Review: An Ominous Explosion

Title: An Ominous Explosion: A Regency Cozy (Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries Book 10)

Author: Lynn Messina

Publisher: 13th May 2022 by Potatoworks Press

Pages: 278 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, mystery, romance

My Rating:  3 cups

Synopsis:

To be clear: Beatrice, Duchess of Kesgrave, does not think every dead person in London is the victim of a sinister plot. The city is large, after all, and some of its inhabitants had to have died from innocent causes. Like Peter Huzza, who was killed in a horrifying steam engine accident. It is shocking, yes, the way his body was torn apart by the explosion of his very own machine, but not entirely surprising. High-pressure steam is notoriously dangerous to harness.

There is no reason to suspect foul play.

Nope, none at all.

And yet there is that disquiet Bea feels when she pictures the decimation caused by the blast. It just doesn't seem quite decimated enough. But the alternative makes even less sense, for how could she have noticed something that one hundred other spectators missed? Believing the inventor was murdered right before their eyes—it is a wildly implausible theory.

No doubt it is. But when has Beatrice Hyde-Clare ever let the impossibility of a theory stop her?

My Thoughts

I have enjoyed Lynn’s previous novels, having partaken in her Regency Cozy Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries I was eager to return to the story of Beatrice and Damien once more. An Ominous Explosion is the 10th 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.

“From almost the very beginning, I have been troubled by your recklessness, the way you bound heedlessly into danger, determined to investigate murders that have nothing to do with you,”

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 have loved this series but feel some of the shine has worn off and I struggled somewhat with this instalment. I still find the writing style unusual -  dialogue that tells rather than one-to-one engagement definitely takes something away from the storytelling. You will also learn more than you ever thought possible on the development of steam engines and Bea is almost overconfident - I miss the old dynamics.

‘Only months ago she was a reticent spinster, barely capable of offering a benign reply to a remark about the weather, and now she was a confident investigator sifting through a horrifying tragedy to find a murder plot.’

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.

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.

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.

Review: A Treacherous Performance

Title: A Treacherous Performance: A Regency Cozy

Author: Lynn Messina

Publisher: 15th November 2019 by Potatoworks Press

Pages: 220 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: mystery, historical fiction/romance, Regency

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Having inexplicably nabbed the Duke of Kesgrave, twenty-six-year-old spinster Beatrice Hyde-Clare is determined to marry him at once and no amount of handwringing from anxious family members, worried friends and well-meaning acquaintances will convince her to delay. Except…maybe she is a little swayed by her uncle’s efforts to make amends for treating her with cold indifference during her childhood. And her aunt’s concern about the growing scandal around her unfortunate habit of unmasking murderers in the middle of society events isn’t entirely unfounded.

And then there’s the truly unfathomable appearance on her doorstep of the former Miss Brougham, the spiteful heiress whose cruel taunts derailed Bea’s social career. Remarkably, the society matron has a mystery to solve and knows Bea is the only person who can help her. A dead grandfather, a missing jewel, a cryptic letter, an opportunity to condescend to her archnemesis—the case seems simple enough.

And yet somehow it all goes terribly, horribly wrong.

My Thoughts

“He merely sighed resignedly and said, “Oh, hell, Bea, another dead body?”

I have been a fan since I first read Lynn’s, ‘Prejudice and Pride’ some years ago. Following up with reads from some of her Regency series, have only confirmed that time and again she produces fun and entertaining escapism with a wicked mystery thrown in for good measure. She is without doubt a most witty and clever author of the Regency period.

Here we have another great installment in the Beatrice-Hyde Clare mysteries, continuing on with the charming yet quirky read.  This is number five in the series. Once more you will find historic detail (this time immersion in a theatre company), a murder to be solved, romance and all tied together with humour. 

The two main leads of Beatrice and her now betrothed Kesgrave are one of my favourite couples - right up there with some of the classic couples from Deanna Raybourn - Lady Julia Grey or Veronica Speedwell - heroines and partners - it’s romping good Regency fun. Their interactions are the highlight of the books - wit and banter that cannot help but bring a smile to your face. To once again spend time with Bea and Kesgrave, for their relationship has advanced further, and the warmth and wit is in full throttle. What I appreciated most with this particular instalment were their interactions felt more in unison and made a great team.

“I gave you the opportunity to shine. And you are very welcome. Now do stop angling for compliments and tell me what you think of our suspects.”

The only thing to consider is that I feel this is not really a standalone. The first 20% picks up directly after the conclusion of the last book and will be somewhat confusing if the reader is unfamiliar with previous plots and characters. You may get away with reading it as a standalone, but why try when there are four earlier stories that await and are just as engaging and will bring a fuller appreciation of the lives of Bea and the Duke. I recommend that you read these books together as a series and in order. It's the best way to truly appreciate the wonder that is Miss Beatrice Hyde-Clare.

