Andrea Penrose continues her Lord Wrexford and Charlotte nineteenth century historical mysteries set in England. Mathematician Lady Cordelia and her brother Lord Woodbridge have been entrapped in an investment scam. As Wrexford and Charlotte try to untangle the threads in the conspiracy involving the East India Company in trade with China for tea, opium and silver. Well plotted complex story. Enjoy.

I absolutely fell in love with this series when I read the very first book. I can’t believe the series is only on book 4, I feel like so much has happened in these four books. It’s been quite the journey.

When I saw this one on Netgalley, I immediately downloaded it and couldn’t wait to dive in. The book wasn’t due to come out until September and I downloaded the book in June…..needless to say I read it in June because I couldn’t wait to see what happened between Wrexford and Sloane in this book!

I read this book in only a couple of sittings and couldn’t put it down! Another winner from Penrose!

Summary
The murder of a shipping clerk . . . the strange disappearance of trusted friends . . . rumors of corruption within the powerful East India Company . . . all add up to a dark mystery entangling Lady Charlotte Sloane and the Earl of Wrexford in a dangerous web of secrets and lies that will call into question how much they really know about the people they hold dear—and about each other . . .

When Lady Cordelia, a brilliant mathematician, and her brother, Lord Woodbridge, disappear from London, rumors swirl concerning fraudulent bank loans and a secret consortium engaged in an illicit—and highly profitable—trading scheme that threatens the entire British economy. The incriminating evidence mounts, but for Charlotte and Wrexford, it’s a question of loyalty and friendship. And so they begin a new investigation to clear the siblings’ names, uncover their whereabouts, and unravel the truth behind the whispers.

As they delve into the murky world of banking and international arbitrage, Charlotte and Wrexford also struggle to navigate their increasingly complex feelings for each other. But the clock is ticking—a cunning mastermind has emerged . . . along with some unexpected allies—and Charlotte and Wrexford must race to prevent disasters both economic and personal as they are forced into a dangerous match of wits in an attempt to beat the enemy at his own game. (summary from Goodreads)

Review
One of the things I love most about this series is the complex relationship between Wrexford and Sloane. It’s clear to the reader that they are in love with each other but neither are prone to bold, emotional declarations of love. In the previous books there has been a lot of hinting at their emotions but the investigation always seems to come between them just before they can examine how they feel about one another.

I expected their relationship to take a turn in this book considering it was heavily hinted at in the previous books and while their relationship did change by the end of the book, I was still hoping and waiting for a bold, emotional declaration of love and feelings. I can’t say I am surprised though because it would be wildly out of character for either of them but a girl can still hope. In the end I felt satisfied with how their relationship progressed and culminated in this book and am looking forward to seeing how things proceed in future books.

The other thing that I love about this author is she incorporates science of the historical period. In this book it’s about financial science and while there were times that I felt completely lost in the financial side of the story, there were characters there that helped the lay reader navigate the complex financial terrain. I loved how much the mystery shifted and cast uncertainty across many characters. Penrose always does such a smashing job with her mysteries and red herrings and it’s one of the things I love best about this series.

These books could mostly be read as standalone novels as the author does a nice job orientating the reader in the later plot without giving anything away, but you will get a lot more out of it by reading the books in order. Whenever I pick up one of her books I am never disappointed and always finish the book feeling excited for the next and eager to see what ways each of our beloved characters shifts and changes in new and exciting ways.

Last little thought—-I am so in love with this cover. While I love the other covers in this series, I think this one is my absolute favorite so far! It’s elegant and mysterious. I can’t stop staring at it!

