#HistoricalMystery – Gwendalyn’s Books

Jane and the Final Mystery

By Stephanie Barron

• Series: Being a Jane Austen Mystery (Book 15)

• Genre: Historical Mystery, Austenesque Fiction

• Publisher: Soho Crime (October 24, 2023)

• Length: (312) pages

• Format: Hardcover, eBook, & audiobook

• ISBN: 978-1641295055

• Tour Dates: October 16 – 31, 2023

BOOK DESCRIPTION

The final volume of the critically acclaimed mystery series featuring Jane Austen as amateur sleuth

March 1817: As winter turns to spring, Jane Austen’s health is in slow decline, and threatens to cease progress on her latest manuscript. But when her nephew Edward brings chilling news of a death at his former school, Winchester College, not even her debilitating ailment can keep Jane from seeking out the truth. Arthur Prendergast, a senior pupil at the prestigious all-boys’ boarding school, has been found dead in a culvert near the schoolgrounds—and in the pocket of his drenched waistcoat is an incriminating note penned by the young William Heathcote, the son of Jane’s dear friend Elizabeth. Winchester College is a world unto itself, with its own language and rites of passage, cruel hazing and dangerous pranks. Can Jane clear William’s name before her illness gets the better of her?

Over the course of fourteen previous novels in the critically acclaimed Being a Jane Austen Mystery series, Stephanie Barron has won the hearts of thousands of fans—crime fiction aficionados and Janeites alike—with her tricky plotting and breathtaking evocation of Austen’s voice. Now, she brings Jane’s final season—and final murder investigation—to brilliant, poignant life in this unforgettable conclusion.

PRAISE FOR JANE AND THE FINAL MYSTERY

• “Poignant . . . Elicits deep emotion out of Jane’s struggles against her own mortality. This is a fitting send-off for a beautifully realized series.”— Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

• “Barron developed Jane’s narrative voice by reading Austen’s collected and published letters, and it is neither spoiler nor surprise to say that series readers will be sorry to say goodbye to Jane Austen, amateur sleuth.”— Booklist

• “[Barron] has brilliantly combined authentic historical and biographical details with skillful plotting and a credible evocation of Austen’s wry, distinctive voice. She brings the English author’s final investigation to a poignant, unforgettable close. Fans of this historical series will not be disappointed.”— First Clue

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

REVIEW

From the desk of Gwendalyn

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

Jane and the Final Mystery by Stephanie Barron is the final installment to her “Being a Jane Austen Mystery” series, set in the Georgian era.

March 1817, Jane Austen latest manuscript comes to a halt, as she is grappling with the illness that will soon take her in July of that year. She travels to Winchester College accompanied by nephew Edward to investigate the death of one of his former schoolmates at Englands prestigious prep school, Winchester college.

William the son of her dear friend widowed Elizabeth Heathcote is the key suspect in the murder of Arthur Prendergast.

Stephanie Barron has captivated readers since 1996 in her wonderful mystery series that featuring Jane Austen as an amateur sleuth. Meticulous researched, Barron has consistently written exceptional books. The voice of Jane Austen rings true, along with the authors ability to draw readers into a rewarding mystery The rich imagery of place and time along with the characters themselves were absolutely wonderful and so vividly descriptive. If you are a lover of Jane Austen or cozy mysteries themselves, please reward yourself with this book series.

Happy Reading 🫶📖

Thanks to @soho_press, @Austenprose

AUTHOR

Stephanie Barron is a graduate of Princeton and Stanford, where she received her Masters in History as an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fellow in the Humanities. Her novel, THAT CHURCHILL WOMAN (Ballantine, January 22, 2019) traces the turbulent career of Jennie Jerome, Winston Churchill’s captivating American mother. Barron is perhaps best known for the critically acclaimed Jane Austen Mystery Series, in which the intrepid and witty author of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE details her secret detective career in Regency England. A former intelligence analyst for the CIA, Stephanie—who also writes under the name Francine Mathews—drew on her experience in the field of espionage for such novels as JACK 1939, which The New Yorker described as “the most deliciously high-concept thriller imaginable.” She lives and works in Denver, CO.

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GOODREADS

Book Reviews

ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A LORDCOVER REVEAL + Giveaway

February 26, 2023February 27, 2023 Gwendalyn’s Books

Hello Gracious Readers

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for

ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A LORD

COVER REVEAL

Make sure you read the complete post to enter an Giveaway!

