About the Book
A perplexing murder in a renowned Oxford University library and a suspicious fire at a famous inventor’s London laboratory set Wrexford and Lady Charlotte on two separate investigations in this masterfully plotted, atmospheric Regency-set mystery from USA Today bestselling author Andrea Penrose.
Responding to an urgent plea from a troubled family friend, the Earl of Wrexford journeys to Oxford only to find the reclusive university librarian has been murdered, and a rare manuscript has gone missing. The only clue is that someone overheard an argument in which Wrexford’s name was mentioned.
At the same time, Charlotte—working under her pen name, A. J. Quill—must determine whether a laboratory fire was arson and if it’s connected to the race between competing consortiums to build a new type of ship—one powered by steam rather than sails—with the potential to revolutionize military power and world commerce. That the race involves new innovations in finance and entrepreneurship only raises the stakes—especially as their good friend, Kit Sheffield, may be an investor in one of the competitors.
As they delve deeper into the baffling clues, Wrexford and Charlotte begin to realize that things are not what they seem. An evil conspiracy is lurking in the shadows and threatens all they hold dear—unless they can tie the loose threads together before it’s too late . . .
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Narrator: James Cameron Stewart
Format: Unabridged
Runtime: 12h 12m
Reviews
“[Penrose] rewards diligent readers with a pulse-pounding climax, and her deep dive into early 18th-century technology is a treat. In the crowded field of Regency mysteries, this series stands out.”
– Publishers Weekly
“An excellent mystery bolstered by fascinating information about a life-changing invention.”
– Kirkus Reviews
“Penrose builds her much-complicated plot with a Dickensian cast of characters…The plot moves quickly with unexpected complications that keep the reader intrigued. The dialogue is lively; the author has a discriminating sense of timing. The climax is worthy of the complications, and the ending is felicitous.”
– Historical Novel Society
“As in every Penrose novel, the solution to these linked crimes is generated through the loyalty and insight of intelligent and caring friends—which is why her fiction is, as Lord Wrexford’s friends would say, ‘infernally satisfying.’”
– New York Journal of Books
“I love this series for its exploration of Regency science…Highly recommend this series for fans of Darcie Wilde, Tasha Alexander, and Dianne Freeman.”
– Robin Agnew, Aunt Agatha’s Bookshop (Ann Arbor, MI)
The Details
Published: September 26, 2023
Publisher: Kensington Books
Formats: EbookPaperbackAudiobook
ISBN-10: 1496739949ISBN-13: 978-1496739940ASIN: B0BRDLJHQL
Genres & Tropes
Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Amateur Sleuth, Regency Romance
The Wrexford & Sloane Series
