This story was a nice break from the traditional historical romance I read. It is a mystery which requires Beatrice, the Duchess of Kesgrave, to solve who murdered a little known courtesan and was attempting to frame her rival a well known courtesan who had at one time been her husband, the Duke of Kesgrave's mistress. Mrs. Penny Taylor, the accused murderer, approached Bea to ask her to investigate who had actually committed the murder as she thought she was the intended victim of the crime because of where it had been committed. I won't give away the story- everyone should read it because its a short but satisfying story if you enjoy mysteries with a female lead. This isn't my first book from this author but I am looking forward to more works from Lynn Messina.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review

In Lynn Messina’s eleventh entry to the Beatrice Hyde-Clare mysteries, the author tantalizes us with the possibility of Kesgrave’s seeming infidelity. The characters are every bit as witty as ever ( and even better than they were in the last book which fell into a slightly predictable pattern). No predictability in this novel, though, with the surprising reaction our heroine has to the fear that her husband might be cheating on her. And when she meets his first mistress, the banter is as delightful as ever, despite the awkwardness of the situation. The couple work together to share their insights and observations to a nicely developed ending. With a few twists, the plot moves quickly towards a conclusion that leaves this reader satisfied and looking forward to another installment.

A Murderous Tryst by Lynn Messina is an entertaining novel about a duchess who has a reputation for solving crimes. It opens with Bea, the duchess, in a snit because her duke was spreading the word about her pregnancy when he had told her he had not. A LIE! She could not abide it. Plus, for the first night since they were wed, he didn’t join her in their bed, well, hers, but found his rest in his own bed, alone. She was beside herself. Then, the next morning as she is about to seek him out she finds him in the entry way, in an embrace with a beautiful woman. As she is to discover, this woman had once been his mistress. What in land’s name was she doing here? After reluctant introductions are made, it seems the woman is here for her. Mrs. Penelope Taylor was accompanied by her friend, Sir John Piddlehinton, a magistrate, who planned to take her from here to Newgate, the notorious prison. He had discovered her standing over the dead body of a woman, holding the murder weapon and so was doing his duty. Mrs. Taylor was adamant she was innocent and wanted Bea’s help in proving it. She did have enemies and surely one of them had mistaken the dead woman for her and killed her.

Bea is very clever, although new to the workings of the ton. Her husband, the Duke of Kesgrove, is madly in love and cannot say no to her, especially with her investigation hobby. She is very attractive, although not ravishing like Mrs. Taylor, but for whatever reason Bea believes her and agrees to help. The men they hope to visit are not happy at all to see a woman of Mrs. Taylor’s reputation in their homes. Some have wives and children to be sheltered. The more time Bea spends with Mrs. Taylor the more she likes her, but foremost in her mind is her husband, and why he had lied. It is truly an amazing story. Oh, and, she does solve the crime, which is an interesting one, with an clever resolution. Good characters, interesting crime. What more could we ask Lynn Messina to provide?

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Murderous Tryst by Book Whisperer, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #LynnMessina #AMurderousTryst

Courtesy of The Book Whisperer and Netgalley, I received the ARC of A Murderous Tryst by Lynn Messina. This Regency era cozy mystery is the newest historical novel in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare series, and my first to read, easily understood as a standalone story. The descriptions and dialogue are extremely witty, humorous, scandalous,and clever! The characters are captivating, the twists interesting! This author is a true wordsmith! Highly recommend!

Sad to say, this story did not grip me and I found myself skipping many portions of the story. To me, it felt like too much description, coercing one to read in the slow lane. There also seemed to be tangents off topic, that is, not pursuing the murderer trail, at least that did not appear to have connection with Bea's sleuthing the 'whodunnit' culprit. This is my opinion but other readers may appreciate the detail.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

October 2023

Disclaimer: This is my opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

Beatrice has been quite happy in her marriage so far but then the duke lies to her, and she is suddenly not so sure of things. Before that issue is sorted out, though, the duke's former mistress turns up seeking assistance from him after a woman is murdered in her bed. Talk about outrageousness! What will Twaddle-Thum report about this state of affairs?

Like earlier books in this series, this is a fun read and it's always interesting to see what crazy things happen in Beatrice's life. I think this book tends to focus more on the duke's lie and the former mistress than the actual mystery. That's not to say it doesn't get a look-in but there doesn't seem quite as much unraveled this time as in previous stories. And honestly, it's almost cruel how us readers are left hanging on to find out what happens with the meeting between Kesgrave and Lark.

At any rate, I look forward to reading the next installment, which I assume will fall into the Verity Lark series. Before long, the two series could merge. I give this a solid 3.5 stars. I would like to thank Book Whisperer and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. I have written this review under no obligation.

Deeply distressed to discover her husband lied about his whereabouts the day before, Beatrice, Duchess of Kesgrave, emerges from a wretched night’s sleep to discover him embracing the most beautiful woman she has ever seen. His former mistress! It is shocking, yes, but not so very alarming, for Penelope Taylor is actually there to see Bea. Her dearest friend has been brutally slain, and as Millicent Lloyd happened to be sleeping in the courtesan’s bed at the time, Mrs Taylor is the only suspect. The magistrate is impatient to cart her off to Newgate and refuses to acknowledge the truth that is glaringly obvious to her: She was the intended victim. Persuaded by the evidence, Bea accepts the assignment, launching an investigation to prove the innocence of her husband’s former lover.
I don’t usually delve into a book mid series let only the twelfth but the blurb sounded so good. I must admit I’m glad I did as I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery, the characters had depth & were well portrayed, the book flowed well & never lagged. I also didn’t feel lost but the problem now is I want to go back to the beginning & read the series so far
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is a fun and easy read, not too long but a good read. Love Bea, love the Regency period and love the mystery. The writing and story flows well and had some good clues along the way, the characters are good and there is a bit of romance too.