Book Info and Rating
Hardcover, 304 pages
Expected publication: September 29th 2020 by Kensington
ISBN 1496722841 (ISBN13: 9781496722843)
Free review copy provided by publisher, Kensington Books, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 5 stars
Genre: historical fiction, historical mystery

The fourth book in Andrea Penrose’s series of Regency-era mysteries featuring the Earl of Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane, Murder at Queen’s Landing once again finds our two amateur sleuths drawn into a murder investigation – this time, one that could have far-reaching consequences not just for themselves but for the entire nation. If you’ve read the earlier books in the series, you’ll already know exactly how the cynical, logical and scientifically-minded Earl of Wrexford became acquainted with Mrs. Charlotte Sloane (aka A.J. Quill, London’s premier satirical cartoonist) and the Weasles (two street urchins); if you haven’t then I’d suggest starting with Murder on Black Swan Lane, as this is a series in which the mysteries in each book are solved, but the relationship and character development are on-going.

The mystery kicks off when Wrexford is approached by Griffin, the Bow Street Runner with whom he and Charlotte have worked on previous investigations, and asked if the word Argentum means anything to him. He can’t think of anything, other than it being the Latin word for silver, but his curiosity is piqued when Griffin tells him that it was the final word uttered by a murder victim – a clerk with the East India Company. At the same time as Griffin is informing Wrexford of the crime, Charlotte is hearing about it from Skinny, a crossing sweeper and friend of her two wards, Hawk and Raven. She’s saddened by the news of course – any life lost to violence is a terrible thing – but doesn’t think it’s something she and Wrexford can help with.

A day or so later, Charlotte learns that her friend Lady Cordelia – a mathematical genius – and her brother the Earl of Woodbridge have suddenly left London without a word to anyone, and Griffin informs Wrexford that the murder victim was tangentially connected to Woodbridge through the his cousin David Mather, who is employed at Hoare’s bank, one of the city’s major financial institutions. It seems that Mather and Woodbridge had some recent business dealings, and although Griffin can’t find any connection between the disappearance of the earl and his sister and the murder, he can’t help being curious, especially as Lady Cordelia and Wrexford’s friend Kit Sheffield recently opened an account at Hoare’s for a newly formed company.

Tenuous these connections may be, but the more Charlotte and Wrexford ponder them, the more likely it seems that the murder at Queen’s Landing and the disappearances of Lady Cordelia and her brother are connected in some way. In the way that has become a hallmark of this series, Andrea Penrose incorporates elements of contemporary technological advancement and discovery into the story – in this case the development of mathematical machines and steam powered vehicles – and provides an obviously well-researched historical background. The workings of complex financial systems and how they were being exploited via a worldwide network of corrupt merchant banks and how it all related to the opium trade did, however, go over my head – and as that seemed to be the major impetus behind the mystery plot, it meant that I spent part of the book scratching my head trying to work out exactly why the villains were doing what they did.

I really enjoyed the earlier books in this series, but this one didn’t work as well, for a number of reasons. The mystery didn’t really grab me, and the set up in the first half of the book simply dragged. The premise is interesting, but as I’ve said above, the principal plot point is overly complex (which led to a lot of info-dumping and repetition) and unlike in the last book, where a personal connection with the investigation was quickly established and the stakes were clearly high, here, I never felt as though the stakes for any of the characters were as high as I was being told they were. This wasn’t helped by the fact that we don’t really know Lady Cordelia all that well – or her brother at all – and I found it difficult to become invested in their troubles as a result. And while the author does a really good job of throwing in the red herrings and concealing the identity of the villain right up until the reveal, that person’s motivations are so detached and unemotional that the mystery as a whole lacks any feeling of peril or excitement. Action scenes are eschewed in favour of discussions of what happened after the event, there’s a lot of repetition of thoughts and feelings (Charlotte worries that her re-joining the world of the ton will change her and Wrexford’s preference for logic over emotion is hammered home several times); plus having now reached book four in the series, Ms. Penrose falls into the trap that befalls many authors of series, namely that of too much exposition (and yet more info-dumping) concerning the characters. I know most authors do this, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying or repetitious for readers who have followed the series from the beginning.

