D. M. Quincy continues the Atlas Catesby regency mysteries with Murder in Bloomsbury. The brother of Atlas's friend Lady Lilliana Warwick's maid has died; the maid thinks it was murder. Lilliana calls Atlas to find out whodunit. Atlas is trying to lessen his emotional ties to Lilliana but the case makes this very difficult. The brother was a despicable character who seduced young ladies and ingested arsenic. The plot has more turns than a corkscrew and the characters are interesting. Read on.

I give this a 3.5 stars out of 5, mostly because I would need to go back to the first in the series to fully understand the relationships of Atlas, lilliane, Charlton, James, etc. Although well done enough to follow, there were little intricacies that were missing and that left me wondering how they were all connected. I also wish the author had found a different name than 'Elizabeth' to be the mysterious 'L'. It was a bit disappointing that I immediately guessed she would be 'Libby' or 'Lizzie' and therefore the lady in question.

Outside of that, however, after a bit of a slow start, I managed to get through this all in one afternoon. It was a good read, enjoyable and the mystery well done. I thought Lilliane could have played a larger part in the investigation but appreciate that there were huge constraints on a lady's access to places and discussions that took place around her so to be fair, it could be quite limiting. I liked that Atlas loved her for her mind and her curiosity and intelligence at a time when women were discouraged and not expected to gain an education.

The period was well done, although I kept feeling it was in the Victorian era rather than the Regency (I must have missed that part), and some of the language seemed a little too modern (would they have said 'jilted' in the Regency era? That sounds a bit 1920's America to me.

Again, just little niggles in an otherwise engaging and enjoyable read.

In Regency London, Atlas Catesby, the fourth-born son of a Baron, has tried for nearly a year to get over his feelings for widowed Lady Lilliana Warwick. Unfortunately, when Lady Lilliana’s maid’s brother dies suddenly, Lady Lilliana summons Atlas to investigate. He soon finds that things are not what they seem. Although the coroner has ruled Gordon Davis’s death an accidental overdose of arsenic, Atlas has reason to believe that Davis has been murdered. Following the clues, Atlas finds that there are many who may have wanted Davis dead, including a high-born woman whom Davis was seducing to obtain her wealth. However, Atlas has his own problems – he realizes he still has feelings for Lady Lilliana when the Marquess of Roxbury, who wants to court her, warns Atlas away.

Murder in Bloomsbury is the second book in DM Quincy’s Atlas Catesby series. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Not having read the first in the series, I was still able to follow along quite well, and I believe that this book can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed it and plan to read the first book. I thought the story flowed well and it was easy to read. The mystery was well-plotted, and there were several suspects to keep one guessing. While I’m generally not a big fan of romance in a mystery unless it takes a very secondary role, I did discover myself rooting for Atlas to win Lady Lilliana’s affections, or perhaps for Lady Lilliana to win Atlas’s affections. I didn’t note any glaring historical inaccuracies which might distract me.

I recommend this to anyone who likes cozy historical mysteries, especially with a hint of romance.

I love historical mysteries, and the Atlas Cate Regency series is one of the best examples of the genre. This is the second book in the series and it's just as good as the first one. Atlas Cate is back from his trip to Jamaica and he's trying to move on and forget the aristocratic Lady Liliana Warwick, sister of a Duke. However, she summons him to solve the mystery of a man's death by arsenic poisoning and the two are off solving another murder together.

The plot is interesting and entertaining and the characters are compelling. I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love this new series! Interesting characters and a wonderful storyline that keeps you guessing! You won't be able to put this book down!

In "Murder in Bloomsbury," Atlas Catesby is once again involved in the investigation of a death when Lady Lilliana, the woman for whom he has feelings, asks for his help. The dead man is the brother of her maid who is firmly convinced that he was murdered, even though the cause of his demise was ruled an accident .

Like the first volume, this book is rather quiet and a typical cosy crime. The case is somewhat predictable, although there are definitely exciting moments. Atlas and his companions spend most of their time interviewing the various suspects and looking for clues and evidence, for which Lilliana's high social standing is helpful, but the story is still captivating. As a reader one is curious to find out what happened to Gordon Davis, even if one quickly realizes that he was not necessarily a nice person and that there are a few characters who had a motive to kill him. At the same time the author takes a look at the more scandalous sides of society in that era, for example, extramarital sexual relations and exposure to seemingly pornographic books, which I found interesting.

