Member Reviews

This is a new-to-me series and author, and I am happy to say I enjoyed this book very much. I am a huge fan of historical fiction and mystery so it was totally up my alley.

It's the 4th book in a series, and even though the story mentioned previous incidents, I didn't feel like I had to read the others to understand what was going on here - it could easily stand alone.

The plot was clever, with twists I never saw coming although the writing did tend to get a bit technical in some places. Of course, when the plot centers around a Calculation Engine, you have to expect there will be a bit of math involved. It was not off-putting, and helped with understanding they 'why's' of the central mystery.

I found the characters to be well rounded, and neatly formed.

Overall, an enjoyable read.

Was this review helpful?

This is a book of historical fiction in Victorian England. It begins with the murdered of a man at the Queen's Landing. On his dying breath, the man says Argentum (Latin for silver). The dead man was a clerk at the East India Company.

The Earl of Wrexford and Lady Charlotte Sloane have solved several murders, and are beginning to become a couple. Charlotte was the daughter of an Earl who had been disowned when she married a painter who was beneath her. Now her husband was dead, she is beginning to reenter society. She has adopted two homeless boys which Wrexford has nicknamed the weasels. Wrexford's friend, Sheffield, is in love with Lady Cordelia, who is a brilliant mathematician, and is tutoring Raven, one of the weasels. Lady Cordelia and her brother James Mansfield have some financial problems because their father lost most of the family money. When Lady Cordelia and James disappear, Wrexford, Sloane and Sheffield must try to find them. There are rumors going around that they are involved in a fraudulent scheme and secret consortium which is selling opium, buying silver and illegally getting a lot of money. Mansfield is known to have been taking out loans, and Lady Cordelia is also working with a professor to make a calculating machine which might be used to do arbitrage.

Much to Wrexford's dismay, Charlotte dresses as a poor man and goes to the docks at night to try to discover what's going on. The weasels run errands and manage to show up at the right time several times. Wrexford and Sloan each get into dangerous positions as they try to break into the secret world of finance and find the people involved with some help from Bow Street Runner Griffen. Time is moving on, and the culprits may be about to take a ship and get away with Mansfield's loans. The story was a little slow getting started, but then it was hard to put down. There are some very exciting times and a great end.

Was this review helpful?

This mystery - number four in this series from Andrea Penrose - takes us into the streets of London alongside Lady Charlotte and the Earl of Wrexford. Both are stubborn and independent characters, slowly working their way towards each other as they separately investigate a murder. Little do they know they are both heading down a dark path riddled with smuggling and blackmail in the East India Trading Company.

I enjoyed the setting and historical context of this mystery - Penrose really takes the time and detail to introduce you to more of the East India Trading Company's dark past. As someone who hasn't read the other books in the series, it took me awhile to get introduced to the characters, and I found the storyline a bit slow until almost halfway into the book. However, the characters and secondary characters were entertaining and popped off the page, and I enjoyed puzzling through the mystery!

Was this review helpful?

Another fascinating and intricate installment in this clever and challenging series. You’ll need to bring your a-game to read one of Penrose’s novels — this isn’t a bubblegum historical mystery. But they are so rewarding!

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy for my review.

Was this review helpful?

Historical mysteries are always welcome on my to be read list. This series is one of the best. It's the perfect mix of a great puzzle with romance. Wexford and Sloane are a great investigating team and they are starting to acknowledge how much they care for each other. In this outing they have two events to unravel. Are the two connected? First the gruesome murder of a man at Queen's Landing and then the disappearance of two of their friends, a brother and sister. With a trail that leads to The East India Company and some very powerful people, Charlotte and Wexford not only have to watch out for their own safety, there is a dark and powerful enemy that will also endanger those close to them.
The setting, the period, the mystery and a great cast of characters I enjoyed every page from start to finish. It does work as a stand alone but reading them in order makes for a better reading experience.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more in the series. When a shipping clerk is murdered, and her friend, brilliant mathematician Lady Cordelia and her brother Lord Woodbridge disappear, Lady Charlotte is determined to uncover the mystery, along with the help of the Earl of Wrexford.

Was this review helpful?

OOOOOOOOOH – an excellent addition to the series. We have a much less acerbic and more emotional Wrexford along with a softer Charlotte Sloane. Who would have thought it! I like it very well – as long as they don’t lose their edge. As always, the writing is excellent, the story is fast-paced, and the characters are fun, interesting, and fully developed. This case takes the whole cast of characters to keep each other safe.

A murder happens at the docks – Queens Landing – but it isn’t something in which Wrexford and Charlotte would normally become involved. They didn’t know the man, but his death was gruesome. Then, when Bow Street starts asking questions about Sheffield and two of their friends disappear … Is it all related? Was one (or more) of their friends involved in the death? If so, why would that be?

As they quietly begin to investigate, Wrexford and Charlotte realize just how dangerous this investigation might become – not just to them, but to their friends and family as well. They soon come to understand that the solution to this crime might shake the very foundations of the British economy and their foe is very, very powerful with far-reaching tentacles. Can they unmask this villain before he closes in on them?

