Charlotte Sloan has two secret identities: one as a member of the aristocracy pretending to be a regular person, and one as the cartoonist known by the pseudonym A.J. Quill. Charlotte investigates the murder of her cousin and tries to keep his twin brother from being convicted of the crime. In this endeavor she is helped by her buddy and possible love interest, the Earl of Wrexford. There is a great deal of appealingly Sherlockian milling around disguised as a street urchin, obtaining information from observant kids, etc., though unfortunately without all the deduction. I kept thinking that at some point Charlotte’s drawing skills would serve some purpose in solving the crime, but no--this is more or less a standard procedural in which everyone pokes around interviewing and investigating, all within a Regency social setting. I could not really bring myself to care that much about any of the crime-solving, much less the society manners or the romantic aspect of the Charlotte/Wrexford relationship. It took me a ridiculously long time to get around to finishing this book. The writing occasionally tended to trite turns of phrase (e.g., I was contemplating throwing the book out the window if one more "smile/frown tugged at” one more person’s lips). This comment could be irrelevant by now, because I read an advance digital review copy courtesy of Netgalley; presumably the final edition will be a little more polished.

I really love this series, and Murder at Kensington Palace is an excellent continuation of the storyline. Charlotte is forced to come out of the shadows and re-enter society after a cousin is murdered and another cousin (his twin) is falsely accused of the crime. Wrexford (naturally) wants to do everything in his power to help Charlotte find the real killer, especially when it turns out that the murder is tied up with a fringe group of scientists experimenting with newly discovered electricity. As always, Andrea Penrose includes a fascinating look at the scientific developments of the time and how it is received by both the scientific community and the world at large. Her extensive research is evident, and it is woven in seamlessly to the overall mystery.

Raven and Hawk get to play a more prominent role here and are adorable additions to the story. Charlotte's maid/bodyguard, McClellan, also features more prominently, along with Wrexford's friend, Kit Sheffield - who actually contributes to the investigation a bit more than usual. I like that Charlotte's "family" is slowly expanding, and having her forced to reclaim her true identity -- after we only just learned it in the last book -- will undoubtedly set up lots of intriguing drama.

I can't wait for more adventures with Wrexford and Charlotte -- especially after the promising hint of what is to come at the end here!

Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!

In Murder at Kensington Palace, the third book in Andrea Penrose’s Wrexford and Sloane series, the author once again sets an intriguing, well-conceived mystery against the backdrop of the scientific discovery and innovation taking place during the Regency era while also continuing to explore the shifting relationship between Mrs. Charlotte Sloane (aka satirist A.J. Quill) and the darkly sardonic Earl of Wrexford.  As the pair work together to clear the name of a young man accused of murdering his twin brother, Charlotte is forced to face the prospect of discarding her carefully guarded anonymity, while the Earl, a man who has always prided himself on his logical mind, finds himself in an unusual position of frustration and uncertainty.

Charlotte is working on her latest project when she hears that the murderer nicknamed the ‘Bloody Butcher’ has struck again, this time killing a young aristocrat whose body was found that morning in the gardens of Kensington Palace.  When one of her young wards explains that the victim had been in attendance at a scientific gathering hosted by the Duke of Sussex the previous evening, Charlotte immediately wonders if Wrexford had been there and if he might know something about it.  But she feels strangely awkward about asking the Earl for information; in fact, she hasn’t seen him for a couple of weeks, since their investigation into another murder (Murder at Half Moon Gate) almost cost Wrexford his life and led to their expressing certain … sentiments that perhaps neither of them were ready to bring out into the open.

“What a pair we are,” she muttered.  “Prickly, guarded, afraid of making ourselves vulnerable.”

When Wrexford arrives some time later, it’s with news that will quickly distract Charlotte from any ponderings over the nature of her feelings for him.  The murder victim was Cedric, Lord Chittenden, a young man from the North of England who had only recently come into his title; and his twin brother, Nicholas, has been arrested for the crime on account of their having been overheard having a disagreement at some point during the course of the previous evening.  Charlotte is adamant in her belief that the wrong man has been accused and that Nicholas could never have harmed his brother – but she won’t explain further or tell Wrexford what makes her so sure.

