series it is the first one I've read and I had no problems slotting all the background information into place to feel right up to the mark with the characters. A thumbs up to the author for accomplishing that feat seamlessly. The lesser characters in this series are really quite endearing and I enjoyed getting to know the Weasels, Raven and Hawk the wards of Charlotte Sloane, and McClellan who has so many jobs it's hard to keep track of them all, but who doesn't seem to have a first name. Wrexford and Charlotte have a go-slow romantic situation which is interesting but is kept to a minimum level so readers who don't want a romance/mystery novel can feel fine reading this series. I would be one of those who doesn't particularly like for romance to intrude overmuch into the mysteries I read but this was kept to an acceptable level.
The mystery this story revolves around is the death of Cedric, Lord Chittenden and the arrest of his twin brother for the crime. The murder was bad enough but then the killer mutilated the body. Did this crime indicate the Bloody Butcher was at work? Before the crime was solved Charlotte and her team had to use all their strategies, skills and disguises to beat an appointment with the hangman.
Although this is the third book in the Wrexford and Sloane series it is the first one I've read and I had no problems slotting all the background information into place to feel right up to the mark with the characters. A thumbs up to the author for accomplishing that feat seamlessly. The lesser characters in this series are really quite endearing and I enjoyed getting to know the Weasels, Raven and Hawk the wards of Charlotte Sloane, and McClellan who has so many jobs it's hard to keep track of them all, but who doesn't seem to have a first name. Wrexford and Charlotte have a go-slow romantic situation which is interesting but is kept to a minimum level so readers who don't want a romance/mystery novel can feel fine reading this series. I would be one of those who doesn't particularly like for romance to intrude overmuch into the mysteries I read but this was kept to an acceptable level.
The mystery this story revolves around is the death of Cedric, Lord Chittenden and the arrest of his twin brother for the crime. The murder was bad enough but then the killer mutilated the body. Did this crime indicate the Bloody Butcher was at work? Before the crime was solved Charlotte and her team had to use all their strategies, skills and disguises to beat an appointment with the hangman.
November 1, 2019
Murder at Kensington Palace by Andrea Penrose was an excellent addition to this series. Ms. Penrose's writing is descriptive with not only the scenery of London and it's environs but of the characters themselves. Charlotte and Wrexford are a formidable duo when it comes ferreting out clues from all levels of London's inhabitants. I enjoyed every minute within this book and I hoped there will be more to come in this series.
December 13, 2020
The third in the series and I totally enjoyed it. Good mystery and interesting secondary characters. It was a fun read that kept me interested. The romance is moving along but this is mainly a mystery series.
October 14, 2023
Book 3 in the Wrexford & Sloane series pits Charlotte & the Earl against who ever killed her cousin, leaving his twin to take the fall. It could be the work of the madman known as the Bloody Butcher or someone closer to the twins.
This mystery also reminds the reader that Regency England was not just fancy dress balls, formalized flirtations, & the excess of the Prince Regent but also am opening of scientific thought & discovery.
The best book so far in an excellent series.
This mystery also reminds the reader that Regency England was not just fancy dress balls, formalized flirtations, & the excess of the Prince Regent but also am opening of scientific thought & discovery.
The best book so far in an excellent series.
June 17, 2020
Third in the series. A good but not great mystery, which for me is how this series tends to go. I was going to give this 3 stars (my usual, default rating), but after writing my thoughts out, I've demoted it to 2.
November 2, 2019
Mrs. Charlotte Sloane had her hands full when a cousin, who was also a close childhood friend, was murdered. It was heinous. To make matters worse, her other cousin -and his younger twin- was taken into custody and charged with the awful crime. Could it be London’s Bloody Butcher resurfaced to kill once more?
As expected, the Earl of Wrexford, was there to assist her. Raven and Hawk were back in the game along with Wrex’s friend, Kit, his valet, Tyler, the surgeon, Henning, and Charlotte’s mysterious maid and all-around chaperone, McClellan. Without their support and aid, our amateur sleuth would have floundered.
Charlotte’s alter-ego, the artist A.J.Quill, reappeared but not much as I would have liked to have seen. Another character, similar in scope to Charlotte, was introduced. I would guess this person becomes one of the earlier-mentioned player’s sounding board and possible romantic interest in future stories.