Of course, I require a bit of romance along with my mysteries – and this story just made me smile. If you’ve read the previous books, you have long known that Wrexford and Charlotte love each other – they were just too stubborn to realize it themselves. Wrexford was thinking he was too cold and analytical for such frivolous feelings as love and Charlotte was terrified of love because of her previous experiences. It was wonderful to see them start to realize that love might not be such a bad thing.

I always love the Author’s Notes at the back of the book. She always tells us the historical facts about the tale she’s just told and the real circumstances upon which the details of the story are based. This author does intensive research and those Author’s Notes are almost as interesting as the book itself.

This is a wonderful adventure and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. The Weasels (Charlotte’s wards) are their normal delightful selves, Sheffield grows and matures, and we have a wonderful dog added to the story. I mean – it was a great read and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

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

Was this review helpful?

Murder mysteries just seem to find their way to the Earl of Wrexford and Lady Charlotte Sloane. Just as Lady Charlotte has decided to dip her toes into society once again with the help of the dowager Marchioness of Peake. This time the crime comes close to their friend, Lady Cordelia. Is her brother in trouble? Is he the culprit? It takes all their wits to determine just what is going on and who or what does it affect. Andrea Penrose pens a mean murder mystery. She gives just enough information to keep the reader interested and involved until the very end. I can often figure out the villain(s) early on. The author's skill kept the villain's identity a secret until fairly late in the book. Excellent read! I do hope this is not the end for the Wrexford and Sloane mysteries. In this series we have seen Wrexford go from a Mr. Spock character, logic only, to a man of feelings and enjoying them. I could see Wrexford and Sloane opening a detective agency in the future. Even though, Lady Charlotte has decided to take her place in society and such an occupation would be frowned upon. The two of them would just thumb their noses at society and do it anyway!

Was this review helpful?

I enjoy the Wrexford & Sloane historical mystery series for several reasons: the unusual, quirky, varied cast of characters; the rich development of relationships among characters; the interesting historical details that Penrose uses as starting places for these novels; and, of course, the mysteries. Murder at Queen's Landing is a great addition to the series. The characters include a female political cartoonist, wealthy regency society, a passel of street children, denizens of dive bars, and "servants" who function as companions, protectors, and coconspirators. I particularly appreciate the strength og Penrose's female characters, with their intelligence and independence. The history in this latest title draws on the rapacity and lawlessness of the British East India Company, the development of steam trains, a female, regency-era mathematical genius, and efforts to build a calculating machine.

This is a great title—and a great series—to pick up when your life needs some leavening. For all the danger and historicism at their hearts, the Wrexford & Sloane mysteries provide an uplifting and rebellious experience—an analogy I might use is the thrill we got as children on those rare occasions we were allowed to run about after dark: noisy, reckless, and delighted to be ourselves.

Whether you read the series titles in order or start with this newest title, you'll be entering the company of a community you will want to keep returning to.

I received a free electronic ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I'm a big fan of this series and the latest installment does not disappoint.

With Andrea Penrose, you always learn something historical and this mystery involves the East India Company. This series also features science and mathematics as those are specialties of some of the characters.

It starts with the murder of a clerk from the Company who appeared to have stumbled across something nefarious. It seems that the brother of their good friend Lady Cordelia may be involved and they disappear from London. Charlotte and Wexford find themselves torn between friendship and duty.

The story has many twists and turns and subplots which makes it very interesting. The mystery is quite fascinating.

The relationship between Lady Charlotte and the Earl of Wexford has always been a complicated one but I've read the last chapter over and over--as someone who has followed them from the beginning it made my heart melt.

I received an ARC from Kensington via NetGalley. However, the opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I'm enjoying this series very much. It was wonderful to catch up with the characters, who are turning into quite a little family. Sheffield and Cordelia were in it once again and these two add to the story greatly. In fact they're central to the plot in this one.
Raven and Hawk are growing up but still haven't lost all their ways from the days of living in the slums. These two are essential to Charlotte both in her work and in her emotional life.
Wrexford is beginning to mellow a little. Not completely, or he wouldn't be Wrexford but his life is changing too.
There's a very good story here, however, it got quite technical for a couple of chapters and most of it flew over my head. It was very detailed and lost me a little along the way. You can tell there was phenomenal research went into this book.
Looking forward to the next one. From the lovely last chapter I think it will be going in a different direction which will be exciting.

Was this review helpful?

Murder at Queen's Landing is the fourth installment of this well done series by Andrea Penrose. Wrexford and Sloane face a challenging case of what would today be called money laundering, albeit regency style befitting the period. In addition, friends disappear and a new machine is developed to help the dastards puts the pairs friends in grave danger. Working as a team Wrexford and Sloane, along with the weasels, street urchins and friends solve this very complex mystery. They bring down bankers, bad guys and threaten the East India Co., a major trading partner with the world. The pacing is good, except when the characters need to explain how all the pieces fit. A little too techical for this girl. But I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the furthering of Wrexford and Sloanes relationship. It creeps along S L O W L Y, but move forward it does. I thank Net Galley for the chance to read this book in return for an unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the delightful ARC...much appreciated.

