The Ackerley Inheritance

Mayfair’s latest scandal sets Regency London’s former power couple — and spies -- Malcolm and Mélanie Rannoch on a perilous new adventure.

London, March 1821. Ralph Allam, a barkeep and thief from London’s notorious Seven Dials, finds his world upended when he learns he is the heir to an earldom. But proving his claim to the title is as complicated as any spy mission. Former agents Malcolm and Mélanie Rannoch no longer live their lives at the heart of the beau monde. But neither can resist the call of adventure, and they are determined to help Ralph.

To uncover evidence that will support Ralph’s claim, the Rannochs go undercover at a musicale hosted by a duchess who rules Mayfair society. London’s most talked about composer (as notorious for his scandalous love affairs as for his compositions) is performing a new work at this glittering event, and everyone is vying for invitations. Amid the shimmering candlelight and strains of piano music, Mélanie and Malcolm face old and new enemies. As they uncover secrets and face betrayals, the Rannochs discover proving Ralph’s claim to the Ackerley inheritance is a twisted and deadly game.