The best part of the story is that which focuses on the undercurrent of attraction that’s been running between Charlotte and Wrexford since book one, and those readers who, like me, have been awaiting developments in their burgeoning romance will be pleased at the way things progress. But unfortunately, that can’t make up for the book’s deficiencies – an overly complex and ultimately unengaging mystery, uneven pacing, too much telling-and-not-showing and characterisation that seems to have remained largely static.

I dithered a bit over a final grade for Murder at Queen’s Landing because in spite of my reservations, once the pacing picks up in the second half it’s a relatively entertaining read. But I’m not sure I can recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who isn’t already following the series – and even then, I can only recommend it to those who have been following it and may want to pick it up for the sake of completeness. Nonetheless, I’ll be looking out for book five and hoping for a tighter mystery with higher stakes and a bit more action.

Grade - C+ / 3.5 stars

Reading 'Murder at Queen's Landing was like being reunited with old friends. The characters are so well developed that I feel like I know them. I love the dynamics between Wrexford , Charlotte and the Weasels. The secondary characters also added much to the story. Charlotte's great=aunt is a nice addition to the family. The technical talk about finance, the machine, etc. slowed the pace down in some parts, but didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story.

I enjoyed the new locale of Wrexford's country estate. It was nice to get to see the characters in a new environment. Hopefully, we'll get more with the family in the country for a change of pace.

I loved the ending and cannot wait to find out what is next for our two sleuths. Highly recommend!

It's always hard to step into series somewhere in the middle. However, fourth installmen in the Wexford and Sloane series can be easliy read as stand alone novel. Yes, I'd love to know the backstory of Charlotte Sloane and how she become the woman she is, but I was able to read Murder at Queen's Landing without feeling many gaps.

I loved Charlotte. I fell in love with her colourful extended family and adopted kids. I liked her character and her daring nature. Being high-born Charlotte carved her own way in the world. Turned away from London society she is only now trying to find her place in it. I guess, one needed to grow up to return to her origins.

Her friend and partner in sleuthing Lord Wexford is everything a woman can dream of with a bit of an edge and sharp corners. He is a likeable character too because he is sincere and reliable, trustworthy and brave.

This pair can do a lot of good. In this installment in the series they are working to protect their friends lives and reputations. There is greed and financial machinations, powerful enemies and hapless lords, automatons and inventive geniuses, big hounds and small ponies, ginger biscuits and disguises.

The book is fun, easy to flow, atmospheric enough to feel you belong and are immersed (you can follow in the characters' footsteps). Hopefully, I will be able to read all the previous installments one day.

historical-research, historical-places-events, historical-novel, England, investigation, friendship

Applying the scientific method to murder investigation is simply a slight twist on due diligence for the Regency era. Lady Charlotte Sloane was born to the aristocracy but escaped for a time and now is a satirical cartoonist with surprising investigative skills, and Earl Wrexford who is a man reputed as one never to be crossed. Together they are formidable enough, but add in the orphans they call The Weasels and others they value for their abilities and you h ave just the right people to investigate murder, extortion, disappearances, and financial crimes. I loved it! The plot moves along briskly despite all the distractions, twists, and red herrings, and the characters are so very well done!
I requested and received a free ebook from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

Murder At Queen’s Landing is the fourth book in the Wrexford and Sloan Mystery series by Andrea Penrose.

When Charlotte Sloane and Wrexford learn of the death of a shipping clerk of the East India Trading Company, they investigate the murder. They are baffled when they discover the clerk’s last word was Argentum, Latin for Silver. They will soon become concerned when they learn of the disappearance of Lady Cordelia and her brother Lord James. Of course, this disappearance hits close to home for Charlotte, as Cornelia is Raven’s math tutor. Charlotte and Wrexford will also start looking into Cornelia and Lord James’ disappearance. Their investigation will discover illegal trading of goods, drugs, smuggling, and financial manipulation that will lead them to the East India Trading company’s upper echelon.

As with previous books in this series, skillfully written into the story, the development of an important discovery, in this book it is the development of a computing machine. One important thing this machine will do is the computation of arbitrage, an integral part of the story. Even though I didn’t understand the device’s working, it wasn’t the author’s fault, or did it take away from the story for me.