There were plenty of distractions for Charlotte, Wrex and their friends to unearth. I hoped to see the MCs take their friendship to the next level. About two-thirds of the way through I surmised who the killer was and waited for everyone to catch up. The plot offered an immense amount of tension; I couldn’t put the book down.
Let them fall into the snare which they have laid. ~Latin Proverb
I am looking forward to the next story in this series.
As expected, the Earl of Wrexford, was there to assist her. Raven and Hawk were back in the game along with Wrex’s friend, Kit, his valet, Tyler, the surgeon, Henning, and Charlotte’s mysterious maid and all-around chaperone, McClellan. Without their support and aid, our amateur sleuth would have floundered.
Charlotte’s alter-ego, the artist A.J.Quill, reappeared but not much as I would have liked to have seen. Another character, similar in scope to Charlotte, was introduced. I would guess this person becomes one of the earlier-mentioned player’s sounding board and possible romantic interest in future stories.
There were plenty of distractions for Charlotte, Wrex and their friends to unearth. I hoped to see the MCs take their friendship to the next level. About two-thirds of the way through I surmised who the killer was and waited for everyone to catch up. The plot offered an immense amount of tension; I couldn’t put the book down.
Let them fall into the snare which they have laid. ~Latin Proverb
I am looking forward to the next story in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2019
I wish I liked this series more than I do. The mysteries are always multi-layered and interesting, if sometimes overwrought, but the characters aren't great. They are prone to apprehension and constant questioning of their lives and choices. Charlotte is staid and coldly logical until she's not all of a sudden. She'll do nothing terribly foolish until the end of the book for drama. Wrexford loses his temper way too easily. He's supposedly an intelligent man of science but he often jumps to conclusions. His misanthropic attitude is grating. They both also spend too much time philosophizing. Their maybe-romance is so awkward and unbelievable it's actually occasionally painful to read.
Oh, and they use Latin aphorisms in every other conversation. This is honestly my biggest issue here. The amount of Latin sayings makes me want to throw the book against the wall--but I was reading an ebook.
Oh, and they use Latin aphorisms in every other conversation. This is honestly my biggest issue here. The amount of Latin sayings makes me want to throw the book against the wall--but I was reading an ebook.
September 22, 2019
I stumbled on this series a couple of years ago and instantly fell in love. I loved how sassy and sardonic Wrexford is and even if Mrs Sloane is overly pig headed at times, she’s independent and sassy and I can’t get enough of them together!
Reading these books is always such a delight. There is clearly this romantic tension between Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane, but it doesn’t overtake the prime focus of the books which is the murder mystery.
Because of that I think it makes the romance so much more sweet. The little morsels of romance sprinkled in make the reader eager to see what happens between them, but ultimately it’s the well written mystery that holds their attention late into the night.
So when I finally saw this one on Netgalley I begged to read it! I couldn’t wait and read it in a couple of fast sittings!
This book definitely held my attention late late late into the night on more than one occasion. I read it in a couple of sittings but both of those sittings ran late into the evening. There was definitely a Jack the Ripper element to the story and I thought that made it so much more intriguing and shocking.
There were a number of people with motive and like the characters I was wracking my brain trying to figure out how everything worked together and what pieces of evidence were relevant. I thought I had an idea who the killer was but then there would be a piece of evidence discovered that made me question if that person was really the culprit or not. Great use of red herrings! I especially loved how well the author incorporates science into the story too. It really adds to the mystery in my opinion!
It’s been really fun to see how the characters in the book have grown since the first story. Both of the main characters, Wrexford and Charlotte have changed so much and their walls have come down to reveal genuinely beautiful and caring individuals. I love how their relationship has evolved into this wonderful friendship with the promise of something deeper to come and I love that the author is in no way eager to rush it into reality. At times it maddening because I desperately want them to declare their feelings but at the same time I savor the little bits that we get and am excited to see what the next book brings.
