Everyone has secrets. Everybody lies. Everybody dies. When the Earl of Wrexford practically trips over direct evidence of the latter on his way home from drinking at his club, he’s not all that interested in poking his nose into either of the former, at least not as long as it looks like the man’s death was the result of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and not having enough money on his person to convince the footpads to leave him alone – or at least alive.

It’s only in the cold and entirely too bright light of the next morning, coping badly with his hangover from the drinking of the night before, that Wrex learned that he knew the man whose corpse he discovered, and that his recollections of the crime scene don’t jibe AT ALL with the official determination of a robbery gone wrong.

Or at least not the usual kind of robbery. Someone slit the seams of the dead man’s clothing to hunt for something secreted in the lining. Something like papers.

Considering that the late Elihu Ashton was a genius engineer who had purportedly invented a way of making a more powerful steam engine, and that the patents for that revolutionary invention had not yet been filed, there are plenty of motives for his murder.

In Regency England, steam is the power that is driving the burgeoning industrial revolution. There’s money to be made in anything that increases the power and efficiency of steam engines.

But the money that will be made will line the pockets of the investors. The rich will get richer. And the workers who will lose their jobs and their livelihoods as the inevitable result of all that efficiency have no hope and no choices.

Unless they turn ‘Radical’ and break the machines that are taking away their work and their dignity. Or unless someone is using them to divert suspicion from yet another rich man’s grab for more money and more power.

Wrex may not want to be involved in another murder, and he swears that he’s a man of science who doesn’t even have a heart other than as an efficient pump for his circulatory system. But Charlotte Sloane seems to have infected him with her inability to let an injustice stand – even if her own secrets get exposed along the way.

Along with his.

Escape Rating A-: I picked this up, so soon after finishing Murder at Black Swan Lane, because I was still searching for comfort reads after last week and kind of wanted to stay in Sebastian St. Cyr’s world after Friday’s review of Why Kings Confess. But reading books in a series too close together doesn’t work as well for me as I always hope it will, so I turned to Wrexford & Sloane, which is very much the same world, just seen through a different set of characters who therefore have a different perspective on the same point in time.

Although St. Cyr and Wrexford are both aristocrats in Regency England, and quite literally occupy the same social strata (Wrexford has already inherited his Earldom while St. Cyr hasn’t yet) Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, investigates murders that touch on the powers that be – sometimes all the way up to the Prince Regent himself – or at least his household.

Wrexford is a man of science, a member of the Royal Academy, and his circle of friends and influence is vastly different. Where St. Cyr is often focused on the Napoleonic Wars and the destruction they have left in their wake, Wrexford is more focused on the advances of the scientific community and the social unrest that seems to follow the change and upheaval of society that is its result.

And if Wrexford isn’t sufficiently focused on that change and upheaval, his friend, the artist and satirist A.J. Quill is more than happy to point him in the right direction.

At the heart of this story, both the mystery and the situation that surrounds it, is change. The change in working conditions that has sparked the radical political movement, the Luddites that violently oppose change, and the further widening gap between the titans of the new industry and the human beings who are its true engine. And the changes of life and circumstance that have caught up Charlotte Sloane, AKA A.J. Quill, even as she and Wrex get themselves caught up in another murder investigation.

Charlotte Sloane is determined that Bow Street doesn’t take the easy way out, blaming the radical workers for a series of murders that have more to do with money than politics. Wrex is caught between preventing a miscarriage of justice and preventing Charlotte and her young charges from becoming victims of yet another villain’s machinations.

While each wonders whether the other has a heart after all, and whether they can find their way to each other in spite of the barriers between them. But first they have to survive the bloody mess they’ve landed themselves in this time. With the able assistance of their friends, and colleagues, and especially the Weasels.

The first and most obvious readalike for Wrexford & Sloane is still, by far and away, Sebastian St. Cyr. If you like one you’ll like the other and vice versa. But now that I’m two books in with Wrexford & Sloane, the elements that set the two apart have become more apparent, and that’s most definitely an excellent thing.

At the same time, this series has also brought other historical mysteries to mind, especially Lady Sherlock and Mary Russell. Charlotte Sloane’s situation has turned out to be much like Charlotte Holmes’ in the Lady Sherlock series, although I believe that Sloane’s solution is likely to be a bit more traditional than that particular Holmes. And for any reader who loved the Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series, the ending of Murder at Half Moon Gate has more than a passing resemblance to the conclusion of A Monstrous Regiment of Women and I am most definitely here for it.

As well as for the next book in the Wrexford & Sloane series, Murder at Kensington Palace, the next time I’m looking for a comfort read that introduces itself with a corpse.

I ready the first book in this series and enjoyed it. I really struggled with this book and couldn’t finish it. The writing seemed disjointed and the plot too slow for my taste.

Very enjoyable book. Good mystery and was a real page turner! Looking forward to reading more by this author!