Like in "Murder in Mayfair", a highlight of the book is that the story is well integrated into the historical time period which is written realistically. The protagonists themselves and many of the witnesses are of a relatively high social standing, even though Atlas finds the obligations of that tiring, while the victim did not have that status and this contrast was quite important to the plot, which has allowed Quincy to show different circumstances and living conditions. In addition to the investigation, the personal relationship between Atlas and Lilliana also played a pivotal role. The dynamics between them were again written nicely and considering the developments in this volume, I am curious to see what will happen next, especially because of the potential problems that the protagonist himself addresses. There was also stuff going on with the other characters that makes one wonder where the story will go in regards to them.

I rate this book 4 stars for a nice historical crime novel.

4 stars
This is the second novel in the Atlas Catesby series and the first that I have read. I didn’t feel that I missed anything by not reading the 1st book in the series. Well written, developed characters and a good mystery make an enjoyable read.
Atlas is summoned to Lady Lily Roslyn’s to find that she wants him to investigate the death of her maid’s brother. The death is ruled as accidental through poisoning by arsenic. The reader quickly finds out that arsenic is used for medicinal purposes (who knew!) as well as a poison. Atlas starts his investigations and quickly turns up numerous potential suspects. The brother turns out to be quite the ladies man who is trying to climb to a higher station by any means.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, Crooked Lane Books, for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I got hooked by the first one and when I seen that this one I had to get back in the adventure this author creates. When Atlas is presented with another one with who enticed him but Lily he could not refuse. I do so enjoy following them on murder and mystery in the time it is set. It will also pick at your curiosity where you also become the one looking for the what have yous. The chemistry is good between them but that is not what is foremost here. There are also others that will hold you attention which makes for one darn good read. I do so like the way she gives him the what for at the wrap up of this one with this author also keeping us right where she needs us.

1814 has arrived and Atlas Catesby is back from Jamaica. At the request of his friend Lady Roselyn he starts to investigate the death of Gordon Davis, a clerk, who is brother to her maid. Davis' death has been pronounced as an accident.
A well-written, enjoyable mystery with characters that I like.

Atlas Catesby is the son of a famous poet. At times, that name allows him entrance to places. Atlas is also a traveler. He has just returned from Jamaica and his next destination is to be India.

But, he has been summoned to the home of the Duke of Sommerville. He is being asked to investigate a death. Lady Lilliana Warwick, the Duke's sister, is asking for Atlas' help.

They have a history. He helped her when she was the suspect in her husband's murder. Atlas and Lilliana also have a very close friendship. That would be normal between two people who survived such an intense time in their lives. Of course, nothing can come of their relationship. She is the sister of a duke and he is the poor son of a poet.

The dead man was a footman. He was also a man who used his good looks and charm to take advantage of women. He intended to use his personal qualities to raise his standard of living by marrying a woman of a higher social standing. All in all, he was the kind of man who deserved to be murdered. He used women in a cruel manner.

Atlas and Lilliana are determined to find out the truth about his death. Lilliana's lady's maid was Gordan Davis' sister and they want to help her deal with the loss of her brother.

As the investigation progresses, facts begin to come quickly. There is a long list of people who are possible suspects. Gordan was not a nice man.

As the investigation progresses, Atlas also finds that Lilliana has a wealthy suitor. Atlas is not certain why, but that fact makes him unhappy.

This is a very well done story. The plot moves forward at a good pace. The clues are well placed and create a good trail to the ultimate conclusion.

The characters are terrific. Atlas and Lilliana are well rounded people. Both of them are intelligent and they learn from the clues equally well. There is not a person nor a fact which is not examined carefully.

The secondary characters add a great deal to the story. Each of the suspects appear to be viable suspects as well as interesting human beings. All in all, this is a well done mystery.

Ms Quincy is a new to me author who has provided a sparkling mystery with a romance chaser.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.

Excellent! What a great read. Well written, well plotted, interesting and well developed main characters – and a very believable plot. Actually, the plot is based on a very real case that took place in Scotland in about the same time period. I’m loving this series and highly recommend that you read the first book in the series before this one. You don’t have to, you can begin with this one, but the first one is great and shows the development of the relationships between many of the main characters. I read this book from beginning to end – in one sitting. I just couldn’t put it down. I say that as I sit here bleary-eyed – with toothpicks holding my eyes open. One thing I do have to say though – for some reason, this book (and the first) often made me think of the Victorian era rather than the Regency.

