In Regency London, an unconventional scientist and a fearless female artist team up to trap a cold-hearted killer: “Thoroughly enjoyable” (Deanna Raybourn, New York Times–bestselling author). The Earl of Wrexford possesses a brilliant scientific mind, but boredom and pride lead him to reckless behavior. So when pompous, pious Reverend Josiah Holworthy publicly condemns him for debauchery, … him for debauchery, Wrexford unsheathes his rapier-sharp wit and strikes back. As their war of words escalates, London’s most popular satirical cartoonist, A.J. Quill, skewers them both. But then the clergyman is found slain in a church—his face burned by chemicals, his throat slashed ear to ear—and Wrexford finds himself the chief suspect.
An artist in her own right, Charlotte Sloane has secretly slipped into the persona of her late husband, using his nom de plume, A.J. Quill. When Wrexford discovers her true identity, she fears it will be her undoing. But he has a proposal—use her sources to unveil the clergyman’s clandestine involvement in questionable scientific practices, and unmask the real murderer. Soon Lord Wrexford and the mysterious Mrs. Sloane plunge into a dangerous shadow world hidden among London’s intellectual enclaves to trap a cunning adversary—before they fall victim to the next experiment in villainy . . .
“Sharp, engaging characters, rich period detail, and a compellingly twisty plot, Andrea Penrose delivers a winner.” —Deanna Raybourn, New York Times–bestselling author
“Fans of C.S. Harris take note! A riveting ride through Regency London, from the slums of St. Giles, to the mansions of Mayfair.” —Lauren Willig, New York Times–bestselling author
“Historical chemistry meets alchemy . . . A delight of a book.&rdquo
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I enjoyed this and was happy to see that it’s the beginning of a series, with #2 due March ‘18. I picked this as my contribution to a book club read. My favorite thing about the book is the cast of characters. Both Wrexford and Sloane are compelling and interesting, and I found myself wanting to learn more about them…their pasts, what has shaped them, etc. The secondary characters were also well done and a delight.
I found while reading this that I was reminded several times of another series that has become a favorite of mine, C.S. Harris’ St. Cyr mysteries. There were some similar elements here, however it still managed to be original and entertaining.
I will definitely look forward to reading the second installment.
I’ve binged on a few historical mysteries lately, so decided to try an author who’s new to me. And I really enjoyed this book. The scenes when Charlotte Sloane and Wrexford verbally sparred with each other brought the pages to life. Even the minor characters were well-done, and the two street urchins won my heart. The mystery had enough twists and surprises to keep me entertained. Occasionally, for me, scenes were overwritten. I felt like the debate between using science and logic and using artistic sensibilities and intuition beat me over the head a few times. But I’m looking forward to reading the next book and hopefully, Charlotte and Wrexford will become a little more than just friends.
I love the Wrexford and Sloane series. Andrea Penrose puts the reader right into the Regency realm and gives a more earthy perspective than lords and ladies doing their thing. Mrs. Sloane, while part of the aristocracy, made her living as a caricaturist until the last book where she had to rejoin her kind. Lord Wrexford is a scientist whose pursuits sometimes take him into danger. They’ve become friends and friends don’t let friends solve murders alone, especially when there is a growing attraction.
Penrose has created a cast of characters to aid her hero and heroine. My favorites are two urchins Mrs. Sloane has adopted, affectionately called, “the weasels.”
With lots of action and excellent writing, this series has become one of my favorites. This particular book does bog down at a few points while the author explains, in too much detail, some ponderous economic terms and scientific principles. But it’s still a good read and I highly recommend it.
Liked the main character and the local bobby – realistic and interesting mystery
Historical Mystery with interesting characters and subplots. Couldn’t put it down. First in this series.
Murder on Black Swan Lane
A Wrexford & Sloane Mystery Book 1
Andrea Penrose
https://www.facebook.com/andreapenrose.author/
Release Date 06/27/2017
Publisher Kensington Books
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NB98TQO/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_awdo_YDCAV7V4MHA7SSJ7PTKF
In Regency London, an unconventional scientist and a fearless female artist team up to trap a cold-hearted killer.
The Earl of Wrexford possesses a brilliant scientific mind, but boredom and pride lead him to reckless behavior. So when pompous, pious Reverend Josiah Holworthy publicly condemns him for debauchery, Wrexford unsheathes his rapier-sharp wit and strikes back. As their war of words escalates, London’s most popular satirical cartoonist, A.J. Quill, skewers them both. But then the clergyman is found slain in a church—his face burned by chemicals, his throat slashed ear to ear—and Wrexford finds himself the chief suspect.
An artist in her own right, Charlotte Sloane has secretly slipped into the persona of her late husband, using his nom de plume, A.J. Quill. When Wrexford discovers her true identity, she fears it will be her undoing. But he has a proposal—use her sources to unveil the clergyman’s clandestine involvement in questionable scientific practices, and unmask the real murderer. Soon Lord Wrexford and the mysterious Mrs. Sloane plunge into a dangerous shadow world hidden among London’s intellectual enclaves to trap a cunning adversary—before they fall victim to the next experiment in villainy . . .
Intuition and reason
This time I would not be caught like with Lady Fan series, I have the first book in this new to me series, so I am reading it first before the release of the latest installment.
Thus way, I will have a reasonable view of the different characters.