The book is well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed and interesting. It appears that Charlotte and Wrexford are going to lower their defenses and will admit to their feelings for each other. Even Sheffield, Wrexford’s good friend, might have found someone for him to start seeing. Of course, Raven and Hawk and their street urchins are back to help with the investigation.

I will be watching for the next book in this highly informative series.

Murder at Queen's Landing is the 4th book in this series and the first book I've read by Andrea Penrose. I really enjoyed the plot and although I didn't read the first three books, this can be read as a stand alone. I didn't fee 'lost' at all.

I loved the author's writing style and you can certainly tell she's done her homework about the time period. The descriptions of the time period and the people were spot on. Whether describing the balls attended or the children on the street trying to survive, you could tell much research was done. I appreciate the time taken to make the book more factual.

Alexander Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane are drawn into a murder investigation when some of their friends become suspects. The addition of the historically accurate touches in the scientific community that Alexander Wrexford is interested in, and the alter ego of Charlotte Sloan, who publishes satirical drawings under a nom de plume were great. I also enjoyed the Weasels, Hawk and Raven, that Charlotte has taken under her wing.

The authors notes were so helpful! When reading, I was constantly going back and forth to find out if what was happening in the book were historically accurate. I should have checked at the end, first!! I need to go back and read the first three books in this series!

4.5*
"Decisions were never black and white. And every shade of grey was tinged with consequences."

Murder at Queen's Landing is the fourth in the Wexford and Sloane series. This is a historical mystery series set in Regency London. The Early of Wexford is a brilliant chemist and Charlotte Sloane has assumed her late husband's pen-name as London's leading satirical artist.

A clerk is murdered at the docks. His last word was 'argentum'.

This was a fantastic historical mystery - great plot, plenty of murky suspects, lots of surprises, and excellent character development. I love the characters in this series. They are well-developed, interesting, and I care about what happens to them. There are themes of good vs. evil, right and wrong, truth and lies, the murky grey area, friendship, loyalty, secrets, and justice. In this book, the group takes on a group within a powerful organization - leading to a favorite troupe of mine - David versus Goliath.

I can't wait for the next book in this series. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for sending me a copy for review.

Lady Charlotte and Wrexford find themselves solving a murder once again, in this 4th installment of this series. This time Lady Charoltte’s brother disappears and the struggle to find out what is going on becomes more personal. Wrexford and Charlotte are both incredibly smart and slightly eccentric and mostly in love, although they are still figuring that out.

Matters of science and mystery!

A further step into the lives of Lady Charlotte Sloane and the Earl of Wrexford. This time murder plays a part and the pair find themselves tapping at the doors of the powerful East India company. The wonderful Weasles are growing and developing but still maintain there delightful urchin ways. Tyler, Wrexford's unconventional valet is still as acerbic as ever. Others are being added to their coterie, and I am charmed. Penrose dots her pages with well humored incidents, easing the tensions.
A clerk is murdered down by the docks, and almost at the same time Charlotte's friend, the brilliant mathematician Lady Cordelia, and her brother, Lord Woodbridge, disappear from London. Unusual! To all appearances the two aren't connected but as things move on that viewpoint changes. It appears Cordelia and Woodbridge might be in the thick of some nebulous unsavory circumstances.
Charlotte and Wrexford's relationship edges towards something other than friendship.
The perfidy off the East India company introducing opium to China to open up trade is well documented and Penrose has used this to advantage in rather nail biting Regency thriller. As is the well researched background to trading based on international arbitrage. The invention of a computer like machine to help in trading and more, highlights the Achilles heel of new developments where good and evil use vie. I highly commend her closing author's notes for a clearer look at these issues.
Once more we're given a fabulous Sloane and Wrexford novel, where in Penrose's words, she's woven "an important development in Regency science/ technology as a main element in the mystery."