Atlas Catesby is, by his own description and thinking, not quite a gentleman. That isn’t meant to describe his behavior – because, in that, he is every inch a gentleman – even a bit of a prig. No, it means that he is more on the edge of society – the fourth child of a baron – no title and only a modest fortune. Imagine his dismay when he found himself very much in love with the sister of a very powerful duke in the last book. He knew nothing could come of the relationship, so being the traveler and adventurer he is, he left on a voyage. This book begins nine months after the last book ended and Atlas has just returned from Jamaica.

Atlas is rudely awakened by his valet, Jamie, after a night where he’d gotten very, very drunk. That is something he just doesn’t do – but it was a night filled with things he just doesn’t do. The valet excitedly tells him that there is a liveried servant with an urgent message. Atlas groans, but when Jamie tells him that the livery is black and gold, he quickly goes on alert because he recognizes it as the Duke of Somerville’s livery – Lilliana’s brother. Panic – something must have happened to Lilliana.

Thus began an intriguing mystery. It turns out that Lilliana’s maid, Tracy, doesn’t believe her brother died naturally. She’s convinced that he was murdered and is very distraught. The authorities have ruled it an accident, but the maid is sure that isn’t the case. Atlas can’t pass up any puzzle – and he also can’t pass up the opportunity to spend more time with Lilliana, so he takes on the task of investigating.

As Atlas and Lilliana discover more and more about the deceased, they can definitely believe that he might have been murdered – and there are suspects aplenty. What a nasty, nasty man he was. He ruined so many young lives and tried to keep ruining them even after death. What an interesting case filled with twists and turns and some nasty people. The solution isn’t as simple as it appears to be and Atlas is puzzled almost to the very end.

While the investigation is continuing, Atlas is struggling with his feelings for Lilliana. He has long known that he loves her and was even going to offer for her until he found she was the sister of a Duke (book 1). He left after that because he knew he wasn’t good enough for her – she deserved better than him – someone of title and fortune. Now, she’s being courted by a Marquess. Can Atlas walk away a second time? Will Atlas turn away and find another love? You won’t know until the last page.

The returning characters are great and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to visit with them again – Jamie, of course, because it is great to see how he’s changed and grown. Then, the Earl of Charlton is always a delightful character. Watching his infatuation with Atlas’ sister, Thea, is endearing and funny – and her reactions to him are priceless. Then, there is a new character, Atlas’ nephew, who makes an appearance and it will be interesting to watch and see what happens with him. You just know there is going to be quite a story there!

Just one question her though — why do authors sometimes get hung up on characters with similar names? I hate to try to keep them straight. In this book, we have Lavinia and Lilliana. Why couldn’t Lavinia be Barbara (a perfectly acceptable Regency name) or Mary or . . . Well — just something else.

I highly recommend the book, the author, and the series! See my review for the first book in the series, Murder in Mayfair.

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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”

A strong entry in the Atlas Catesby Regency/mystery series. Atlas Catesby has spent a year trying to forget Lady Roslyn, whom he rescued in the last series debut. They solved a mystery together and felt a strong bond, but given that she is the daughter of an earl and he is without title or significant fortune, he has avoided her.

But she summons him to conduct another investigation: one of her servants has a brother who died under mysterious circumstances. So Atlas and Lady Roslyn are thrown together again in a puzzling case involving illicit liaisons, blackmail and scandal.

The two main characters are strong leads -- layered, principled, and intelligent. The cast of characters including Atlas's sister Thea, his friend Charlton, and his valet Jamie are well-written. The mystery has some surprises at the end. All in all, an entertaining read. Would characters in this time period behave as Atlas and Lady R? No, probably not, but unless you are a stickler for historical accuracy you will be able to overlook that for the sake of the plot.

Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I would like to thank Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for making this book available in exchange for an honest review. Following Murder in Mayfair, Atlas Catesby returns to apply his ability to solve puzzles to inv stigate the death of Gordon Davis in Murder in Bloomsbury. Davis was a factory clerk who frequently took arsenic. When the coroner notes a large amount of arsenic in his system it is ruled as an accidental death. Davis’ sister is the personal maid to Lilliana, who requests Atlas’ assistance when the ruling is questioned. As he investigates, he discovers that Davis was having an affair with the wife of a count, was courting the daughter of his employer and enjoying a flirtation with the wife of another resident in his boarding house. The list of those who might want him dead is considerable.

