Another excellent installment in the Wrexford and Sloane mysteries. The mystery was very twisty, which I loved, and was therefore genuinely surprised with some of the revelations. The continuing romance between Charlotte and Wrex is always lovely, but the real love story depicted was familial. The love they have for the boys, their staff, their friends - it’s unparalleled.

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

The Earl of Wrexford and his two wards known as the Weasels- Hawk and Raven- are out for a walk when they discover the body of Jeremiah Willis and then find themselves in a hunt for the prototype of a weapon he's developed. Wrex and Lady Charlotte are, at long last, married and are settling into that when they become caught up into the intrigue into the murder and the machinations of bad guys in the wake of the defeat of Napoleon. It's not cozy but a rather more complicated period mystery. While I like the mysteries in this series, I'm even fonder of the characters = the brilliant and big hearted Charlotte, the scientist Wrex, and the boys. And now they've added Falcon to the brood. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A very good read that will satisfy fans but also be fine as a standalone.

This is 6th in the Wrexford and Sloane historical mystery series…a favorite of mine.

Our mains are newly married and settling into family life with their wards (“The Weasels”). Wrexford and the boys almost witness a murder as they discover the body of a brilliant engineer floating in the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park. Wrexford is called on by the government to find the top-secret weapon plans he was working on before they can fall into enemy hands. There’s also a possible threat to Charlotte’s secret identity.

This one centers around the grand Peace Celebrations in London following Napoleon’s defeat. The historical details are interesting (Penrose always does a great job with those), and all-in-all it was a good addition to the series. But for some reason it did not hold my attention as well as some of previous outings…could just be that I’m missing some of the attraction tension from before they married? But still a solid read.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley and Kensington for providing the free early arc of Murder at the Serpentine Bridge for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

“Murder at the Serpentine Bridge” by Andrea Penrose
a WoW story for certain sure
A Regency Mystery that captured my attention and just wouldn’t let go. I found it more than a little inconvenient that my eyes tired and I had to put the story down and rest my eyes. AND THEN, I read the author’s notes and gained another appreciation of this story. I hope you like this story as much as I did and will read the author’s notes, too. An easy way to gain a bit of knowledge. Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley.

I really enjoy Audrey Penrose’s series of mysteries involving Charlotte Sloan and the Earl of Wrexford along with the two rapscallion boys they have adopted. She has the creative skills to look at clues and follow her instincts and he has an analytical, scientific mind to follow the clues.

The mystery seemed to be solved rather conveniently by people giving them the clue to go to the next step where someone else will give them another clue for them to follow. But I still enjoyed following the boys and their new companion, the nephew of the murder victim, chasing into some bad areas of town to investigate and conveniently overhear key clues. Sloan and Wrexford are an attractive couple whom I always enjoy reading about.

I am looking forward to more entries in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Another fantastic installment of this clever, evocative, intricately plotted series. I’m glad to see that happy domesticity hasn’t blunted the edge of these mysteries, as sometimes happens.

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

When science leads to greediness…

After my last year’s reading binge of this series, it is with happiness I jumped straight into a new murder investigation alongside Charlotte and Wrexford, and their unconventional and peculiar mob.

So while every book is a delight, I would recommend to read at least the first book to be introduced to the motley team inhabiting the pages of this series. After if you end up like me, I read nearly all the books unable to stop at one as I feel in love with the characters and their dynamic.

They are all here, Charlotte and her clever quill, Wrexford and his analytical mind and grouchiness, their friend Sheffield, and his love interest Cordelia his retainer and comrade Tyler and of course their wards, known as the weasels with a surprising new addition to their guttersnipes of a team.

The plot takes some time to unravel but once it is on its way, it becomes a wild chase with of course an explosive final.
I would have liked a bit more of the original duet Sloane&Wrexford working together, but Charlotte settling in her new role as Wrexford’s countess, is held back by her now public figure why here they were instead often each following their own lead.