Like Charlotte, Wrexford is reluctant to look too closely at the things they said to each other in the heat of the moment, but her apparent lack of trust in him causes him to wonder if Charlotte may be having regrets and is now trying to put distance between them.  Not wanting her to retreat further, Wrexford decides not to push for information, instead deciding to wait until she’s ready to tell him what she needs to.  She has already revealed something of her past to him – she’s the daughter of an earl who, chafing at the restrictions and expectations constantly placed upon her, ran away with her drawing master and whose family subsequently disowned her.  Charlotte knows Wrexford can be trusted, but even so, is struggling to reconcile her need to remain independent and her need for help to prove Nicholas innocent.  Realising she can’t afford to hold back any longer, she tells Wrexford the truth - that Cedric and Nicholas are her cousins and that the three of them were childhood playmates.

Feeling as though they’re back on more of an even keel, Charlotte and Wrexford start to ask questions, Charlotte seeking information from the network of informants from whom she collects the gossip making the rounds on the London streets, and Wrexford in the scientific circles in which Chittenden and his brother moved since coming to London.  His own standing in the scientific community naturally opens doors, and his enquiries reveal a worrisome picture of Chittenden as a young man possessed of an almost fanatical desire to push scientific boundaries and prepared to go to extreme lengths in order to do so.  He also discovers that Chittenden had a rival for the affections of a certain young lady, and that he was owed a large sum of money by a man who seemed to be having trouble paying his gambling debts… could his murder have been motivated by love? Or money? Or are there darker, more clandestine forces at work?

Andrea Penrose has found a rather unique hook for this series in the way she incorporates an aspect of the Regency era that readers of novels set during that time don’t often come across; namely the fervour for scientific knowledge and advancement that was prevalent at the time.  Many of the characters featured in Murder at Kensington Palace are specifically interested in the experiments of Luigi Galvani and Giovanni Aldini, who had explored the possibility that electricity could be used to re-animate the dead – a concept made famous by Mary Shelley in Frankenstein (1817).

Through all of this is woven the continuing development of the relationship between Charlotte and Wrexford, both of whom are gradually acknowledging (to themselves) that they feel something more than friendship for each other, but are reluctant to take that first step towards becoming more.  Their feelings for one another are made clear through their thoughts and actions, although I have to say that I’d have liked things to have become a little more concrete by this stage. Still, there are positive developments in this book that make me think that’s not far off now.

The novel boasts a colourful secondary cast, including Charlotte’s two wards, Hawk and Raven (aka the Weasels) her housekeeper, McLellan, who is as much bodyguard as she is servant,  Wrexford’s friend  Kit Sheffield and his valet/assistant, Tyler; and they’re joined by the formidable Dowager Marquess of Peake, Charlotte’s aunt, a wonderfully forthright and shrewd lady I hope we’ll meet again in future books.

While the mystery in Murder at Kensington Palace is wrapped up by the end and the book could be read as a standalone, I’d recommend that anyone interested in trying this series should start at the beginning with Murder on Black Swan Lane in order to get the full picture of the relationship between the two principals.  Wrexford and Sloane make a great team, personally as well as investigatively, and I’m looking forward to the next instalment in the series.

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Applying the scientific method to murder investigation is simply a slight twist on due diligence for the Regency era. It begins with the second murder that resembles the work of the Ripper except that the victims are males of the peerage. The Bow Street Runner is intelligent but, like today, he is bound by what stands up to legal scrutiny. However several scientific minded individuals of varying social status and gender have good reason to do their very best to prove that the man in Newgate accused of being the murderer is not only innocent, but was set up. Very well done tricky plot with extremely interesting characters! Great read!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

A thoroughly satisfying read on in so many ways, MURDER AT KENSINGTON PALACE by Andrea Penrose is a well-plotted mystery that takes place during the Regency period. It is filled with unconventional Regency characters crafted so well it is easy to picture them as you read and compels you to care about their success. These characters are complex, with a deep commitment to seeing justice done and caring for those people who become part of their world.
The plot is complex and well constructed, pulling the reader through the book at a good pace and beckoning them to pick the book up and read “just one more chapter” regardless of other tasks at hand. It is well paced and builds to a thoroughly satisfying conclusion with just the right amount of ending tension.
This is the third book in the Wrexford and Slone mystery series, and my first read. The characters are so well drawn I had no problem understanding the relationships between Slone and Wrexford as well as the secondary characters in the book. The secondary characters, including the two young boys Slone has taken in as wards and the unconventional gentlemen Wrexford calls on to help solve the mystery add wonderful color and depth to the story.
While I was able to reason out the murderer prior to the denouement, this in no way lessened my enjoyment of the book. Instead, it was intriguing to pursue reading to verify my suspicions as well as helping to pull me through as I could anticipate the hurdles both Slone and Wrexford were bound to encounter on their way to the solution.
The book alternates between Slone’s point of view and that of Wrexford. The author uses this as a way of increasing tension and helping pull the reader through the book at an even pace. These changes occur at well-placed intervals that serve to leave the reader wanting more with one character while at the same time being intrigued by what is happening with the other.
I did find the prologue a little hard to follow and was initially concerned it’s (to me) slowness would be continued in the book itself. This was not the case and the prologue did serve to introduce some key characters and happenings. Once the book began in earnest, it moved at an excellent pace and engaged me all the way through.
My thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for providing me an advanced digital read copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. It is an excellent choice for anyone who likes mysteries and a bonus if the reader likes the Regency period.