Lilliana and Atlas are an impressive team. As the sister of a powerful duke, she has access to members of society. Atlas explores the gaming hells and areas where it would not be appropriate for Lilliana to be seen. There is an attraction between them that Atlas continuously fights. She is being courted by a lord who can provide her with security, while Atlas is not in her social class. It is a dilemma that he struggles with throughout the story.

D.M. Quincy provides a fascinating look at the use of arsenic for reasons of health. From increasing energy to improving one’s complexion, arsenic was available to the general public for a number of applications. This is also a look at the social structure in England in the 18th century. While most young girls looked to marry well, Quincy provides strong female characters in Lilliana and Atlas’ sister Thea, a mathematician.

Although this is the second book in the series, Quincy provides a brief look at the events that originally brought Atlas and Lilliana together. It will leave you hoping to see how this relationship progresses in the future. Fans of Deanna Raybourn or historical mysteries will also enjoy Quincy’s mysteries.

Atlas Catesby has been trying to move forward and forget his feelings for Lady Roslyn but he is drawn into another investigation when she requests his help regarding the death of her maid's brother, Gordon Davis. His research finds numerous people, women as well as men, who were unhappy with Davis' behaviors.

Love how the characters interact as well as the portrayal of the period.

Thanks Crooked Lane Books and netgalley for this ARC.

D. M. Quincy knows how to keep you reding all night long. Loved the momentum of the story, growth of the characters, and explosive finale.

I enjoy historical mysteries and this series of Regency mysteries is at the top of my favorites list. Both the characters and the mystery are very well drawn. Atlas Catesby is not what the upper crust would call a gentleman. That means that he tries very hard to keep some distance from Lady Lilliana, a lady who follows her own mind not bothering with the current norms of society. This leads to some tension but it also makes for a great partnership with Atlas. When Lady Lilliana's maid asks for help uncovering the true circumstances of her brothers death by arsenic poisoning, he can't turn her down. They find plenty of people with plenty of motives to have bumped him off.
This is the second in the series, the first being Murder in Mayfair. They don't have to be read in order but, if you enjoy this one as much as I did, make sure the first entry is close at hand.

I really enjoyed this Victorian mystery, and I'm very happy to have found a new series set in one of my favorite time periods!
If you like Anne Perry I would wholeheartedly recommend this title

Atlas Catesby is stuck in thinking that society's rules make it impossible for he and Lilliana to ever be more than good friends, which tortures him. Still he agrees to look into the death of her maid's brother never imagining it would become such a tangled tale. Lilliana may be the highest ranking noble in residence, but she is strong-willed, smart, and doesn't care what society thinks. She inserts herself into the investigations and clearly is partial to Atlas's company. Gabriel Young, the Earl of Charlton is Atlas' good friend and quite smitten with Atlas's married sister. Thea Palmer is Atlas' sister and an avid mathematician who lives in town while her husband does the lordly farmer life. The Bow Street Runner, Endicott, from the prior book is back and his character is growing on me. The more you learn about the victim, the more you feel sad for the young ladies he was using for social advantage.

London is always a great setting and it is used well in this outing. The plot starts as a rather clear cut investigation, but that soon grows more complicated. The pacing kept my attention and I looked forward to getting back to the book.

The climax is deliciously tense and provides a surprise twist or two. The wrap up was satisfactory and a yearn for the next book in the series.

I enjoyed the twisting mystery and I enjoyed the sub plot of Lilliana and Atlas dancing around their mutual growing attraction. Atlas is oblivious at points! It provides a touch of light-hearted in the midst of the mystery. The subplot of the Earl of Charlton's infatuation with Atlas's married sister provides another engrossing thread.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

I can't use enough superlatives to say how much I loved this book, second in the Atlas Catesby Mystery series. Everything about it is perfect. The language and descriptions of the era are spot on. The characters are multi-layered and fascinating. The mystery keeps one guessing to the very end. There is humor, and romance and every other thing wonderful. The promise of more that was revealed in the book is both a delight and a frustration in that it can't come soon enough. I would give this one 10 stars if I could.

I love this series, a perfect readalike for Charles Finch's Charles Lenox Mysteries. At times I feel like the atmosphere is more Victorian times than Regency, but it is not enough to remove me from enjoying the writing. I like the characters, and the mystery was challenging but not impossible.

Bonus: Atlas Catesby is a very attractive, likable hero. Highly Recommended.