I am a fan of all Lynn’s Regency novels and for good reason. For there is nothing better than having light, entertaining escapism with a well thought out mystery and characters whose dialogue and thoughts are the eptimoy of humour that await you at the end of a long day. Having undertaken this journey with Bea from the beginning, it is wonderful to see how far she has come and grown into herself. Such depth cannot be overlooked it what is a most definite ‘cozy’ mystery. 

“... (I am) struck dumb by you - by your wit and your fearlessness and your intelligence and your sense of humor, so mischievous and sharp, and your beauty.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author.

Review: A Brazen Curiosity

Title: A Brazen Curiosity: A Regency Cozy (Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries Book 1)

Author: Lynn Messina

Publisher: 15 September 2018 by Potatoworks Press

Pages: 176 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, mystery, romance

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

Twenty-six-year-old Beatrice Hyde-Clare is far too shy to investigate the suspicious death of a fellow guest in the Lake District. A spinster who lives on the sufferance of her relatives, she would certainly not presume to search the rooms of her host's son and his friend looking for evidence. Reared in the twin virtues of deference and docility, she would absolutely never think to question the imperious Duke of Kesgrave about anything, let alone how he chose to represent the incident to the local constable.

And yet when she stumbles upon the bludgeoned corpse of poor Mr. Otley in the deserted library of the Skeffingtons' country house, that's exactly what she does.

My Thoughts

Lynn Messina! Sign me up! You are becoming my ‘go to’ for a fun getaway. Light and easy reads is what you deliver time and again. I adored this book! Lynn has proven herself to be a truly witty and very clever author of Regency genre. I mean a ‘posthaste’ nap sounds inviting to me!

“Aunt Vera, having decided it was her niece who had ruined the mood, rather than Mr. Otley’s corpse, reiterated her demand that Bea take a nap posthaste.”

This book is indeed a lot of fun and ticks so many boxes - historic details, an escape to the country, a murder to be solved, a little romance and all tied together with humour. You will love Beatrice, our main heroine and an old maid at 26! The way she does a character analysis on those gathered at this country retreat is wonderful, with her desire to throw food at them in abomination truly hysterical. However, there is also that touch of sadness about her situation and she recognises that which makes the reader truly feel for her.

“The difference between who she perceived herself to be and who she actually was was vast, and if she had any fight left in her, she would resent how easily she’d succumbed to everyone’s low expectations, including her own.”

Bea found herself wanting to hurl a dinner roll at him just to elicit a lecture on the throwing arch of flour-based projectiles.”

So when a murder occurs in the library late one night, Bea sees this as her opportunity. This has a good ol’ game of ‘Cluedo’ written all over it - Mr So and So, in the library with the .... what is there not to appreciate? As Beatrice and the Duke put their heads together in an attempt to reveal the murderer, the complexity of the clues is such, that you will not see the culprit until the final reveal.

“Beatrice couldn’t believe they were debating decorum while the dead body of Mr. Otley cooled before their eyes.”

I cannot recommend this book highly enough (and I am off to search up the remaining two in the series) for an all round entertaining read. It is a fun mystery, filled with an array of stereotypical, yet enticing, characters from that era with many a laugh out loud moment.

“I had quite a lot of tea.”

“Bea!” her aunt exclaimed, appalled at this display of outrageous behavior. “We just talked about this. Ladies do not admit to any biological functions.”

“Yes, Bea,” Flora said, smirking. “Weren’t you listening? It was in the section on hygiene.”

“Of course, I remember,” Bea lied smoothly. “The hygiene section was a favorite. I do particularly love disavowing my own physiological processes.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Impertinent Miss Templeton

Title: The Impertinent Miss Templeton: A Regency Romance

Author: Lynn Messina

Publisher: 30 August 2018 by Potatoworks Press

Pages: 276 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: romance, regency

My Rating: 4 crowns

Synopsis:

No, no, no! It doesn’t matter how many times the Duchess of Trent (The Harlow Hoyden) requests her help with a delicate matter regarding a patent for her sister’s invention, Tuppence Templeton will not lend a hand. She has a habit, yes, of coming up with ingenious plans to solve other people’s problems, and it is true that she’s clever and daring enough to pull off the proposed scheme. But there’s no way she’s going to confront the arrogant and dismissive Earl of Gage again. She is still shaken—or is it stirred?—from their last encounter when, rather than thank her for saving his sister from ruin, he railed against her for having the temerity to interfere in his family’s business. And yet somehow when the opportunity arises, she finds herself unable to resist issuing the challenge.

Nicholas Perceval, Earl of Gage, cannot believe it when the impertinent upstart who exposed his sister to disaster maneuvers him into escorting her to the Bill Patent Office. What a perfectly ridiculous request! And then to discover that she manipulated him while they were there so that she could “find” a missing application—he has never been so angry in his entire life. And it’s not because he’d unexpectedly enjoyed her charming and irreverent company. No, that has nothing to do with it at all. Although perhaps maybe a little…

My Thoughts

“If I were a better woman, perhaps less of a spinster and a quiz, I would be gracious and let you have your say. But I have far too much respect for you to let you condescend to my feelings.”