Murder at Kensington Palace is the third in the Wrexford & Sloan mysteries. I've had problems with the earlier two, but I like the characters and Charlotte Sloan's secret identity as the satirical artist A.J. Quill in the Regency Period so I've continued to read the books.

I'm happy to say the third book seems to find Andrea Penrose becoming more skillful in her presentation (but that may be because I was reading ARCs that were probably edited). Murder at Kensington Palace made the most of previous characters and added some intriguing new ones.

Charlotte's cousin Cedric is murdered and his twin brother Nicholas is arrested for the murder. Unable to believe Nicholas guilty, Charlotte determines to find out what happened. The plot (far-fetched, but exciting) requires Charlotte, Lord Wrexford, and the Weasels (two street boys, Hawk and Raven whom Charlotte has taken in and who have aided in previous investigations) to explore scientific experiments involving electricity. (view spoiler)

The role of Mrs. McClellan (the housekeeper) develops; Charlotte's great-aunt and the bluestocking Lady Cordelia are introduced. I like the addition of the two new strong female characters and giving Mrs. McClellan more time, and as always the lovable Weasels.

I look forward to the next addition to this series. :)

Read in Aug. Blog review scheduled for Sept. 11, 2019.

NetGalley/Kensington Books
Historical Mystery. Sept. 24, 2019. Print length: 304 pages.

Murder at Kensington Palace is the third book in the Wrexford and Sloane series but was the first one I'd read. Nonetheless, I quickly got up to speed and loved this Regency Era London book from the start.

This historical mystery, which, though it had an Anne Perry-like feel, felt fresher. I enjoyed the interaction between Wrexford, an earl, and Lady Charlotte, as well as their friends and the two weasels (the boys who are Charlotte's wards) who all play roles in the solving of the mystery.

Beyond the terrific cast of characters, the plot was creative and the book gave me a good sense of the historic era, in particular, the scientific thought of the time.

Highly recommended!! I've already picked up the first two books in the series so I can go back to the beginning.

Another wonderful addition to one of my favorite series. This one finds Wrexford and Charlotte racing against time to save the life of the accused killer, and this one is very personal for Charlotte. While some of the subject matter surrounding the murders is gruesome, it is also interesting and well-researched by the author.

I also liked this one for two other reasons: Wrexford and Charlotte grow ever closer to admitting their feelings for one another and Charlotte struggles to make a very important, life-changing decision that involves stepping out of her comfort zone. I’m excited (and a little apprehensive) to see what the ramifications of her decision will be in the next installment.

Well-written, wonderfully drawn characters (both main and secondary) and inventive and intriguing plot lines keep me coming back for more.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an electronic advance review copy.

Wrexford and Sloane are back in the third book of one of my favorite new historical mystery series I’ve read in a while. Penrose makes some of the established tropes of the genre feel fresh and has established a very enjoyable cast of characters. While you could read this book without picking up the first two, I would recommend reading in order so you can enjoy the character development throughout the series.

The novel begins with both Wrexford and Charlotte both feeling somewhat unsettled after the end of their last case and unsure where they stand, both in terms of their relationship to each other and how. Their brooding is interrupted when news of a brutal murder shocks London. Charlotte, however, is particularly affected when she learns the victim is her estranged cousin, Lord Chittenden, and his twin brother has been arrested for his murder. She once again finds herself partnered with Wrexford as they attempt to clear her cousin’s name and bring the real killer to justice. In the attempt, Charlotte also finds herself contemplating a momentous change in her own life – that will help her catch the killer and provide new opportunities to her wards – but may cost her the livelihood and freedom she has worked so hard to protect.

The mystery was reasonably satisfying, but the real highlight of this series for me is the outstanding cast of characters Penrose has created. The leads and the wide net of side characters are well-drawn and have grown over the course of the series, revealing new talents and motivations as they are challenged by new situations. A few new figures were introduced in this book and I’m hoping they’ll reappear in future novels. The slow-burn romance between Wrexford and Charlotte continues apace, but doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the plot and relationships in the book. Looking forward to the fourth book in this series!