• Title: Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord: A Mystery

• Author: Celeste Connally

• Genre: Historical Mystery, Regency Mystery, Cozy Mystery

• Publisher: Minotaur Books (November 14, 2023)

• Length: (304) pages

• Format: Hardcover, & eBook

• ISBN: 978-1250867551

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, a dazzling first entry in a terrific new Regency-era cozy series with a feminist spin.

When Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiancé and soulmate dies just weeks ahead of their wedding, she makes the shocking proclamation―in front of London’s loosest lips―that she will never remarry. A woman of independent means, Petra sees no reason to cede her wealth and freedom to any man now that the love of her life has passed, nor does she intend to become confined to her country home. Instead, she uses her title to gain access to elite spaces and enjoy the best of society without expectations.

But when ballroom gossip suggests that a longtime friend has died of “melancholia” while in the care of a questionable physician, Petra vows to use her status to dig deeper―uncovering a private asylum where men pay to have their wives and daughters locked away, or worse. Just as Lady Petra has reason to believe her friend is not dead, but a prisoner, her own headstrong actions and thirst for independence are used to put her own freedom in jeopardy.

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

AUTHOR MESSAGE

Hello, Dear Readers,

I’m incredibly honored you’re here to help me reveal the cover for the first book in my new historical mystery series, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord.

The idea for this book took hold during the pandemic, when I was watching period dramas on the regular, including all my favorite Jane Austen adaptations and Downton Abbey. And of course, in nearly every one, there was the notion of the unmarried woman being a rather pitiable character. I began thinking about how the spinsters never got to be in the limelight, especially in the Regency period. They were hardly ever seen as strong, or capable, or worthy of respect, and I thought to myself that a main character who valued her independence and embraced her decision not to marry would make for a heroine I would like to write.

And thus, dear readers, I am overjoyed to introduce you to Lady Petra Forsyth. Daughter of the Fifth Earl of Holbrook, accomplished equestrienne, goddaughter to the Duchess of Hillmorton, and a woman in possession of her own fortune.

After the death of her fiancé three years ago, Lady Petra’s already headstrong ways—which include occasionally riding astride in her brother’s old breeches—came to include living her life on her own terms. That is, without a husband—though not everyone sees her decision as the right one, or the ladylike one. And when the purported death of a dear friend seems intertwined with mentions of a mysterious physician, Petra does the most unladylike thing she can: she starts asking questions.

When Petra formed in my mind as a character, I saw her with little bits of some of my favorite…well, almost-spinsters. Such as Emma Woodhouse, who was initially willing to go her own way and remain unmarried in a time where doing just that was an incredible risk for a woman, no matter what her financial status. And then there’s Downton Abbey’s Lady Edith, who recognized her talents and carved out a satisfying life for herself as anentrepreneur and businesswoman. She didn’t let it stop her from romance, either…

Another thing my inspirations for Petra have in common is that I feel they would all have made excellent amateur sleuths. Some would say it’s because spinsters have an inclination toward nosiness, but I would say it’s their sharp minds and a refusal to give up on what’s important. I think Petra certainly begins to develop the knack for investigating—whether or not those around her approve—and I very much hope you’ll enjoy riding alongside her for her very first adventure.

All my best,

Celeste

AUTHOR BIO

Celeste Connally is an Agatha Award nominee, and a former freelance writer and editor. A lifelong devotee of historical novels and adaptations fueled by her passion for history—plus weekly doses of PBS Masterpiece—Celeste loves reading and writing about women from the past who didn’t always do as they were told.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

GIVEAWAY CHANCE

Author Celeste Connally and her publisher Minotaur Books are generously offering a fabulous giveaway for your readers that you can add to your post and on social media.

Giveaway Details:

Two (2) winners (selected at random by Rafflecopter) will receive one (1) advanced reader’s paperback copy of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord. One (1) winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) will receive one (1) advanced reader’s paperback copy of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord and a gift prize package containing the following:

1. A Jane Austen ‘Obstinate, Headstrong Girl’ mug from the Jane Austen Centre giftshop.

2. A bookmark, and a bookplate signed by the author.

3. A medley of Harney & Sons teas in various flavors individually wrapped teabags.

4. A handmade ceramic tea tidy in the shape of a teapot for teabags.

5. A box of English tea biscuits.

Giveaway period: Open from 12:01 am Pacific time 02/22/23 until 11:59pm Pacific time on 03/19/23.

Terms & Conditions:

The giveaway is hosted by Celeste Connally and Minotaur Books. No purchase is necessary. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Open to US residents only. All information will remain confidential and will not be sold or otherwise used, except to notify the winner and to facilitate postage of the books and prizes to the winners. Void where prohibited. One giveaway item per eligible entrant.