These are characters that I have grown to care about and can’t wait to see what’s in store for their future! If you love historical mysteries, this is a team you don’t want to miss. The mystery is well done with wonderfully colorful characters and it easily kept me interested and reading late into the night! It can be read as a stand lone but why would you want to miss out on all the fun back story? The answer is, you don’t! Each book is fantastic and a quick read so go pick them up!
See my full review here
Reading these books is always such a delight. There is clearly this romantic tension between Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane, but it doesn’t overtake the prime focus of the books which is the murder mystery.
Because of that I think it makes the romance so much more sweet. The little morsels of romance sprinkled in make the reader eager to see what happens between them, but ultimately it’s the well written mystery that holds their attention late into the night.
So when I finally saw this one on Netgalley I begged to read it! I couldn’t wait and read it in a couple of fast sittings!
This book definitely held my attention late late late into the night on more than one occasion. I read it in a couple of sittings but both of those sittings ran late into the evening. There was definitely a Jack the Ripper element to the story and I thought that made it so much more intriguing and shocking.
There were a number of people with motive and like the characters I was wracking my brain trying to figure out how everything worked together and what pieces of evidence were relevant. I thought I had an idea who the killer was but then there would be a piece of evidence discovered that made me question if that person was really the culprit or not. Great use of red herrings! I especially loved how well the author incorporates science into the story too. It really adds to the mystery in my opinion!
It’s been really fun to see how the characters in the book have grown since the first story. Both of the main characters, Wrexford and Charlotte have changed so much and their walls have come down to reveal genuinely beautiful and caring individuals. I love how their relationship has evolved into this wonderful friendship with the promise of something deeper to come and I love that the author is in no way eager to rush it into reality. At times it maddening because I desperately want them to declare their feelings but at the same time I savor the little bits that we get and am excited to see what the next book brings.
These are characters that I have grown to care about and can’t wait to see what’s in store for their future! If you love historical mysteries, this is a team you don’t want to miss. The mystery is well done with wonderfully colorful characters and it easily kept me interested and reading late into the night! It can be read as a stand lone but why would you want to miss out on all the fun back story? The answer is, you don’t! Each book is fantastic and a quick read so go pick them up!
See my full review here
July 7, 2022
I really like the side characters, the different variety reminds me of a TV show especially with a surgeon and a detective being a part of the cast. I love the two boys and I hope they stay happy this entire series. Wrexford and Sloane are super cute already but I'm ready to get the romance started, officially.
May 4, 2021
I wasn't too fond of the first 2 books, but I had hoped that the series might improve as the main cast of characters gets established better. I also thought I had given this series enough time between books not to be bothered by the formulaic nature of the plot from book to book, but this book was way too similar in its faults to its predecessors.
The plot is convoluted beyond reason and credulity, the descriptions and characterizations are repetitive, making the page count seemingly interminable.
There is a lot of jumping from scene to scene, but the plot moves slower than molasses, mostly courtesy of the author's blatant manipulative withholding of vital information from the reader and occasionally from the characters by foisting on them uncharacteristically stupid choices.
The dance of the main characters around each other is even slower than that and for no good reason whatsoever. It's gotten to the point where it impedes the timeline of the books: From this book we know that the characters have formed a close friendship and a closely knit bond where they freely and casually visit each other on a regular basis uninvited and with no concern for social norms or time of day or night. Presumably that happens between the murder investigations too. On those occasions they must have something to talk about, because I don't see them sitting around discussing the weather. So this whole "we are too busy solving the murder to talk of feelings and other important things" doesn't hold water when we see them from book to book stagnating in the same spot solely for the author's perverted desire to prolong the "will they? won't they?" suspense and avoid writing any developments to their "romantic" relationship.
I sort of conceptually like the idea for this series - a strong woman breaking through constrains of society and building a fulfilling life for herself on her own terms, using her own talents and intelligence, and succeeding despite the odds stacked against her. The rich devoted aristocratic helper does undermine that concept, unfortunately. And since the author's writing isn't improving, I am not sure I care to read the rest of the series.
The plot is convoluted beyond reason and credulity, the descriptions and characterizations are repetitive, making the page count seemingly interminable.
There is a lot of jumping from scene to scene, but the plot moves slower than molasses, mostly courtesy of the author's blatant manipulative withholding of vital information from the reader and occasionally from the characters by foisting on them uncharacteristically stupid choices.