After, with her well known talent, the author mingles history with fiction, narrating a complex and beguiling tale of treason and the power of love and friendship.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

I have been a big fan of the Wrexford and Sloane series by Andrea Penrose so was very excited when book as to be released - the first with the main characters as a married couple settling in to a new way of life. I enjoyed the adventures of Hawk, Raven and their new 'flock' member as the street wise boys attempt to assist the investigations. but found the book was quite similar in pattern to others of the series and was not as captivating. As I had hoped. I would also have liked a little bit more development of Wrexford and Sloanes relationship as a married couple.

This is one of my favorite series, and I always look forward to new installments. My only complaint is that I'll have to wait so long for the next volume!

Bodies just seem to find Wexford and Sloane (now Lord & Lady Wexford) even when he is just out walking the dog with their wards, affectionately called the Wessels. It turns out that this body has a connection to Lady Wexford. Her brother's brother-in-law is guardian to the dead man's nephew. Peregrine, the son of his late brother is an unwanted burden and is not treated well, mainly because he is of mixed race. Although they would rather stay out of the murder mystery, they are blackmailed into trying to solve the case by the Home Office. It seems the dead man invented a deadly weapon and more than the British government is eager to find his plans. So the Wexford team along with the very resourceful Wessels and their newest addition, Peregrine, now Falcon are lead on a merry chase to solve the mystery before the plans fall into the wrong hands. I absolutely love these mysteries, one is more ingenious than the next. More please!

Sixth in the wonderful Wrexford and Sloane series, Murder at the Serpentine Bridge is set in Regency England when class distinction, reputation and appearances are of the utmost importance. However, newlywed couple Lady Charlotte and Earl of Wrexford buck tradition in that they abhor the insincerity and pomposity prevalent in the upper crust, nor do they enjoy mingling with society at obligatory events. Charlotte is a writer (under pseudonym A. J. Quill) and Wrex is a brilliant scientist, creating an incredibly interesting marriage and team dynamic, especially when solving crimes. This instalment in the series written with wit, as always, and proper vernacular of the era. We read about espionage, politics, treason and fascinating inventions and are privy to their early marriage phase.

Newly-titled Charlotte does feel her hands are tied to a point as aristocracy...she wishes she could get her hands dirtier. Her husband and their two wards ("weasels") Raven and Hawk make a grisly discovery in the water. But none of them, even the young boys, are strangers to death. The boys managed on the streets before being enfolded into Charlotte's and Wrex's lives. They befriend an unlikely newcomer to their avian crew. Their hijinks and fierce loyalty to one another is truly endearing and contribute even a greater degree of specialness to the story. Learning more about Sheffield's character is another welcome surprise. Though the mysteries themselves are impressive, my favourite aspects are the relationships and social mores of the era.

Those new to the genre, there is no better place to start. Historical Fiction readers ought to add this series to their to be read lists. Andrea Penrose beautifully incorporates historical bits into her fiction...do read her notes. Her obvious research really dazzles.

My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this delightful and energetic book.

Another brilliant historical mystery in the Wrexford and Sloane series. . . Conducted against the pageantry of the 1814 Peace Celebrations in London, the intrepid earl and his artist countess unwind a treasonous plot involving the plans for a revolving pistol every nation wants to lay hands on. So much for celebrating peace! In the process of investigating the murder of the pistol’s inventor, the pair acquire the inventor’s brilliant son, Peregrine, as a companion for their own wards Hawk and Raven. I love the ongoing family sagas the continue despite the murder and mayhem in the world beyond their safe walls. The history is impeccable and one can truly imagine the scheming that probably did take place with so many powerful men in one place. Highly recommended!

Lady Charlotte and her new husband the Earl of Wrexford and their unconventional family unit find themselves embroiled in another murder. When the Earl and his two young wards, discover the body of eminent designer/engineer Jeremiah Willis floating in the water, they do not realize how complex the investigation into his death will become and what state secrets are at stake. I'm enjoying the evolution of this series and cannot wait until the next one.

I found it to be just ok. I think I'm hitting a wall with the series. I loved the first couple books because Charlotte knew who she was and trusted her own intellect and instincts. In the last couple, including this one, she almost constantly second guesses herself which is not the character I loved and wanted to read more about. Also, this is the second book where Charlotte and Wrexford have a harder time because they purposely underestimate and brush aside the kids. It's frustrating to see characters seemingly devolve instead of evolve.