Announcement of Winner:

Visit author Celeste Connally’s website on March 20, 2023, to see if you won one of the three prizes.

Rafflecopter Form:

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/406b793d1/?

Book Tours

Millstone of Doubt Blog Tour

September 20, 2022September 19, 2022 Gwendalyn’s Books

Hello Gracious Readers,

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for

Millstone of Doubt by Erica Vetsch

• Title: Millstone of Doubt: Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries (Book 2)

• Series: Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries

• Author: Erica Vetsch

• Genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction

• Publisher: ‎Kregel Publications (September 20, 2022)

• Length: (304) pages

• Format: Trade paperback & eBook

• ISBN: 978-0825447143

• Tour Dates: September 19 – October 3, 2022

BOOK DESCRIPTION

A Bow Street Runner and a debutante in London Society use their skills to find the killer of a wealthy businessman, but the killer’s secrets aren’t the only ones they will uncover.

Caught in the explosion of the Hammersmith Mill in London, Bow Street runner Daniel Swann rushes to help any survivors only to find the mill’s owner dead of an apparent gunshot–but no sign of the killer.

Even though the owner’s daughter, Agatha Montgomery, mourns his death, she may be the only one. It seems there are more than a few people with motive for murder. But Daniel can’t take this investigation slow and steady. Instead, he must dig through all the suspects as quickly as he can because the clock is ticking until his mysterious patronage–and his job as a runner–comes to an abrupt and painful end. It seems to Daniel that, like his earthly father, his heavenly Father has abandoned him.
Lady Juliette Thorndike is Agatha’s bosom friend and has the inside knowledge of the wealthy London ton to be invaluable to Daniel. She should be in a perfect position to help with the case. But when her trusted instructor in the art of spy craft orders her to stay out of the investigation, Lady Juliette obeys. That is, until circumstances intervene, and she drops right into the middle of the deadly pursuit.

When a dreadful accident ends in another death on the mill floor, Daniel discovers a connection to his murder case–and to his own secret past. Now he and Juliette are in a race to find the killer before his time runs out.

ADVANCE PRAISE

• “An artfully told story that will have you wondering at the outcome until the final pages are read.” —Ruth Logan Herne, USA Today best-selling author

• “…a fully satisfying mystery. I can’t wait to read the next one!” —Jocelyn Green, Christy Award–winning author of Drawn by the Current

• “I am sure fans of the first book in this series will revel in the deepening relationship between Daniel Swann and Juliette Thorndike.” —Alissa Baxter, author of The Viscount’s Lady Novelist

• “Millstone of Doubt captivated me from the first sentence and kept me guessing the entire novel…Erica Vetsch is the master of all things Regency.” —Lorri Dudley, author of The Duke’s Refuge

• “5 Stars. Millstone of Doubt is a compelling Regency mystery with plenty of romance. Michelle Griep fans (or any Regency fan in general) will love this novel.”— Jennifer Purcell, ChristianBooks.com

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

REVIEW

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Millstone of Doubt: Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries (Book 2)

By Erica Vetsch

Series: Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries

Pub Date: September 20, 2022

Publisher: ‎Kregel Publications

Genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction

Millstone of Doubt by Erica Vetsch is the second installment in the Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries. Another curious mystery is afoot, one that Mr Daniel Swann and Lady Juliette Throndike find themselves thrown together again.

London 1816, Debutante, Lady Juliette Throndike first season out in London’s society and she has promised herself not to fall for any man. Juliette’s {Jules} parents along with her uncle Bertie work behind the scenes of society as agents to the crown. Since Juliette’s abduction last month her uncle has provided her with some necessary self defense instructions to better prepare herself as fledgling agent, and develop her skills in spy craft.

Mr Daniel Swann, a detective from the Bow Street Magistrate’s Court, twenty-fifth birthday is fast approaching. This would bring to end the support from his mysterious patron would end. He would no longer be obligated to cary out the multitude of tasks in exchange for financial support.

When a explosion of a flour mill and what looks like the murder of Juliette’s good friend Agatha’s father, Mr Garfield Montgomery. Garfield Montgomery who owns the flour Mill that was threatened and may be have targeted by the Rabble rousers who don’t use critical thinking, instead they use vengeance and violence as away of stating their viewpoints on industrial progress. Causing more harm and job loss to the workers and their families.