A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

3.5 stars rounded up. Although Murder at Queen's Landing wasn't my favorite, I've really loved this series overall and sincerely hope that we get to read more of Charlotte's and Wrexford's adventures. The ending here seemed like it could be wrapping up everything, but I'm hoping it's just a transition into the next chapter of the series.

Murder at Queen's Landing contains the usual entertaining combination of historical scientific developments (here, the prototype of computing machines) and a murder mystery involving the East India Company that spans the upper and lower classes in London. Charlotte was a bit off in this book and not her usual intrepid self, as her confidence seems to have taken a beating from returning to high society in the last book. Wrexford, for his part, was occasionally more oblivious than usual but it was balanced by several moments of emotional honesty that were a refreshing change. Raven and Hawk were -- as always -- excellent additions to the story, and the ever-expanding circle of Charlotte's and Wrexford's confidantes provided a strong supporting set of characters.

For some reason I didn't feel as engaged with this book as the others in the series. This could be external factors that make it difficult to concentrate (really all my reading from March 2020 onward has been impacted to some extent), or it could be that the subject matter of the conspiracy/murder-mystery was more bland than usual. Another possible factor is that Charlotte and Wrexford were pursuing their own leads for most of the story and only occasionally checking in with each other, which dampened the usual tension and romantic drama. Overall though, it was a solid addition to the series.

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

The setting of Regency England is the perfect time period to set this mystery. We get the dark and spooky feeling of the docks and the muck in the streets. But, it also highlights a time of great invention and innovation.

I loved all of the characters in this book. I haven’t read the other books in the series, but I didn’t feel lost at all as to who these characters were. The side characters, especially “The Weasels” are endearing and entertaining to read about. I would have loved more time with Wrexford and Charlotte.

I thought the mystery itself was overly complicated and at one point it did get in the way of the plot. There were several elements going at once and left me a little scrambled.

I can tell a lot of research went into the story and I appreciate the historical notes at the end. I learned a little more about the time period than I did when I started the book.

Overall, a very entertaining book that historical mystery lovers will enjoy. 3.5/5.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Kensington Books for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review “Murder at Queen’s Landing.” All opinions are my own.

Lady Charlotte Sloan and the Earl of Wrexford are busy discovering who would kill over knowledge of “Argentum” in this, the fourth book in the Regency-era historical mystery/romance series. Lady Charlotte is slowly coming back into “polite society” (you really need to start at the first book of the series to find out why – these are not standalone books). At this grand soiree Charlotte overhears something, and we readers find out more about who the mysterious man in the prologue was.

There’s a body right away, and Charlotte begins to jump to conclusions, which is good for us readers, of course. She’s torn between her new life and the old (remember her other alter ego, A. J. Quill, the satirical artist), and how much she can enter into that new society, become a part of it, and remain her independent self. And then there’s Wrexford. We get a lot of ruminating about how she feels about him.

The plot soon involves the disappearance of a close friend, the close friend’s brother, and the mysterious “Argentum.” Speculation becomes reality. And Mr. Sheffield, another close friend is intimately involved, because his feelings are involved. Speaking of feelings – the author treads carefully here; we know that Lord W and Lady C are deciding how they feel about each other, and I do want them to get on with it. It’s time, after all; we’ve followed along now for quite long enough.

Everyone feels that something very illegal is happening, and everyone feels no good will come to any of it. Well, of course not, where a very great company, and blackmail, and fraud, and murder, and betrayal is involved. What fun. The author has all the bases covered, that’s for sure.

Finally, none of these books are complete without Charlotte doing her own undercover sleuthing, and we get that, and of course, we get her use of Latin quotations – Ms. Penrose makes sure plenty of those are included, too. And, since the author also like to include science in her books (see her author’s note at the end), we find out what the fuss is all about – the first mechanical system for “doing sums” – an “analytical engine.”

The author has a firm grasp of her characters by now. They tend to be a bit long-winded, but there’s a lot going on in this book and it does need to be explained. Stick with it, and you’ll be rewarded as clues from a dying man knit the final pieces together. Charlotte and Wrexford – and their loyal followers -- have their triumph, in more way than one.