The dance of the main characters around each other is even slower than that and for no good reason whatsoever. It's gotten to the point where it impedes the timeline of the books: From this book we know that the characters have formed a close friendship and a closely knit bond where they freely and casually visit each other on a regular basis uninvited and with no concern for social norms or time of day or night. Presumably that happens between the murder investigations too. On those occasions they must have something to talk about, because I don't see them sitting around discussing the weather. So this whole "we are too busy solving the murder to talk of feelings and other important things" doesn't hold water when we see them from book to book stagnating in the same spot solely for the author's perverted desire to prolong the "will they? won't they?" suspense and avoid writing any developments to their "romantic" relationship.
I sort of conceptually like the idea for this series - a strong woman breaking through constrains of society and building a fulfilling life for herself on her own terms, using her own talents and intelligence, and succeeding despite the odds stacked against her. The rich devoted aristocratic helper does undermine that concept, unfortunately. And since the author's writing isn't improving, I am not sure I care to read the rest of the series.
October 25, 2020
A fun, solid series with just enough romantic tension to keep things moving forward. I think that the words "quirk" and "snick" should be kept to one or two per novel. They seem to occur two or three times per chapter whenever Wrexford shows up.
November 1, 2021
This reading experience was not enjoyed as much as earlier books in series so I will be dropping out...too much melodrama for me as well as "silly science".
Library Loan
Library Loan
August 10, 2022
Andrea Penrose added more secondary characters that surrounds the life of Earl of Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane in this third installment of her historical mystery series, Wrexford & Sloane.
When the victim and the accused murderer are both people from Charlotte's past, she no longer afford to stay in the shadow if she wants to help setting the innocent free. So Charlotte has to step back into the society. Because of that we get to know her cousin and her grand-aunt. Also, two other NEW acquaintances seem to be set to be Wrex and Charlotte's friends.
I really love how the friends and family evolved. I already adored the "original" casts of Wrex, Charlotte, Sheffield, as well as the Weasels, Raven and Hawk. But the more the merrier, right? I also enjoyed reading Raven and Hawk bloomed into their own version of young men. Raven with his eyes to details and numbers (he will fit very nicely in the world of science) while his younger brother, Hawk, is taking the mantel of Charlotte with his penchant for art and nature (different eyes for details, Hawk, compared to his brother).
Anyway, the murders is related to talks about electricity. I wasn't into it as much as the previous case that deal with man vs. machine. But I enjoyed the progress of Wrex and Charlotte working around the clock to prove that Charlotte's cousin was innocent. And this time ()
I think more exciting things will happen in the next books - especially with Wrexford and Charlotte also getting closer and closer (though this is more mystery than romance, so even the short kiss is very chaste *pout*)
When the victim and the accused murderer are both people from Charlotte's past, she no longer afford to stay in the shadow if she wants to help setting the innocent free. So Charlotte has to step back into the society. Because of that we get to know her cousin and her grand-aunt. Also, two other NEW acquaintances seem to be set to be Wrex and Charlotte's friends.
I really love how the friends and family evolved. I already adored the "original" casts of Wrex, Charlotte, Sheffield, as well as the Weasels, Raven and Hawk. But the more the merrier, right? I also enjoyed reading Raven and Hawk bloomed into their own version of young men. Raven with his eyes to details and numbers (he will fit very nicely in the world of science) while his younger brother, Hawk, is taking the mantel of Charlotte with his penchant for art and nature (different eyes for details, Hawk, compared to his brother).
Anyway, the murders is related to talks about electricity. I wasn't into it as much as the previous case that deal with man vs. machine. But I enjoyed the progress of Wrex and Charlotte working around the clock to prove that Charlotte's cousin was innocent. And this time ()
I think more exciting things will happen in the next books - especially with Wrexford and Charlotte also getting closer and closer (though this is more mystery than romance, so even the short kiss is very chaste *pout*)
January 9, 2021
The mystery started with a murder about 2 weeks after the adventure of Book 2. Whether he wants it or not, Wrexford has to use his connection to investigate because the victim was someone close to Mrs Sloane.