Historical mystery fans will enjoy Andrea Penrose's MURDER AT KENSINGTON PALACE. The amateur sleuths in this Victorian mystery are confronted with grisly murder within the privileged family of one and the scientific "family" of the other.

Their foray into the membership of London's distinguished scientific community was both interesting and suspenseful, but the most compelling part of the book for me was its personal side. The character's struggle to distinguish between heart and mind and it gives the book an interesting dimension as well as a lot of "heart" of its own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this light mystery, and learned something about the dangerous search for "enlightenment" in the scientific community of that period.

NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a candid review.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the story and the Regency era mystery surrounding the gruesome death of titled scientists who had a particular interest in other uses for electricity. There are moments of horror and suspense with red herrings sprinkled about for good measure. Intermingled with the murder investigation is the by-the-numbers typical romance between Lord Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane, a 'will-they-won't-they' trope of which I'm (honestly) not a fan, but thus far it's meeting my expectations on how they'll (most likely) get together (and that Sloane is the guardian of two young urchin boys, almost guarantees an instant family for Wrexford [will we ever know his real name and not just his title?] and Sloane.

The supporting characters are memorable, and their relationships to one another are endearing; the pace was well done, though the overuse of certain words and phrases came across as somewhat inauthentic as to how well off people spoke at the time.

Nevertheless, enjoyable and I look forward to future tales (if only to see if the series falls into the expected pattern).

Andrea Penrose does not disappoint in her third installment of the Wrexford and Sloan series. Another murder hits close to home for Charlotte and causes her to make a hard decison that will impact her future and that of her wards Raven and Hawk. Wrexford and Charlotte also struggle with the declarations they made to each other in book two and what that means for their friendship. Penrose has beautifully researched this novel as usual and it shows in her wonderful writing style. Can't wait for book four and where Wrexford and Sloan will take us next .

When Charlotte Sloane's cousin is murdered, and her other cousin accused of the terrible crime, she turns to Lord Wrexford for help. She also makes the decision to come out of the shadows, to take her place in society. Together, they follow the clues into the glittering ballrooms of society. Can they find the killer before more men are found dead?

Oh, how I love this pair! Their attraction to each other does not overshadow the mystery. They both bring something to the investigation that the other lacks. Together, they are stronger and I love whenever they have scenes together!

As always, the accompanying cast is a delight. From "the weasels", Hawk and Raven (who are finding their own skills and talents) to Tyler, Wrexford's valet/assistant, each one brings something to the story. I would have a hard time to pick a favorite from among them.

So I rated it only four stars for one specific reason: I didn't much care for the ending. Oh, the villain made sense and was well-written. I just didn't like how she went out. Just a personal disappointment.

Due to the nature of the investigation, it is time for Charlotte to reveal she is the daughter of an earl (dead) and rejoin society in order to help clear her cousin's name. Wrexford makes sure she has papers that show Hawke and Raven are her and her late husband's wards. She struggles with giving up a life she has control over and the effects on those around her but she didn't think of that protection for the boys.

They aren't talking about the kiss in the last book. The romance reader in me really wants them to talk about that kiss! And potential future kisses! But they're dealing with more urgent matters at the moment. They don't point out the obvious that now she is more of a social equal, their marriage wouldn't be blinked at, though Charlotte being back on the marriage mart is mentioned. I would love to see them as a married couple investigating crimes.

There's a mess of suspects - fellow scientists, men he gambled with, his romantic rival, and the brother in jail who did curse his fate in being born a few minutes earlier than him. Science nerds will enjoy learning about the scientific experiments in botany and biology at the time.

Charlotte's now moving with other bluestockings and we'll see more of that part of society than her time alone. She is building up connections with two potential suspects, both women who are known for their intelligence.

There is much less of a royal presence than the title may imply. I prefer the book for it, to be honest, because everyday life is more interesting than the formality of court. I did enjoy the twists of this mystery and the slippery clues that present themselves. Perfect for historical mystery readers who would enjoy the scientific aspects of the time as well as the political.

Another page turner in the series! Like how the characters continue to grow in each book. It kept me guessing to the end! Looking forward to their next adventure. Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy

When Charlotte Sloane's cousin is murdered in the gardens of Kensington Palace the victims twin brother is arrested. Sloane refuses to accept Nicky did this and so decides to find out who did! Her faithful friend the Earl of Wrexford is there to help her along with her two friends known as the weasels who have found their home with Sloane.

Have they put themselves in danger? Can they uncover the true culprit before Nicky is hanged?

