Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey
A Regency Romance
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4.6 • 81 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
In this new Regency romance, a young unwed mother must protect her heart from the charms of her convenient new husband, Lord Torrington. She is not, however, prepared to protect her life.
When the widowed Lord Torrington agreed to spy for the crown, he never planned to impersonate a highwayman, let alone rob the wrong carriage. Stranded on the road with an unconscious young woman, he is forced to propose marriage to protect his identity and her reputation, as well as his dangerous mission.
Trapped not only by her duty to her country but also by her limited options as an unwed mother, Miss Elizabeth Cantrell and her infant son are whisked away to Middlecrest Abbey by none other than the elder brother of her son’s absent father. There she is met by Torrington’s beautiful grown daughters, a vicious murder, and an urgent hunt for the missing intelligence that could turn the war with France. Meanwhile she must convince everyone that her marriage is a genuine love match if her new husband has any hope of uncovering the enemy.
Determined to keep her son’s true identity a secret, Elizabeth will need to remain one step ahead of her fragile heart, her uncertain future, and the relentless fiend bent on her new family’s ruin.
Early Praise for Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey:
“Murder is far from no one’s thoughts in this delicious new romantic mystery from Abigail Wilson. With scandal dodging every turn of the page, mystery hiding behind the visage of each character, and a romance brewing with an English rake of the worse—and best—sorts, readers will find nothing lacking! I was entranced, mesmerized, addlepated, and not a little bit bewildered as I wandered the halls of Middlecrest Abbey.” —Jaime Jo Wright, author of the Christy Award–winning novel, The House on Foster Hill
“From the very first page, I was enraptured! Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey has intrigue, mystery, and suspense beautifully enhanced by the vulnerability revealed through memorable characters making this story impossible to put down. A must-read recommendation, this story is exactly what makes me love reading!” —Natalie Walters, author of the Harbored Secrets series
“Suspicion shades the affluent grounds of Middlecrest Abbey in this riveting novel by Abigail Wilson. The artful balance of mystery and romance cleverly blends with the Gothic tones of Regency England. With exquisite prose and a layered plot, Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey is a compelling story not to be missed.” —Rachel Scott McDaniel, award-winning author of Above the Fold
Full-length Regency romance mystery (c. 90,000 words)Perfect for fans of Sarah Ladd, Deanna Raybourn, Julie Klassen, Tasha Alexander, and Lauren WilligAlso by Abigail Wilson:In the Shadow of Croft TowersMidnight on the River GreyThe Vanishing at Loxby Manor (available January 2021)Includes discussion questions for book clubs
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Wilson (Midnight on the River Grey) weaves a splendid tale of murder and deception in this fun, suspenseful Regency. Lord Adrian Radcliffe Torrington, a spy for the crown, poses as a highwayman in hopes of retrieving an important document, but accidentally robs the wrong coach. The botched robbery results in a carriage accident that leaves the coach's occupants, Elizabeth Cantrell and her infant son, unconscious. Adrian is forced to declare to rescuers that Elizabeth is his wife in order to maintain his cover. When Elizabeth awakens, she agrees to the deception in order to help Adrian complete his mission. She nervously travels with him to his home of Middlecrest Abbey as the new Lady Torrington, uncertain how their apparently clandestine marriage will be received. But maintaining their charade soon takes a backseat to solving a mystery when Adrian's eldest daughter's fianc turns up murdered. The main couple are well matched in spunk and intellect, and Wilson strikes a nice balance between intrigue and gentle romance. This delightful story is sure to entertain.
Customer Reviews
A great romantic mystery story
In Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey, Elizabeth Cantrell finds herself in the middle of a scandal, a marriage of convenience, and a murder investigation. When Adrian Radcliff holds up her coach causing an accident in the process, she can hardly believe that the brother of her illegitimate son’s father, a man with a questionable reputation, is now claiming to be a spy working for Britain. And now to maintain his cover and for her protection, she must marry him. But the marriage of convenience quickly becomes a partnership in an investigation, and as the situation becomes more dangerous and more complicated, feelings begin to develop as they work closely with each other. But can Adrian keep Elizabeth and her son safe? And will he still feel the same if she reveals the truth about her son’s father?
I was pleasantly surprised by Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey. I hadn’t read this author before and wasn’t sure what to expect, but I thought this book was great. The story was exciting and intense, always adding new and unexpected twists. The characters were easy to like and relate to. And the chemistry between Elizabeth and Adrian was palpable. And while it was a well-written romance, it was also clean which I appreciate. Overall, I think this is a book I would go back and read again. I really thoroughly enjoyed it.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Not worth 8.99
Absolutely not worth 8.99. Save your money.