I love every part of the series. The characters & their relationships, the infancy of science, the historical setting...At this point, I don't care if the author decides to write 50 books for the series, I'll read all of them!
May 15, 2022
Another mystery with a touch of romance with Lady Charlotte and the Earl. On to the next installment.
July 26, 2023
I found myself skimming lot of this third installment and was disappointed in this plodding, boring plot line. The mad scientist plot was silly and over done. The recycled Latin phrases became irritating. The murders was especially gruesome and the family tie to Charlotte Sloan was another of her many secrets being exposed and her excuse to move back into the society life she ran from.
Charlotte constant banging on about love being thicker than blood; found family trumps bio family was repetitive and treacly. Charlotte is such a hypocrite with her screeching on about the aristocracy being selfish and deceitful when she herself has spun a web of deceit to lie to her friends.
Of course, when she needs to use those family connections and comes clean, all is forgiven because Charlotte is so courageous, resilient, fearless, daring, independent, gifted…blah, blah, blah.
Again the secondary characters were exquisitely drawn. But I’m getting bored with the budding romance taking precedence over the mystery. Even Wrexford’s bright light seemed to diminish as he becomes slavishly devoted to Charlotte.
Thankfully the series is on KU, otherwise I would cut my losses and move on.
Charlotte constant banging on about love being thicker than blood; found family trumps bio family was repetitive and treacly. Charlotte is such a hypocrite with her screeching on about the aristocracy being selfish and deceitful when she herself has spun a web of deceit to lie to her friends.
Of course, when she needs to use those family connections and comes clean, all is forgiven because Charlotte is so courageous, resilient, fearless, daring, independent, gifted…blah, blah, blah.
Again the secondary characters were exquisitely drawn. But I’m getting bored with the budding romance taking precedence over the mystery. Even Wrexford’s bright light seemed to diminish as he becomes slavishly devoted to Charlotte.
Thankfully the series is on KU, otherwise I would cut my losses and move on.
October 16, 2021
Isn’t it wonderful when an author can develop characters to a point where just one line can have your heart singing or aching for them? There were so many quiet moments in this book that were complete gems (Wrex giving Charlotte some legal papers, Charlotte sharing a snack with Alice, the boys brining tea, Raven trying not to be excited about a new job, Charlotte daydreaming about Wrexford, “m’lady is a m’lady?”…) and they were rarely part of the investigation, which was fascinating in and of itself.
Charlotte’s cousin is killed and his twin is arrested for the crime. While Wrex and Kit can investigate the male suspects, they can’t get to the female ones. Charlotte decided to reveal herself to her great aunt and re-enter society to get to the women. As always, scientific experiments are part of the plot, which brings an aspect to these stories that you don’t always see in other mystery series.
The finale is especially thrilling as Charlotte fights an particularly diabolical adversary. What a ride!
Charlotte’s cousin is killed and his twin is arrested for the crime. While Wrex and Kit can investigate the male suspects, they can’t get to the female ones. Charlotte decided to reveal herself to her great aunt and re-enter society to get to the women. As always, scientific experiments are part of the plot, which brings an aspect to these stories that you don’t always see in other mystery series.
The finale is especially thrilling as Charlotte fights an particularly diabolical adversary. What a ride!
April 3, 2020
4.5 stars - Another great instalment of this Regency Murder Mystery series which incorporates evocative descriptions of the age, compelling mystery and two intriguing central characters in Wrexford and Sloane. Can't wait for the next one.
March 9, 2020
Oy, as if I need another historical mystery with romantic elements to follow, but this cross-genre is appealing to me … so, here I go again with Andrea Penrose’s Wrexford and Sloane Regency-set, slow-burn romance and mystery series. Add this to the pile with Harris’s St. Cyr, Raybourn’s Speedwell, and Ashley’s Holloway.
Murder At Kensington Palace is the series third and I’m sorry I didn’t read the first two. The present volume was so satisfying, however, that it made me an insta-fan and regretful not to have discovered it from the get-go. As with Harris, Raybourn, and Ashley, Penrose creates engaging, easy-to-love protagonists. Like Ashley especially, she fashions an irresistible band-of-sleuths ethos, with a circle of friends, servants, street-people and -children, Bow Street runners, an eagle-eyed, sharp-tongued aged aunt, aiding and abetting the primary protags, compelling, lovable characters in their own right. Wrexford and Sloane are Lord and Lady “statussed,” but their world goes way beyond the ton.