I'm glad that I gave this series a chance.

Previously in the last book, Charlotte and Wrexford met brilliant Lady Cordelia and her supportive brother. Charlotte overhears them having trouble. Then a dead body is found and the siblings have disappeared. Wanting to know what happened to the siblings Charlotte, Wrexford, and all of their friends band together to find the murderer even if it is their new friends.

This series is a delight. Every book follows Charlotte and Wrexford growing as characters. I love watching Raven and Hawk growing up from guttersnipes to following their academic desires. Personally, I don't care for the mystery of the book but the characters keep coming back to this series.

This review is based on an advanced copy provided by Netgalley for an honest review.

This book just held my interest from start to finish. What a motley cast of characters! They were all so interesting, from Lady Charlotte, who was able to disguise herself as Magpie to ferret out clues, to the Earl of Wrexford, a scientist with a quick temper and sarcastic wit. There were so many layers to the characters. Not to mention those delightful scamps, Raven and Hawk and of course, the deerhound Harper has his part to play. I know of a Great Dane who used to make the same whuffle noises! A great deal of research had taken place for this story and it made for a captivating read. Apart from the solving of the crime, which had me guessing all the way, there was the relationship between Charlotte and Wrexford. Could they manage to express how they felt about each other? This was the first book I had read in this series but it won’t be the last. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was delighted to return to the world of Wrexford and Sloane in Andrea Penrose’s newest novel. Again, she delves into the science and technology of the period, this time with a “Differential Engine” playing a major part in some financial shenanigans involving the East India Company. Charlotte Sloan’s made family has expanded to include her aunt, as well as the familiar Weasels who she has adopted. Wrexford, whose cold logical persona has developed over the course of the series, has a few surprises in store as well in this book.

The only thing I disliked about “Murder” is that I’ll now have to wait for the next installment of the series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have long anticipated Murder at Queen’s Landing as the next novel in the Wrexford and Sloane mystery series. Lord Wrexford and (now) Lady Charlotte Sloan have been a great duo to follow, and I hope there are more novels after this one.
This novel starts with the murder of a secretary, but soon becomes more complicated when Wrexford and Sloane’s mutual friends go missing. When it becomes apparent that the two events are linked, Wrexford, Sloane, Raven, Hawk, Sloane’s aunt Alison, and Sheffield partake in investigating the solution. What unfolds involves murder, conspiracy, treason, and revelations that could shake the economic structure of the British empire. As they solve a tantalizing and suspenseful mystery, the group grows closer together, Wrexford and Sloane take a hard look at their own relationship, and the philosophical debate on loyalties vs actions is endless.
Part of what I love about Penrose’s Wrexford and Sloane series is her scientific focus. Each book in the series has had an invention/discovery angle to it and it’s fascinating to read about, especially from the perspective of having a broader scope of knowledge today. It is very humbling to think about the sacrifices and hardships that inventors of the past made in order for technology to move further ahead. Figures such as Galileo, who was under house arrest for heresy for his challenging heliocentric theory, and Marie Curie, who, as we know, suffered from radiation poisoning in her discovery of radium, are well-known examples of those who made our progress today possible. We can’t forget the unknown scientists, or those who have had their work destroyed, stolen, or plagiarized by others. Penrose makes readers aware that sacrifices have been made to get our understanding to where it is today in an appreciative view of the inventors of the 1800’s.
Aside from her interesting fixation on invention, Penrose casts intriguing and lovable characters in the Wrexford and Sloane series. We can admire Charlotte Sloane for being true to herself, Wrexford for being more than his reputation would suggest, Sheffield for being a loyal friend, Raven and Hawk for having their own code of honor, and Aunt Alison (a more recently added character) for taking things in stride. While this tight-knit group bands together for the greater good, it’s not at all cheesy or unrealistic in the way that they support each other. There are a lot of real friendship/family dynamics that go on in the group and their investigations, and the realism makes it very pleasurable to read and a welcome sideline from the mystery.
If there’s any suggestion that I could make to this series, it would be to decrease the use of the words “pragmatic” and “mercurial.” I’ve mentioned my notice of the repetition of “pragmatic” before, but “mercurial” popped up a lot in this book - I just noticed the change. Another thing I would like to see more of is Charlotte and Wrexford’s social circle. Since she’s just come back into society, Charlotte’s is bound to be nonexistent, but she has been going to some meetings with her aunt and I’d just like to read about her doing some ordinary things to get a better sense of who she is. I think Wrexford is in a similar boat, being fairly antisocial, but a scene where he goes to his club just for fun wouldn’t be amiss. I feel as though our characters never really stumble upon anything important by accident, and exploring more of their social circles might be a good way to do so.
In conclusion, this was another very successful installment of the Wrexford and Sloane series by Andrea Penrose. I loved the mystery, the characters, the characters’ progression, and the inclusion of a 19th century invention. I hope I don’t have to say goodbye to this bunch of characters anytime soon because I am always ready to see what Lord Wrexford and Lady Charlotte Sloane get themselves into next.