Having read Lynn Messina before (HERE), I knew I would be up for a fun and enjoyable romp in Regency England - she did not fail to deliver. This book is a lot of fun. Part of the ‘Love Takes Root’ series, do not fear for this is a standalone read and I had no problems at all with it. Following along classic lines, Messina puts her own spin producing a fun historical romance with intrigue - all very polite of course! It is a refreshing take on strong willed heroines with fabulous dialogue that takes a stand for female characters in an era when it would have been frowned upon. Far from being one dimensional, Messina provides a range of fun and inviting characters that I would be most interested in reading more from the series for light entertainment.

“I would never consider a beau who had made his declaration on the way to claiming a prawn.”

There were passages that I found repetitive, especially concerning the inner dialogue of both Tuppence and Gage, and I just wished it were filled more with the witty banter between both the leads and other prominent characters (the sisters were thoroughly entertaining). The plots are clever and really so amusing that is provides a wonderful escape as it is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face (even a chuckle is on the cards).  Traditional regency readers beware! This light and humourous read may not be for you unless you are prepared to suspend your inner critic and just lose yourself in this fun regency romp.

The duchess clutched the side of the window with one hand as she tugged her skirt over the sill with the other. “Actually, she wouldn’t care about the height. A lady being astride anything would be horrifying enough.”

This is a tale with a little bit of everything - mystery, intrigue, action, romance and a barrel of laughs. Spend some time with Tuppence Templeton and you cannot help but smile at her ‘impertinence’!

“...he’d never consider her his equal—no woman was—and she was far better off alone than diminishing herself to fit inside his pocket.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Prejudice and Pride

Title: Prejudice and Pride

Author: Lynn Messina

Publisher: 15 December 2015 by Potatoworks Press

Pages: 238 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: womens fiction, romance, chick  lit, retellings

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis: 

You know Darcy: rich, proud, standoffish, disapproving, one of the greatest romantic heroes of all time. But you don't know this Darcy because THIS Darcy is a woman. 

In PREJUDICE & PRIDE, Lynn Messina’s modern retelling with a gender-bendy twist, everything is vaguely familiar and yet wholly new. Bingley is here, in the form of Charlotte "Bingley" Bingston, an heiress staying at the Netherfield hotel on Central Park, as is Longbourn, transformed from an ancestral home into a perennially cash-strapped art museum on the edge of the city. Naturally, it employs an audacious fundraiser with an amused glint in his eye called Bennet. 

All the favorite characters are present and cleverly updated: Providing the cringe-worthy bon mots is Mr. Meryton, the nerve-wracked executive director of the Longbourn who’s always on the lookout for heiresses to join his museum’s very important committees. (Universally acknowledged truth: Any woman in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a social committee to chair.) Collin Parsons is still in obsequious, if ironic, awe of his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The wicked Georgia Wickham toils as a graphic designer at Redcoat Design by day and schemes against Darcy by night. 

With her trademark wit and style, Lynn Messina takes the genres she does best—chick lit, mashups, and Regency romance—and weaves them into one delightfully entertaining tale that doubles as a fun guessing game.

My Thoughts

"Seriously, Darcy, you have to dance. You can't stand here by yourself all night glaring at everyone. You look ridiculous."

If you love 'Pride and Prejudice', and are not too much of a traditionalist, you will LOVE this book! I delighted in it and highly recommend it. This is a P&P adaptation set in today's world with all the pop culture #tags and references! Fun! I was a little bamboozled in the first thirty pages or so as there were many names and locations thrown at the reader. But persevere! It's modern with its "Instagramming selfies" and all!

What is most unique about this particular adaptation, is that nearly all the main characters from the original are flipped, that being, Darcy is a girl! (Elizabeth) Bennet is the boy! How original! This would have to be one of the most unique takes on a tale that has been told over and reinvented in so many forms; but this surely is an original and must be given credit for that. As much as an incentive as that may be, I just loved the whole mix together of flipped characters, humour, romance and thought it a great fun read that I tore through despite obviously knowing the outcome. Just goes to prove, it's all about the journey. 

"If that's really your definition of a well-rounded man, then I'm no longer surprised you know only six. I'm shocked you know any at all."

Messina cleverly parallels people, plot and circumstances and draws them into the modern world - you will recognise everything if you are a P&P lover. In fact, you will eagerly anticipate to see how certain famous confrontations are handled. This truly is a classic reinvented that I believe will appeal to both old and new readers alike. This is just a fun read! You get to see some favourite characters in a most fascinating way. Of course some of the characters and a few threads, lean on the somewhat exaggerated side, but I could overlook that, thinking how difficult it must have been to find a modern parallel for each and every situation. 

"And this", Darcy says...."is what you think of me! Thank you for explaining it so fully. Clearly, I'm an awful person."

If you love P&P and are open to a fresh and unique interpretation then this is the book for you. I loved it. 

"And your fault is a tendency to hate everybody."

"And yours," she replies..."is to deliberately misunderstand them."

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.