Wrexford is urbane, handsome, sharp-tongued and a chemist. His valet and lab assistant, Tyler, with whom he shares antagonistic banter, is one of the band of truth- and justice-seekers. Wrexford is often accompanied by his I-pretend-I’m-dumb friend Kit Sheffield and Basil Henning. Charlotte’s household is even more eccentric. Charlotte is a widow, who had run away to Italy with her art instructor and left her aristocratic family behind. She moonlights as a political cartoonist under the pseudonym A. J. Quill. Her street persona, for when she disguises as a street urchin to sleuth and nose the truth of a murder, alternates between Magpie and Phoenix. Charlotte lives with Wrexford’s blunt-tongued, knife-wielding cook, McClellan, and two adopted, adorable, hilarious street urchins, Raven and Hawk, aka Thomas Ravenwood Sloane and Alexander Hawksley Sloane, and affectionately dubbed “the Weasels” by Wrexford.
Kensington Gardens‘ mystery centres on the murder of Charlotte’s beloved childhood cousin, Cedric, Lord Chittenden; the accused, his twin brother, Nicholas Locke. When Charlotte, with Wrexford’s insistent help, sets out to exonerate Nicholas, she contends with long-buried feelings about the life she left behind and how to reemerge as Lady Charlotte when she’s lived incognito as plain old Charlotte Sloane for years. It is key, however, to infiltrate the ton to help Nicholas. She calls on her Aunt Alison, who proves to be as cool and witty as the Dowager Countess of Grantham, without Violet’s noblesse oblige ‘tude. I thought the mystery itself was fascinating until the resolution. Cedric and Nicholas were mixed up in scientific intrigue and elixir-of-life nonsense, making Wrexford’s knowledge and knife-edge intelligence key to murder’s solution. He is inquiry to the quackery that was going on at the time. But the resolution reminded me of a mad scientist Hollywood b-movie scenario. It turned out laughable where Penrose aimed for dramatic?
Whatever “meh” I thought of the mystery, my insta-love for Wrexford, Sloane, and Co. remained steady throughout. I loved them from the moment Charlotte muttered to Wrexford: ” ‘What a pair we are … Prickly, guarded, afraid of making ourselves vulnerable.’ ” Afraid initially. As the narrative builds, Wrexford and Charlotte’s slow-burn romance flickers and flares, teasing the reader and making her yearn for more. They have three near-kisses that ratcheted the tension horribly and yet deliciously. They also share one of the sexiest waltzes I’ve ever read. And how irresistible is our Wrexford introduction? Note: “The earl settled himself on the sofa, all well-tailored broad shoulders and long-legged elegance.” Perfection in that “well-tailored” incongruity to his “broad shoulders”. And Charlotte noticing how, in pursuit of the truth for her, he neglects getting a haircut. Wrexford does a lot of sexy running-fingers through his long, dark hair.
The slow burn, however, is beautifully maintained as the background to Wrexford and Charlotte’s friendship, with affectionate quips like this one: “A faint smile tugged at his lips. ‘We are, I suppose, well-acquainted with each other’s eccentricities and have learned to put up with them.’ ” And heart-wrenching bits like “She managed a shaky exhale and allowed herself to sink back against the pillows. ‘I’m very grateful for –‘ ‘Love doesn’t require gratitude,’ he said.” And then the tension flaring with the deep love they have for each other, yet unspoken and dormant as it is: ” ‘Without you, I would have given up long ago.’ ‘I would do anything for you,’ he said softly. ‘Would you?’ Charlotte set down the book and box of cards. ‘Then please … ‘ She moved a step closer and reached up to press her palm to his cheek. ‘Don’t be so hard on yourself. I can’t bear to see you trapped in such shadows.’ ” I loved it and them.