Murder at Queen's Landing is the fourth book in the Wrexford & Sloane Regency mystery series by Andrea Penrose. Have I read the first three books? No...Heaven forfend I get to read a series in order! I missed out on watching the characters' relationships develop; however, the mystery here stands alone, so you can enjoy this fun story with no confusion. I'm intrigued by this one and am glad I have the previous books in my virtual TBR pile.

Shortly after a shipping clerk is found murdered, Lady Cordelia, a brilliant mathematician, and her brother Lord Woodbridge are missing. Rumors about fraudulent loans and trading schemes soon follow. They look guilty, but Lady Charlotte Sloane and the Earl of Wrexford, friends of the missing siblings, begin an investigation in an attempt to find the two and also uncover what's going on in the world of shady banking and international arbitrage. During this time Charlotte and Wrexford are also dealing with their growing closeness. Will they solve the mystery before there are more murders and illicit trades?

The mystery was interesting but complex, at least to me. Start talking about mathematics, arbitrage, banking and tables, and my eyes start rolling back in my head. Definitely not my forte'. Still, the mystery was fun with some good red herrings thrown in. I was shocked when the mastermind was revealed. It's the wonderful characters, however, that drew me into the story. Wrexford has an analytical and scientific mind and he's apparently impatient; he does, however, have a softer hidden aspect to his personality. Charlotte is attempting to re-enter society while also drawing satirical cartoons under a pseudonym and roaming the stews at night dressed as a street urchin. They are quite the complex couple! I love my historical mysteries with a hint of romance, and I wasn't disappointed here. I absolutely adored Hawk and Raven, street children whom Charlotte took in as wards. They are nicknamed "The Weasels". Extremely smart, they sometimes seem to be little adults, but are all young boy when dogs and ginger biscuits are involved. Throw in Tyler (Wrexford's valet), McClellan (Charlotte's housekeeper), Kit Sheffield (Wrexford's best friend) along with Lady Cordelia and Lord Woodbridge and you have an absolutely incredible cast. Can't wait until the next one!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Murder at Queen's Landing is the 4th Wrexford & Sloane regency mystery by Andrea Penrose. Due out 29th Sept 2020 from Kensington, it's 368 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is an engaging and well written addition to the series. It's an ensemble character driven cozy(ish) historical murder mystery with a strong element of romance. The author has written the story around a framework of fictionalized historical characters (two of my favorites from real life - Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace) and does a good job of interweaving the historical facts with the fictional narrative allowing for some minor poetic license regarding names, dates, and times.

Although self-contained in the narrative arc, the cast of characters have a long history together, so it works well enough as a standalone, but I strongly recommend reading the series in order because of character development spoilers. The language is very clean, there's some violence used in context, and no sexual content.

Enjoyable cozy murder romance. Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.