This book follows first book in the series The Debutante’s Code. Told in dual perspectives, this warmhearted regency romance, provides underlying meaningful messages to its readers. I enjoyed the light hearted romance and the way mystery unfolds. The characters are likable, and you will find yourself drawn into their lives.

AUTHOR BIO

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota.

Book Tours

THE MATCHMAKER’S LONELY HEART

September 15, 2021September 14, 2021 Gwendalyn’s Books

Hello Romantic Readers
Today on my Book Blog

The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart By Nancy Campbell Allen

TheMatchmakersLonelyHeart, #HistoricalRomance, #HistoricalMystery, #AudioBooks, #BookTour

The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart: Proper Romance Victorian

By Nancy Campbell Allen

Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Mystery/Suspense, Inspirational Fiction

Shadow Mountain Publishing September 7, 2021

Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook

Synopsis

London, 1885

Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic, which makes her the perfect columnist to answer lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. When Amelie plays matchmaker with two anonymous lonely hearts, she also decides to secretly observe the couple’s blind date. To her surprise, the man who appears for the rendezvous is Harold Radcliffe―a grieving widower and a member of Amelie’s book club.

Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and brother-in-law died in the line of fire. Because he knows the dangers of his job, he has vowed never to marry and subject a wife and family to the uncertainty of his profession. But when he meets Miss Hampton, he is captured by her innocence, beauty, and her quick mind.

When a woman’s body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman’s husband―Harold Radcliffe―of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe’s innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match.

They also realize that Mr. Radcliffe is hiding more than one secret, and when his attention turns toward Amelie, Michael knows he must put an end to this case before the woman he loves comes to harm.

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP

GOODREADS

ADVANCE PRAISE

“Allen pairs a matchmaker and a detective in this charming Victorian romance. Allen expertly combines mystery and romance into a fast-paced tale complete with plenty of surprises and a central relationship founded on mutual admiration and respect. Readers are sure to appreciate the strong, well-shaded heroine and twisty plot.” —Publishers Weekly

“Allen’s chaste tale of Victorian romantic suspense will also appeal to historical mystery readers, and it would be great for mother-and-daughter reads. This has great appeal for teens who like historical fiction laced with mystery and romance.”—Booklist

“I was immediately drawn into the characters’ lives and enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery and the development of the romance.” —Mystery and Suspense Magazine

REVIEW

From the desk of Gwendalyn Anderson

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

🤎🤎🤎

The Matchmakers lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen, Is a delightful Victorian Proper Romance® that brings the perfect amount of suspense and a slow burn romance.

Victorian London we follow Amelia Hampton, a somewhat naive young woman who is trying to be a success columnis. She truly believes in romance, and marring for love. She struggles with the notion that their are those people who don’t always have the best intentions. Needless to say one in particular that is a charming member of a book club she attends. In a series of events she crosses path with Michael Baker, a detective heading an investigation involving the dashing book club member, Mr. Radcliffe. As the storyline unfolds the two are on opposites sides in this engaging clean romance. The more they find themselves together the more their working relationship becomes something much more. Amelia finds herself drawn to the captivating Radcliffe, and the nonchalant detective Michael Baker.

Which one is being honest with his true intentions toward this optimistic young lady?

The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen is a engaging historical romantic, with light suspense to keep you turning those pages. I loved the characters and thought they were well developed. Our leading lady’s growth was wonderful to watch. I thought the pace was brisk and I was immersed within story. As a reader you will enjoy Amelia’s struggle with wanting to be free of the restraints that were placed on women during this era. The light romance was well depicted and loved watching it unfold.

A perfect proper romance to be sure, with just enough suspense to keep the reader on their toes!

AUTHOR

Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of fifteen published novels and numerous novellas, which span genres from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. In 2005, her work won the Utah Best of State award, and she received a Whitney Award for My Fair Gentleman. She has presented at numerous writing conferences and events since her first book was released in 1999. Nancy received a BS in Elementary Education from Weber State University. She loves to read, write, travel, and research and enjoys spending time laughing with family and friends. She is married and the mother of three children.

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TOUR SCHEDULE

Sept 06Timeless Novels (Review)

Sept 07The Book Diva Reads (Excerpt)

Sept 07Wishful Endings (Review)

Sept 08Robin Loves Reading (Review)

Sept 08A Darn Good Read(Review)

Sept 08Storeybook Reviews (Spotlight)

Sept 08Austenesque Reviews (Review)

Sept 09Bookfoolery(Review)

Sept 09The Lit Bitch (Excerpt)

Sept 10The Bluestocking (Review)