Penrose’s other great strength, other than the yummy romance, is the love of friends and family Charlotte and Wrexford built around them: “She had somehow gathered a mismatched circle of friends around her during the past few years. They had become very dear to her. Once again, she was aware of how frighteningly vulnerable she felt because of it. A solitary existence was far safe, uncomplicated by the complexities of emotions. Danger now held more consequences than the question of her own measly survival. The boys depended on her … ” Ah, the boys, Wrexford’s beloved “Weasels” (how tender is it that he has found them a tutor? how loving is Charlotte’s heart-weakness for them? teaching them to draw, muttering motherly threats about “no jam tarts,” which McLennan affectionately bakes for them, hugging them and giving them a world of love and care and knowledge where they had none). Raven and Hawk are funny, smart, and vulnerable in how much they love Charlotte and both love and are in awe of Wrexford. In the end, the most winning aspect of Penrose’s wonderful series is the conclusion Charlotte and Wrexford come to together and apart, that love is primary, makes life worth living, and deserves our greatest care and protection. And why I await the next book in the series as I do Raybourn’s, Harris’s, and Ashley’s. With Miss Austen, we find, in Murder At Kensington Palace, “a mind lively and at ease,” Emma.
Andrea Penrose’s Murder At Kensington Palace is published by Kensington Books. It was released in September 2019 and may be found at your preferred vendors. I am grateful to Kensington Books for an e-galley, via Netgalley.
Murder At Kensington Palace is the series third and I’m sorry I didn’t read the first two. The present volume was so satisfying, however, that it made me an insta-fan and regretful not to have discovered it from the get-go. As with Harris, Raybourn, and Ashley, Penrose creates engaging, easy-to-love protagonists. Like Ashley especially, she fashions an irresistible band-of-sleuths ethos, with a circle of friends, servants, street-people and -children, Bow Street runners, an eagle-eyed, sharp-tongued aged aunt, aiding and abetting the primary protags, compelling, lovable characters in their own right. Wrexford and Sloane are Lord and Lady “statussed,” but their world goes way beyond the ton.
Wrexford is urbane, handsome, sharp-tongued and a chemist. His valet and lab assistant, Tyler, with whom he shares antagonistic banter, is one of the band of truth- and justice-seekers. Wrexford is often accompanied by his I-pretend-I’m-dumb friend Kit Sheffield and Basil Henning. Charlotte’s household is even more eccentric. Charlotte is a widow, who had run away to Italy with her art instructor and left her aristocratic family behind. She moonlights as a political cartoonist under the pseudonym A. J. Quill. Her street persona, for when she disguises as a street urchin to sleuth and nose the truth of a murder, alternates between Magpie and Phoenix. Charlotte lives with Wrexford’s blunt-tongued, knife-wielding cook, McClellan, and two adopted, adorable, hilarious street urchins, Raven and Hawk, aka Thomas Ravenwood Sloane and Alexander Hawksley Sloane, and affectionately dubbed “the Weasels” by Wrexford.
Kensington Gardens‘ mystery centres on the murder of Charlotte’s beloved childhood cousin, Cedric, Lord Chittenden; the accused, his twin brother, Nicholas Locke. When Charlotte, with Wrexford’s insistent help, sets out to exonerate Nicholas, she contends with long-buried feelings about the life she left behind and how to reemerge as Lady Charlotte when she’s lived incognito as plain old Charlotte Sloane for years. It is key, however, to infiltrate the ton to help Nicholas. She calls on her Aunt Alison, who proves to be as cool and witty as the Dowager Countess of Grantham, without Violet’s noblesse oblige ‘tude. I thought the mystery itself was fascinating until the resolution. Cedric and Nicholas were mixed up in scientific intrigue and elixir-of-life nonsense, making Wrexford’s knowledge and knife-edge intelligence key to murder’s solution. He is inquiry to the quackery that was going on at the time. But the resolution reminded me of a mad scientist Hollywood b-movie scenario. It turned out laughable where Penrose aimed for dramatic?
