Murder in Mayfair
An Atlas Catesby Mystery
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- $20.99
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- $20.99
Publisher Description
The first “delicious tale of scandal and villainy” in a romantic Regency mystery series starring two crime-solving aristocrats (Rhys Bowen, New York Times–bestselling author)
“This historical mystery will appeal not only to cozy readers, but also to lovers of Regency romances.” —Booklist
In 1814, Atlas Catesby, a brilliant adventurer and youngest son of a baron, is anxious to resume his world travels after being injured in a carriage accident in London. But his plans are derailed when, passing through a country village, he discovers a helpless woman being auctioned off to the highest bidder—by her husband.
In order to save her from being violated by another potential buyer, Atlas purchases the lady, Lilliana, on the spot to set her free. But Lilliana, desperate to be with her young sons and knowing the laws of England give a father all parental rights, refuses to be rescued—until weeks later when her husband is murdered and Atlas is the only one who can help clear her name of the crime.
Fortunately, Atlas is a master at solving complicated puzzles—with games as well as the intricacies of human motivation—and finds himself uniquely suited to the task, despite the personal peril it may put him in. But soon Altas learns the dead man had many secrets—and more than a few enemies willing to kill to keep them quiet—in Murder in Mayfair, the first in a new historical mystery series by D. M. Quincy.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Set in 1814, this cleverly plotted series launch from historical romance author Quincy (Seducing Charlotte, etc., as Diana Quincy) introduces Atlas Catesby, a baron's intelligent youngest son with bad memories and time on his hands. On the way home to London from Bath, Catesby stops at a rustic country inn around the time crude tradesman Godfrey Warwick is auctioning off his wife, the well-bred Lilliana, in the inn's yard. His protective instincts aroused, Catesby "buys" the woman for 30, but both husband and wife have dangerous secrets, and he soon finds himself responsible for Lilliana in ways he never expected. Catesby's sleuthing skills impress as he seeks to solve a murder that occurs weeks after the sale, with several suspects in the running. Quincy on occasion slips into clich d prose ("His blood turned cold"), but she does a good job depicting the class tensions and gender relations of Regency England.