The mystery itself was decent. As usual, the setting was wonderfully drawn and the secondary characters were well done. Unfortunately, the villain was too easy to identify - I wish that had been a red herring instead.

After the last book in this series I was ready to give it up. They had become very repetitive. But I'm a sucker for for a series once I'm invested so it was hard to not give it another go. I'm glad I stuck with it. I've always enjoyed Raven and Hawk's characters and now we may be getting a new "bird" in the mix with Falcon. Charlotte and Wrex have "adopted" kids in the past and i hope that they bring him into the fold. Charlotte still gets on my nerves. The author's intentions are to make her strong, smart, and independent, but I need to see it and not be told it. I enjoyed the mystery aspect and the role the kids had (who really are smart) in solving the case.

I have been reading this series from the start and have to say this is one of my favourite books in the series. I was pulled in from the beginning and didn't want to put it down leading to a very late night for me. I was interested to see if things changed with Wexford and Charlotte's marriage but if anything it was better than ever. Love all the side character's as much as the main one's and the romance is good but above all this is a complex mystery first and foremost. I can't wait for the next as always. I received this copy from netgallery and this is my honest thoughts and review,

I have been reading and enjoying this series since the first book. The last one wasn't the best so I was wondering how this one would pan out. I'm delighted to say the author is well back on track. It was an excellent read. The research done is staggering.
The back drop to the story of the Gala and celebrations in England after the defeat of Napoleon was fantastically depicted. I learned so much about all this from the novel. The writer's descriptive writing has blown me away from the start.
I was keen to see how the dynamic would change with Wrexford and Sloane now being married. It actually made it better. I love their relationship. This is not a love story. It's a murder mystery with a love story running through it. Their unconventional family is still going strong and there is a new addition to it in this book.
Sheffield is back and it was great to have him in the circle again. Cordelia not so much but I think she will feature in the next one more.
There is a large cast of characters and you need to concentrate to follow the story. The last few chapters are thrilling and the wind up exciting.
So looking forward to the next in the series. I'd just like to add that the covers for these books are simply gorgeous.

Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for an early copy of this book to read.

This series gets better with each book. An interesting new character has been added which should make new stories even more fun. I always look forward to the next book.

For historical mystery fans, Wrexford & Sloane, provide all kinds of delight. What I love about this series Andrea Penrose set early in the 19th Century:

• The cross-gender, cross-class, cross-age relationships among the main characters. Would such alliances have been likely in the real world 19th Century. Almost certainly not, but fiction can give us pleasures history can't.
• The consistent mix of interesting puzzles and character development.
• The emphasis on teamwork: nothing is ever solved by a single person.
• They're just plain fun.
• The good end happily and the bad end unhappily, which can be a comfort.
• The inclusion of specific political and social events from the time.
• A respect for science.

What I love about this volume in the series:
• A new character I look forward to seeing more of. Really. This individual is an excellent addition.
• A climax that is an honest-to-goodness page-turner. I got that if-only-I-could-read-faster-because-I-must know-what-happens-next feeling.
• A built-to-scale reenactment of the Battle of Trafalgar staged on the Serpentine River.

If this series isn't yet on your historical mystery radar, trust me—it should be.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

I love this series and this installment is a wonderful addition to it.
Newly wed, Charlotte and Wrex hardly have time to settle down to their new life together when Wrex and the Weasels stumble upon a body floating in the Serpentine river. Wrex and Charlotte vow not to get involved until they are unwillingly pulled into the fray by the government enlisting Wrex to act as one of their agents, aiding the investigation. They become even deeper involved when a ward of a distant relative comes to stay with the boys and they discover the victim was the ward Peregrine's uncle.
Set during the Peace Celebrations in London after Napoleon's defeat, there is plenty international intrigue, spies and mystery abounding in this installment of the series.
The reader is pulled right in with the witty conversation, the Weasels rambunctious escapades and Wrex and Charlotte's ongoing romance. A very entertaining regency mystery for a cozy afternoon read. I finished it in one sitting and was left wanting more, as I always am after one of Andrea Penrose's novels. I recommend this one highly, you will not be disappointed.
Thank you to Kensington Books and to Net Galley for the free aRC, I am leaving my honest review in return.