Whatever “meh” I thought of the mystery, my insta-love for Wrexford, Sloane, and Co. remained steady throughout. I loved them from the moment Charlotte muttered to Wrexford: ” ‘What a pair we are … Prickly, guarded, afraid of making ourselves vulnerable.’ ” Afraid initially. As the narrative builds, Wrexford and Charlotte’s slow-burn romance flickers and flares, teasing the reader and making her yearn for more. They have three near-kisses that ratcheted the tension horribly and yet deliciously. They also share one of the sexiest waltzes I’ve ever read. And how irresistible is our Wrexford introduction? Note: “The earl settled himself on the sofa, all well-tailored broad shoulders and long-legged elegance.” Perfection in that “well-tailored” incongruity to his “broad shoulders”. And Charlotte noticing how, in pursuit of the truth for her, he neglects getting a haircut. Wrexford does a lot of sexy running-fingers through his long, dark hair.
The slow burn, however, is beautifully maintained as the background to Wrexford and Charlotte’s friendship, with affectionate quips like this one: “A faint smile tugged at his lips. ‘We are, I suppose, well-acquainted with each other’s eccentricities and have learned to put up with them.’ ” And heart-wrenching bits like “She managed a shaky exhale and allowed herself to sink back against the pillows. ‘I’m very grateful for –‘ ‘Love doesn’t require gratitude,’ he said.” And then the tension flaring with the deep love they have for each other, yet unspoken and dormant as it is: ” ‘Without you, I would have given up long ago.’ ‘I would do anything for you,’ he said softly. ‘Would you?’ Charlotte set down the book and box of cards. ‘Then please … ‘ She moved a step closer and reached up to press her palm to his cheek. ‘Don’t be so hard on yourself. I can’t bear to see you trapped in such shadows.’ ” I loved it and them.
Penrose’s other great strength, other than the yummy romance, is the love of friends and family Charlotte and Wrexford built around them: “She had somehow gathered a mismatched circle of friends around her during the past few years. They had become very dear to her. Once again, she was aware of how frighteningly vulnerable she felt because of it. A solitary existence was far safe, uncomplicated by the complexities of emotions. Danger now held more consequences than the question of her own measly survival. The boys depended on her … ” Ah, the boys, Wrexford’s beloved “Weasels” (how tender is it that he has found them a tutor? how loving is Charlotte’s heart-weakness for them? teaching them to draw, muttering motherly threats about “no jam tarts,” which McLennan affectionately bakes for them, hugging them and giving them a world of love and care and knowledge where they had none). Raven and Hawk are funny, smart, and vulnerable in how much they love Charlotte and both love and are in awe of Wrexford. In the end, the most winning aspect of Penrose’s wonderful series is the conclusion Charlotte and Wrexford come to together and apart, that love is primary, makes life worth living, and deserves our greatest care and protection. And why I await the next book in the series as I do Raybourn’s, Harris’s, and Ashley’s. With Miss Austen, we find, in Murder At Kensington Palace, “a mind lively and at ease,” Emma.
Andrea Penrose’s Murder At Kensington Palace is published by Kensington Books. It was released in September 2019 and may be found at your preferred vendors. I am grateful to Kensington Books for an e-galley, via Netgalley.
August 14, 2019
Though Charlotte Sloane’s secret identity as the controversial satirical cartoonist A.J. Quill is safe with the Earl of Wrexford, she’s ill prepared for the rippling effects sharing the truth about her background has cast over their relationship. She thought a bit of space might improve the situation. But when her cousin is murdered and his twin brother is accused of the gruesome crime, Charlotte immediately turns to Wrexford for help in proving the young man’s innocence. Though she finds the brooding scientist just as enigmatic and intense as ever, their partnership is now marked by an unfamiliar tension that seems to complicate every encounter.
Despite this newfound complexity, Wrexford and Charlotte are determined to track down the real killer. Their investigation leads them on a dangerous chase through Mayfair’s glittering ballrooms and opulent drawing rooms, where gossip and rumors swirl to confuse the facts. Was her cousin murdered over a romantic rivalry . . . or staggering gambling debts? Or could the motive be far darker and involve the clandestine scientific society that claimed both brothers as members? The more Charlotte and Wrexford try to unknot the truth, the more tangled it becomes. But they must solve the case soon, before the killer’s madness seizes another victim..
This was a good book and a good series. I did feel the story dragged in places but overall a very good read.
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