Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Review: A Malevolent Connection

Title: A Malevolent Connection
Author: Lynn Messina

Publisher: 11th November 2021 by The Book Whisperer

Pages: 263 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, romance, mystery

My Rating: 3.5 cups


Synopsis:


Despite suffering a few initial setbacks, the former Beatrice Hyde-Clare has settled into her new position nicely. Thanks to Lady Abercrombie’s machinations, she has secured the admiration of society and finally earned the respect of her staff. Even the lessons in defending herself, which her husband, the Duke of Kesgrave, insists she take if she wants to continue in her dangerous avocation, are going well. Save for the dreaded pineapple chunks chef André insists on putting in her beloved rout cakes, everything is perfect.


But then she learns from a most unlikely source that Kesgrave’s malevolent uncle is scheming to destroy her happiness. Determinedly, she resolves to meet the threat head on—a plan that immediately goes awry when the duke asks her to allow him to handle the matter.


Stand idly by while dark forces muster?


Well, no, Bea can’t possibly do that—especially not when the villainous relation winds up bludgeoned to death with a candlestick.


My Thoughts


‘Overseeing the finest residence in London, Mrs. Wallace would be deeply troubled to learn that all her new mistress needed was a book, a comfortable chair and enough light by which to read.’


I am such a fan of Lynn’s work and have reviewed many of her books (HERE).  Having partaken in her Regency Cozy Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries before, I was eager to return to the story of Beatrice and Damien once more.


A Malevolent Connection is the 9th book in this series and these are fun, light and entertaining reads. A little romance, a little mystery and loads of banter to bring a smile to your dial :)


“I trust in the future you will remember that I am never the problem.”


Quick to read and not necessary to have read others in the series (though obviously, it will enhance your experience) I highly recommend you sample some of Lynn’s writing. The characters are great with the banter between Bea and Damien an absolute highlight. I did find this one a tad slow in parts with the inner monologues from Bea a bit too much - I wanted more interaction. 


With murders to solve and chaos to reign in, these light and fun regency romps (solely in the sleuth solving department) are sure to please. It is the perfect book to make that cup of tea with and while away the hour with the quick witted Beatrice and Damien Kesgrave.


‘… life was not lived in the grand moments. No, it was lived in the banal little exchanges that occurred day after day, and it was the accumulation of these insignificant interactions that made up a relationship. That was where the truth resided - in the cracks between grandiosities.’




This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.



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