Lady Charlotte and Earl Wrexford successfully team up again in the Wrexford and Sloane series to investigate murder and find themselves also seeking justice for blackmail.

Set in Regency England, friends of Charlotte and Wrexford go missing which leads to multiple intertwined puzzles involving a rather interesting and varied team to solve.

The main focus on this book seems to be the evolution of the characters. The Weasels are amusing and endearing, typical energetic "Can I help?" boys. I like that Charlotte and Wrexford are intelligent main characters with depth, though it would be wonderful to capture even more of their personalities and thoughts. However, I still cared about the characters and their outcomes.

The exploration of the underbelly during this period was fascinating. I'm always eager to read/learn about class divisions in this period.

The introduction of science, technology and mathematics was intriguing and done seamlessly.

Regency romance doesn't hurt, either!

Was this review helpful?

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest instalment in Andrea Penrose’s fantastic Wrexford & Sloane series. Murder at Queen’s Landing presents an intriguingly convoluted and deadly mystery that ensnares Wrexford and Lady Charlotte’s friends and requires all their efforts to resolve. Penrose continues to deliver wonderful character development and a delightful cast of secondary characters. I’m always torn when I finish one of her novels because while I love getting to the end of a good mystery, I hate that reaching the end means I have to wait another year for the next in the series.

Was this review helpful?

"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."

Here for East India Company corruption!

Was this review helpful?

NOTE- I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I recently discovered this series and was excited to read the 4th installment. I love the two main characters and their relationship with each other and that was definitely the highlight of this book as well. The mystery/plot around that, however, wasn't as strong as the past couple of books in my opinion however. It was a very interesting idea but as it unfolded didn't really keep my interest. The action and how the plots progress has gotten pretty formulaic already. However, still an enjoyable read and I know the relationship at the center of the series will keep me coming back!

Was this review helpful?

The latest installment of the Wrexford & Sloane series does not disappoint. Once again, murder finds its way to Wrexford and Sloane, this time involving someone close to both of them. With the help of their friends and especially the weasels, they set out to discover the who and the why of this latest dastardly deed. As in previous novels, the author pays homage to leading scientific and technological advances of the early 19th century which are always enjoyable to see woven into a story. This book is a great continuation of the series, I look forward to reading more of them! I would like to thank the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for my review.

Was this review helpful?

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. Murder at Queen's Landing is the latest title in the Wrexford and Sloane series and may be read as a stand-alone, but works best if you've read the previous titles. Charlotte is still trying to balance being AJ Quill and part of society after she revealed her identity during events in the previous book. She and the Earl of Wrexford find themselves pulled into an investigation into the death that has ties to the powerful East India Company when their friend Lady Cordelia Mansfield and her brother seem to be involved and disappear with no warning.

As Wrexford and Sloane try to figure out how their friends are involved and why they have disappeared, they find themselves up against not only the East India Company, but also a very clever mastermind. As always with this series, the mystery is extremely well written and has many twists and turns that kept my on my toes and guessing until the almost end. We get further development in the relationship between Wrexford and Sloane and I always enjoy getting to see Raven and Hawk. They continue to be delightful characters who are more than just plot points; we get to watch them figure out how to settle into their new circumstances and navigate a world much bigger than they have been exposed to. Ms. Penrose does a wonderful job of weaving in real science and technological developments/advances into this series and this one is no exception. There is a an interesting thread about early programming and the "computing engine". As always, I look forward to future titles in the series and hope that they continue to come for many more years.

Was this review helpful?

I really like this series! Set against the authentic period background, the main characters are insightfully developed and the relationships feel genuine and dynamic. I particularly like the growing developments in those relationships across the series.

Each book in the series revolves around a compelling crime that is so much larger than the individual incidents that start off the narrative in each book and which are eventually woven into the tapestry of the storyline.

Well written, unique in several ways, and thoroughly entertaining. I recommend this series, and I thank NetGalley and Kensington for the chance to read and review this advance copy. To be published September 29, 2020. Put this on your To-Read list and schedule some reading time!

Was this review helpful?

4.5/5 stars

Another good installment of one of my favorite historical mystery series!

All of the secondary characters are brought in for this mystery as one of their own is implicated for a possible murder and fraud. There isn't as much "action" as in previous adventures, but the growth/change in some of the characters makes up for that loss. These characters continue to connect/unite as a family rather than simply random acquaintances, and it gives this series a more in-depth feeling overall.

There are some twists here along the way, and the ending involves a big transition in the story arc overall.

I enjoy Ms. Penrose's writing style, her flawed yet stalwart cast, her attention to period detail and her interesting/relevant events of the time period.

Looking forward to further adventures...

My thanks to #NetGalley and #Kensington for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.

Was this review helpful?