I would like to thank Kensington Books for providing me with a free electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley. Any reviews I give are done obligation free, and are unpaid… well, unless you count getting this book for free… but we won’t go there. ;-)

So! Yes, another book I read last year and should have left a review for at the time. Ah well. Better late than never, right?

‘Murder at Half Moon Gate’ is the second book in the ‘A Wrexford & Sloane Mystery’ series. And, yes, I did indeed read book one – it’s on this blog somewhere – and enjoyed it so much I was thrilled to be able to nab myself a free copy of the next book. Hey, I’m being honest here… I review as it means I get free copies of great books. What more could a girl want? Well, book three… I want book three of this series now, please. :-D

As with the first book, ‘Murder at Half Moon Gate’ is set in Regency era England, only a short time after Ms Sloane’s last adventure with Lord Wrexford. And the setting is portrayed well. I mean, I am no expert, but do feel Ms Penrose has done an outstanding job bringing the era to life. To the point I’ve become a bit of a fan of satire cartoons of that era.

I also like that it honestly is a murder mystery more than a period romance pretending to be a murder mystery. So many books in historical settings these days seem to need to rely on romance to be interesting. It’s not needed, honest. ‘Murder at Half Moon Gate’ is proof of that. Oh yes, there is the hint of romance, the edge of desire and intrigue, the knowledge of how unbecoming it is for an unmarried couple to act as they sometimes do, the possibility of a HEA… one day… but that is all more part of the story padding and slippery little red herrings thrown in to distract the reader briefly to stop them guessing the whodunit too soon.

So, for me, this is an enjoyable, well-paced murder mystery set in the perfect cloak and dagger era of such things.

I would now do the boring side of things and comment on formatting and layout, but it was some months ago that I read it and nothing negative about it has stuck with me… so I am going to assume it was all fine in that department. Cue the sigh of relief from the Kensington Books copyeditor. ;-)

Would I recommend this book to others?

Yes I would, but I would honestly tell them to do themselves, and Ms Penrose, some justice by reading this series’ first book ‘Murder on Black Swan Lane’ first. I suppose ‘Murder at Half Moon Gate’ could be read as a standalone, but you would really be missing out if you did this to yourself. Read the whole series… Thank me later.

If you are a lover of Regency England murder mysteries, you will also enjoy this book. Ms Penrose has obviously studied the period well and breathes a very colourful life into it within her books.

Would I buy this book for myself?

I might… but I must admit here and now I do find the prices of this series, based on Amazon Kindle, rather high. Look, I’m an author too and I get it… but any eBook over $10 Australian has me hesitate buying it… no matter how much I enjoyed it. Sorry, but this is part of my honesty here. I really enjoyed ‘Murder at Half Moon Gate’ and I truly think this is a fantastic series… But at the prices shown to buy it? I feel I would be more likely to see if this series was available on my local libraries extensive eBook database than spend over $25 AUS to purchase book three. So, for me, if I have to source my own copy of book three, it would be via the library rather than a book store. Sorry.

In summary: A great second instalment in a highly enjoyable historical crime series.

This series leans, for me, a bit too heavily on the "they are so frustrated with each other... but is it loooovvveeee?" and neglects the damn mystery solving. Might revisit when the wedding is over because I think Ms. Penrose's writing is enjoyable and sharp otherwise. Not a recommend for me but I can't discount that this may scratch someone's itch.

Murder once again makes its way into the lives of Charlotte and Wexford. As they work to solve the murder of Elihu Ashton, a factory owner and innovator they also be come closer. Unfortunately they may not realize just how much they mean to each other until it is almost too late. As with the first book in this series, Murder at Half Moon Gate is fast paced, full of mystery and intrigue as well as several villains and potential villains. The characters have very human natures and are quite likeable. The storyline does not need "bedroom acrobatics" to tell a good tale. However, just as Charlotte and Wexford come to acknowledge their feelings, the case is solved and the story ends. I hope there are more Wexford & Sloane mysteries, I would like to see how this relationship contains to develop.

"A wealthy lord who happens to be a brilliant scientist... an enigmatic young widow who secretly pens satirical cartoons... a violent killing disguised as a robbery... Nothing is as it seems in Regency London, especially when the Earl of Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane join forces to solve a shocking murder.

When Lord Wrexford discovers the body of a gifted inventor in a dark London alley, he promptly alerts the watchman and lets the authorities handle the matter. But Wrexford soon finds himself drawn into the murder investigation when the inventor’s widow begs for his assistance, claiming the crime was not a random robbery. It seems her husband’s designs for a revolutionary steam-powered engine went missing the night of his death. The plans could be worth a fortune... and very dangerous in the wrong hands.