Such a fast paced book I absolutely loved it! This is the third in a series, I haven't read the previous two but had no problems getting to know the characters in this book and I adore them especially the weasels and Sheffield.

Reading this has definitely made me want to read the previous instalments. Anyone looking for a bit of mystery with lovable characters this is for you!

I was extremely excited to get back to the world of Wrexford and Sloane. This time around they have to solve the mystery surrounding the murder of Charlotte's cousin while also navigating their complex feelings toward one another. I greatly enjoyed the rich writing by Penrose, the formidable characters--the Weasels are more endearing than ever---and I of course enjoyed the slow romance between Charlotte and Wrexford. We are also introduced to a host of new characters with rich backgrounds of their own with a resourcefulness and independence of likeminded women--Lady Cordelia and Lady Peake. I came to love Sloane's great aunt and her devilish personality.

That being said, I couldn't fully get into this third installment and it felt like both the plot and romance dragged a bit. I often skipped a little ahead to further along the story because what I enjoyed most was reading about the relationships between the characters and watching how their relationships developed. I found myself less interested in the mystery and finding the killer.

I still look forward to the next installment and seeing what else lies ahead for Charlotte and Wrexford.

Yet another book in the Wrexford & Soane series that I couldn’t put down once I’d started reading. I mean, really, when you have science, art, murder, and romance all in one lively, compelling, intricately woven story you just absolutely cannot put it down. You COULD read this as a stand-alone, but I wouldn’t recommend it simply because the first two books lay the groundwork for the relationship between the main characters and the secondary characters – besides, they are just darned good reads!

Charlotte’s life is about to change – totally – not from her desire, but from a need to save the life of her closest childhood friend, her cousin Nicholas. Charlotte will sacrifice most anything, even her hard-won independence, to free her cousin, but the decision fills her with trepidations. Can she do it? What if she makes the sacrifice and she’s still not successful?

The romance between Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane is a tenuous one. Well – perhaps tenuous isn’t the right word – they are each denying it to themselves, but it comes out in the actions they take, in their thoughts and their terror when the other is in danger. They are about to get on my last nerve! They need to get on with it already! I’m ready for them to be a real team – living and working together.

The weasels (Hawk and Raven) are as entertaining as ever – and dressing them up in fancy clothes doesn’t change them one whit. They have been my favorite secondary characters (shux – they are almost primary characters) from the beginning. We also get to spend time with Kit Sheffield and Basil Henning and I love that. Maybe we have a love interest for Sheffield – I’d really like that. Aunt Alison, the Dowager Marchioness of Peake, was a delightful addition to the cast and I hope we see more of her in future books.

Most of the villains get their just desserts, but one was left standing. Granted, he wasn’t hands-on, but he definitely knew what was going on and enabled its happening – so – I wanted to see him go down in some way or another.

The gist of the story – and it is a really good one – is that Cedric and Nicholas were Charlotte’s best friends (and cousins) as they were growing up and she loved them like brothers. They encouraged her to be the independent, strong woman that she is. However, she hasn’t seen them for several years and when she finally hears something about them, it is to learn that Cedric has been murdered and Nicholas has been arrested for it. Charlotte knows, in her heart, that there is no way Nicholas would murder his twin brother. However, knowing something in your heart and being able to find evidence to prove it are two entirely different things. Charlotte and Wrexford are up against some very sly and devious murderers – with not a hint of who they might be or why they did it. Charlotte and the weasels engage their extensive network of informants, but information is still scarce. Time is running out. Can Charlotte and Wrexford save the day? Can Wrexford save Charlotte?

I absolutely love how the author weaves details of the science of the times into these tales. That time was such an important one for the science and achievements we have today and all of that is seamlessly woven into the story.

This author is a master storyteller and I highly recommend this story and this series in total.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

it can be hard to find regency mysteries that aren’t incredibly silly or poorly written; I’m happy to say that this latest entry in the Wrexford and Sloan series was very enjoyable. If people enjoy the Sebastian St. Cyr series and are looking for more in the genre this is a worthy series to recommend.

Lady Charlotte has some secrets that must start coming out in this instalment of the series. She can no longer leave her past in the shadows if she is going to save her cousin from the gallows for fratricide. There is also the tension between her hand Wrexford after facing death in the last instalment of the series.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion, which is why I started the series on this book, #3 of the series. However, I had no problem getting to know the characters or enjoying the book. I do think that there are things that will mean more to readers who start at the beginning and read the series in order. Reading this book was enjoyable enough to me that I have purchased the first two books.