Charlotte operating under AJ Quill, her late husband’s pen name is the bearer of many secrets. One being her live-hood is provided by the satirical drawings she sold under thus name. Were she discovered, it would be the end of her means to make ends meet.
Wrexford is a bored, cold blooded rather merciless peer. He analyses clues and hints as his scientific mind like with rationality and reason. But his temper put him right into the path of his own falling.
Both have their web of informants, from different stations but all brought together, they draw the map of who’s behind the gruesome murder.
I just adored Raven and Hawk, nicknamed the weasels by Wrexford, street urchins brothers, Charlotte has taken under her wing, who provide loads of insights and informations, connected to other ragamuffin informants. They are the light of this tale.
Tyler is so much more than Wrexford’s valet and laboratory’s assistant, he is his all-kind-of-talents companion and a sort of a friend.
Sheffield is not the idle being nor easy ne’er do well people think he is, he plays his part in Wrexford’s game, having to rely on his wits and his charming persona as funds are low for a younger son.
And last Henning, the Scot surgeon working at the mortuary.
The case is very clever, well thought, full of twists and turns offering a different view of the era, by bringing together Wrexford and Charlotte, it unexpectedly affords her some closure but unlocks too more questions about her past and life altering choices.
Regency is mostly in my mind a romance period, maybe because most of the historical mysteries I have read are set during the Victorian period. So it is even more enthralling to read about the spark of progress, of discovery which will lead to today’s technology at a time when witches and stakes were not yet a long forgotten memory.
5 stars
none but there are the elements for something between the main characters.
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I have found a new author to a growing list of favorite authors. Love the story and the characters.
I’m always on the look out for a new series to read and this one will fill the bill. I liked that the author did not turn this into a romance with the two leading characters though there seems to be a possible future; right now they are all business.
Excellent opening for the series. Both the hero (an aristocrat) and heroine (an artist) are enigmatic characters. While their search for the killer unfolds, the reader gets to have insight into their secrets which lays the foundation for further books. You also get quite an in-depth history of alchemy. Well written and action packed at the end.
While this book has the usual first book growing pains, it sets the stage for a beautiful ongoing partnership. This book offers a unique view of Regency London, and I can’t wait to return.
Read my full review:
https://rebeccasreadingcorner.blog/review-andrea-penrose-murder-on-black-swan-lane/
I’m really enjoying this murder mystery series from the quill of Andrea Penrose. These novels are set in the Regency London – like my Detective Lavender books and the Sebastian St Cyr series by C. S. Harris – but they’re unique in that Charlotte Sloane is an enterprising woman who’s carved out a secret and successful career for herself as a satirical cartoonist.
Independent and clever, she’s the perfect match for the mercurial and scientific Earl of Wrexford, her crime-solving partner. The chemistry between them is obvious and that personal spark adds an extra layer of interest to the novels.
The secondary characters in this series are also delightful, especially the sardonic Tyler, Lord Wrexford’s valet/laboratory assistant, and Raven and Hawk, the street-wise young orphans whom Charlotte has taken under her wing.
I just discovered this series and can’t wait to read the other installments. The characters are fantastic and I simply have to see what happens to them next.
I loved this book. So glad it’s the start to a new series and no cliffhangers! This story has a clear beginning and satisfactory ending. Yes there is more to the series but they appear to be separate, independent stories where the two main characters meet again.
That being said I can’t wait until their lives intersect again. I really enjoyed both Charlotte and Wrexford as well as the varied cast of secondary characters. I hope we learn more about Tyler who acts as Wexford’s valet and laboratory assistant, he intrigues me to no end.
This was a thoroughly wonderful read. I am looking forward to the rest of this series as well.
“Trust made one vulnerable.” (quote from the book)
I really enjoyed this first book in a new series to me from the quill of Andrea Penrose. Set during the Regency Period, I found the story immediately lured me in, and the two protagonists, The Earl of Wrexford and A.J. Quill (Charlotte Sloane) are two very compelling characters. Each are hiding their pain and their secrets in their own way.
“She had already shown herself to have a spine of steel, along with a quickness of wit in their thrust-and-parry battle of wills.” (quote from the book)
The secondary characters in this series are just delightful…Tyler, Lord Wrexford’s valet/laboratory assistant, Raven and Hawk, two young orphans that Charlotte has taken under wing…or is it the other way around, and Christopher Sheffield, Lord Wrexford’s closest friend.
“They reminded him of baby raptors. All gristle and bone. Wary. Wild. Primed to explode into savage violence.” (quote from the book)
I found the writing very atmospheric and the dialogue witty, sardonic and flowing. The mystery itself is intriguing and by combining the scientific with art added a delightful new twist.
“The air was damp and heavy with a cloying odor. The smell of old bones and moldering sadness.” (quote from the book)
Yes, I am hooked and look forward to reading many more from Ms. Penrose!
I am an avid mystery reader. Historical mysteries are my favorite. This book met all my criteria.
I liked this book and want to try the next in the series.
Very good. Loved the characters. Easy to read. Liked it so much I ordered the next book in the series.
Great book! Loved the main characters. Good plot, intelligent story, well written. I’m already reading the sequel.
I will read more in the series. I enjoyed the historical aspect to a mystery that was innovative and filled with intelligent writing.
This is the first in the series. I have the second one on my Kindle ready to read. There was enough excitement to keep me reading much later than I should have. Unfortunately the series may suffer by comparison the the Sebastian St. Cyr series. I’ll see what the second book holds