Joining Wrexford in his investigation is Charlotte Sloane, who uses the pseudonym A. J. Quill to publish her scathing political cartoons. Her extensive network of informants is critical for her work, but she doesn’t mind tapping that same web of spies to track down an elusive killer. Each suspect—from ambitious assistants to rich investors, and even the inventor’s widow—is entwined in a maze of secrets and lies that leads Wrexford and Sloane down London’s most perilous stews and darkest alleyways.

With danger lurking at every turn, the potent combination of Wrexford’s analytical mind and Sloane’s exacting intuition begins to unravel the twisted motivations behind the inventor’s death. But they are up against a cunning and deadly foe—a killer ready to strike again before they can recover the inventor’s priceless designs..."

A new Andrea Penrose? Yes please! PS, you DO know she's also Cara Elliott right?

Murder at Half Moon Gate is the second mystery featuring Wrexford & Sloane. Written by Andrea Penrose, published by Kensington books, it was released 27 March, 2018. This is a well written and researched Regency era mystery featuring an unlikely partnership between a nobleman and a widow who is secretly carrying on her late husband's career as a political satirist.

The mystery itself is well paced and plotted with fleshed out characters. There is a lot of chemistry built up between the two titular characters and I appreciated that the author resisted the impulse to just fling them together romantically.

I enjoyed reading this book, and have since gone back to read the first book in the series as well. It would definitely appeal to fans of Kate Ross' Julian Kestrel, Barbara Hambly's Dr. Benjamin January (though he's American), or C.S. Ross' Sebastian St. Cyr. This series can stand shoulder to shoulder with those series quite well.

Enjoyable read.

Four stars.

Love it love it love it. I hadn't read the first book of this series and was given an advance copy by the publishers in exchange for an impartial review.
This book is well-written, faultlessly researched and extremely entertaining.
I cannot wait to read more about Charlotte and Wrex. Their characters are deliciously complex and at times extremely funny. I adore them. More please.

Historical mystery with two strong characters, and some great sidekicks. Very enjoyable...and lots of historic details.

Murder at Half Moon Gate is a compelling regency mystery with just the right touch of romance added for flavor.  There is a steam tech element, but I wouldn’t classify the novel as steampunk. Still, I think it will appeal to fans of the genre who also enjoy well composed mysteries.


The novel begins with the brutal murder of an inventor known for his work designing efficient steam engines.  Although it superficially appears to be the work of a cutpurse, too many people have a motive. Was it a revolutionary group determined to stop steam engines from stealing jobs or a competitor intent on acquiring a lucrative patent or even the beautiful and icily composed wife?  Lord Wrexford, a gentleman scientist and adventurer, and Charlotte Sloane, a widow who pens satirical cartoons and has a wide range of contacts, join forces to find the killer. While both are intelligent and their talents complementary, each manages to raise a complicated array of emotions in the other.  The supporting characters are also well developed and play an important and believable role in the plot. There is a touch of romance, but not to worry - Murder at Half Moon Gate is first and foremost a mystery, not a Regency romance pretending to be a mystery.


4 / 5


I received a copy of Murder at Half Moon Gate from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.


— Crittermom

Thanks Kensington Books and netgalley for this ARC.

Penrose is at her most powerful with this series. You can't miss this- it's dynamic and addicting.

Strong, capable, and likable female protagonist. Romantic undercurrents. A terrific historical mystery series. Though not the first in the series, quietly brings you up to speed on the history of the characters and their relationships without spending too much time rehashing past plot lines.

I was excited to read this one, as it was recommended by Deanna Raybourn, Lauren Willig, and Joanna Bourne, some of my favorite authors. It didn't disappoint! It was an interesting and enjoyable mystery (if a little guessable) populated with unique characters. I liked the spunky heroine, the grumpy hero, and the two street boys the heroine has taken under her wing. I enjoyed the atmospheric setting and learning more about issues and events during that time period (assisted by the hero's didactic lectures ;) ). I didn't read book one, though I wish I had. I'll read book one now and look forward to the next entry in the series.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

It was an enjoyable read, with a complex and compelling mystery at its heart, though the subplot of the inevitable (and obvious) romance between Wrexford and Sloane was distracting. The narrative contained too many colloquialisms from that time period to the point that it came across as a caricature of how people spoke and interacted with one another at that time. Nevertheless, the plot held my attention, and the near predictability of the aforementioned romance and other plot points followed the tried-and-true formula was satisfying.

As this is the second story in the series, (and despite my seemingly underwhelming assessment) I'll still read the first story, and those that will follow.

A wealthy lord who happens to be a brilliant scientist . . . an enigmatic young widow who secretly pens satirical cartoons . . . a violent killing disguised as a robbery . . . Nothing is as it seems in Regency London, especially when the Earl of Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane join forces to solve a shocking murder.

