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 cartoonist A.J. Quill is safe with the Earl of Wrexford, she’s ill prepared for the rippling effects sharing the truth about her … 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. 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 . . .
Praise for the Wrexford & Sloane Historical Mysteries
“Penrose deftly combines a Regency romance with a tricky mystery that delves into social unrest and the darker side of this storied period.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Its complex story line and authentic historical details bring the early days of the Industrial Revolution vividly to life. Bound to fascinate readers of C.S. Harris and even fans of Victorian mysteries.”
—Library Journal, Starred Review
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Murder At Kensington Palace is the third book in the Wrexford and Sloane Mystery series.
Lord Chittenden(Cedric) and his twin brother, Nicholas, have a heated argument at a scientific meeting that is heard by many of the attendees. In the early hours of the next morning, the brutally murdered body of Cedric is found in Kensington Gardens. When a bloody knife is found in Nicholas’ rooms, he is charged with the murder of his brother. When Charlotte hears the news she is devastated, as Cedric and Nicholas are distant cousins and were playmates during her early years.
She immediately contacts Wrexford to ask for his help in getting Nicholas released from jail and hopefully. Things seem to be strained between Wrexford and Charlotte, but Wrexford knows that she will pursue the matter with or without his help. There searching takes them to various scientific meetings, some seedy card dens and the homes of titled people.
This book is well-written, researched and plotted. The characters are very interesting and believable. I particularly enjoy Charlotte’s wards, Hawk and Raven. They progressing well with their education and are learning to speak like young gentlemen, rather than like the street urchins they used to be. With the education they have gotten, Raven has developed an interest in the sciences and helps out in Wrexford’s laboratory, while Hawk has developed an interest in plants and drawing them. But they still love being on the streets and are extremely helpful to Charlotte and Wrexford in finding the murderer.
I will be watching for the next book in this engaging series.