I have to admit the above tagline attracted me to this book. I hadn't read the first one in the series, but I was intrigued by the idea of a scientist and a satirical cartoonist solving a mystery in Regency London, a time period I don't often read about. I was glad I picked it up. This book is a wonderfully penned historical mystery that is atmospheric and full of

When Lord Wrexford discovers the body of a gifted inventor in a dark London alley, he promptly alerts the watchman and lets the authorities handle the matter. But Wrexford soon finds himself drawn into the murder investigation when the inventor’s widow begs for his assistance, claiming the crime was not a random robbery. It seems her husband’s designs for a revolutionary steam-powered engine went missing the night of his death. The plans could be worth a fortune . . . and very dangerous in the wrong hands.

Joining Wrexford in his investigation is Charlotte Sloane, who uses the pseudonym A. J. Quill to publish her scathing political cartoons. Her extensive network of informants is critical for her work, but she doesn’t mind tapping that same web of spies to track down an elusive killer. Each suspect—from ambitious assistants to rich investors, and even the inventor’s widow—is entwined in a maze of secrets and lies that leads Wrexford and Sloane down London’s most perilous stews and darkest alleyways.

I loved the characters in this book. And the setting was perfect. As the mystery unfolded I found myself going back and forth about what happened, and why. And as I worked to solve the mystery I was drawn to Wexford and Charlotte. Even though I haven't read the first book in the series, the characters grew in this one, and I enjoyed going on the journey with them. I was much intrigued by the mystery, and the way it was solved.

I have already downloaded the first book, and plan to read it as soon as possible. I hope this series develops into a multi book series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Bedazzled all over again!

Another satisfyingly brilliant novel that follows the Earl of Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane and their small circle of unlikely and very likeable characters into the depths of the rookeries and dark places of London.
Wrexford, seemingly diamond hard and astute, a man of Science and logic, with a softer side he hardly dares acknowledge. Charlotte and her double life as the leading satirical caricaturist A.J. Quill, still harboring her own deeply held secrets, always struggling for anonymity and keeping to the shadows. And of course, the weasels, Raven and Hawk, the unlikely guttersnipes that have captured my heart just like they've won Charlotte's, and dare I say Wrexford's if he'd own to having one.
This time, as Penrose declaims in her wonderful author's note, "steam engines lie at the heart of the mystery" and this exacting duo and their comrades follow murder and mayhem set against the 'heart' of the mechanical revolution of the Regency Era. The notes are well worth looking at, giving an insight into the author's exacting understandings of the times and the political, social and economic machinations of the era.
This is a time of great flux and change! And change is creeping up on Charlotte. She is moving to slightly more upmarket living quarters, with of course Raven and Hawk. (By the way their adaptation of new names is just wonderful along with Wrexford's elegant solution). For me I t's these little very human moments that set the Wrexford and Sloane mysteries apart from others of the same genre.
Of course the story is littered with apt Latin phrases that Wrexford and Charlotte mutter to themselves reflect or quote at each other.
"Tempora mutantur et nos mutamur in illis—The times are changing, and we change with them. “I, of all people, ought not be intimidated by change,” [Charlotte] whispered. The gravitas of Latin usually served to steady her emotions."
A further conundrum about Charlotte's background! How does a woman of this era know enough Latin to freely use it?
The combination of mystery and the plethora of engaging characters makes this edgy series a joy to read. A new character that's been added and looks set to join the menagerie (I hope) is the rather wonderful, matter of fact, ready for anything, lady's maid, McClellan.
I am particularly pleased that more is revealed about Charlotte. As I said in my review of the first of the series, Murder on Black Swan Lane, I'm hooked! And this new episode gives me no reason to unhook!

A NetGalley ARC

My goodness was this a wonderful story! I had not read the previous novel with these characters, but Andrea Penrose did such a stellar job with character development that I did not feel it necessary (although I will now go back and read it!). The murder was gruesome without being overdone. Every time I thought I had figured out who the villains were, another curve ball would come zooming through the prose. I will definitely be keeping a watch out for more books with these two "detectives" and can't wait to see the rest of their story unfold!

I found this book more compelling than the first of the series. Maybe it's because I already know the characters and less exposition was necessary, but I felt the story and the mystery itself was much tighter. I could have given up on this series missing it, but boy am I glad I didn't. This became a page turner rather quickly.

That being said, I still found a handful of punctuation errors/typos just as I did in Murder on Black Swan Lane. The lack of polish was disappointing.

This is a stimulating and interesting mystery set in Regency England. It's a time when creative inventors had plans for new machines and the changes these new inventions would bring brought fear to many and greed to others. Charlotte Sloane (A.J. Quill) used her skills as an artist to produce satirical commentaries. Lord Wrexford had worked with her before to solve a murder investigation and admired her investigative skills. It's a time of change for Mrs. Sloane as she moves into a better neighborhood and she reminds herself daily that change is good. A new mystery revolves around the death of an inventor and the two use their skills together to search for the murderer

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.