I haven't read all of the books in this series but although I would like to I don't think I missed anything b y not reading them. I read this one rather quickly and easily and I enjoyed that it wasn't a long drawn out and over the top read. Made for pleasant and entertaining reading.

Thank you NetGalley and Book Whisperer for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is the first book by this author that I have read. It can be read as a standalone but would be much better after reading the books before. I really enjoy a good murder mystery and a little romance thrown in is good but I found with this book, there were too many other things not related to the murder going on, and found myself getting lost. I enjoyed the characters and felt they were well written and would like to read some of the past books as there seemed to be a lot involved in their relationship. Maybe when I have more time to slowly read and really enjoy the whole plot. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Potatoworks Press for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review “A Murderous Tryst.” All opinions and comments are my own.

The Duchess of Kesgrave, heavy with “cherub,” may be finding her self-esteem taking a big hit in “A Murderous Tryst,” the eleventh in the Regency-era historical mysteries series by Lynn Messina. It’s hardly surprising, when her husband’s beautiful ex-mistress shows up on the doorstep, crying that she’s being framed for murder and His Grace the Duke simply must help her, by having his wife, who’s so very, very good at this sort of thing, keep lovely Penelope Taylor’s head out of a noose.

Well, much as she’d like to show the woman the door, Bea just can’t – the game’s afoot and all that. The thrill of the (mystery) hunt will once again prove irresistible in “A Murderous Tryst.” Although Beatrice Hyde-Clare is going to have lots of questions for her husband (don’t worry, longtime fans of the series, she’s getting lots of answers, on this and many other things), she’s going to be very busy solving what, in the end, involves age-old motives for murder.

In between we get lengthy discussions of society, of manners, of life, things that author Lynn Messina likes to have her characters discuss. Enjoyable, to some, I hope. And included in this book is mention of the duke’s half-sister, which, if you are following the author’s second series, you will know all about. Clever, that.

Bea saves the day, in her inimitable fashion; she really does need to remember to take more care. Even as the duke blusters, one can’t stay mad at someone who enjoys her “work” as much as his duchess does. “A Murderous Tryst” once again highlights the author’s ability to create a fascinating fictional world with appealing characters, plot, and places. You can’t help wanting to know what happens next.

This is only my 2nd Lynn Messina and it won't be my last. I intend to start with book 1 and read the whole series! Thanks to Book Whisperer and Netgalley for a review copy.
Now a Duchess in Victorian England, Beatrice continues doing detective work. Her husband, the Duke, is a wonderful, progressive man who helps and encourages her.
The book begins with Bea catching her usual honest husband in a Great Fabrication (isn't that a wonderful way of saying a lie) (Also, this lie brings in a character from another series, the book I have actually read, Lark)
Bea comes down her stairs to find her husband in the arms of a beautiful woman, Penelope Taylor, who is his mistress from 10 years ago. The plot thickens. Penny has been accused of murder and wants Bea's help. The mystery is excellent, the characters interesting, and I really NEED to read the previous books.

I discovered the Beatrice Hyde Clare series with A Murderous Tryst, but I had very little problem following the characters or the backstory. This can certainly be read as a standalone book, but I am intrigued enough to read earlier entries. Bea is the Duchess of Kesgrave and has made a name for herself as someone who can solve mysteries. Her husband is Damien, the Duke of Kesgrave. Bea is barely pregnant with her first child and is having some insecurities about her marriage. The problem isn't helped when she discovers Damien in a passionate embrace with Penny, his gorgeous mistress from 10 years ago. But things aren't as they seem. Penny is the prime suspect in the murder of another courtesan and appeals to Bea to uncover the truth. The characters are likable and the plot is cozy and the read is fast. Perfect for people who like Regency cozies.

Thanks to NetGalley for the next installment of this cozy historical and this is my freely given opinion.

Welcome to book 12 of the Beatrice Hyde-Clare series. The relatively new Duchess of Kesgrave is only a few months into her marriage to the pedantic Duke of Kesgrave, has a pretty solid reputation for being a talented investigator, and is in an interesting condition. Life seems lovely, except for her morning sickness, and intolerance of some things like scents...and news of her condition is starting to spread, as the Dowager Duchess arrives to speak to her, leading Bea to a terrible realization - Kesgrave had lied to her! Possibly for the first time... causing her to spiral down in her thoughts about the deterioration of her marriage.

Did I mention I love Bea? Don't we all have those moments where one thought spirals down and consumes us?

Anyways, as time goes by and Kesgrave fails to return home until late, and d, her negative thoughts consume her... and things come to a head the next day when she dresses and goes to confront him... and finds him embracing his former lover, the beauteous courtesan, Penelope Taylor.

It turns out that Mrs. Penny Taylor, who was Kesgrave's first formally contracted mistress when he was new to London, arrived to Kesgrave House in search of Bea's services as Mrs. Taylor is being taken away by the magistrate after he caught her over the dead body of her friend, fellow courtesan, and virtual look-alike, Millie, holding a bloody hat pin. Mrs. Taylor cannot convince the man of her innocence and is begging the help of the Kesgraves to solve the crime and prove her innocence.

Another cozy historical mystery with a cast of colourful characters and dialogue, with humour, and comedic bumbling. This is book 12 and things could definitely get too formulaic after so many issues, but I did not find this one falling down that route. I continue to enjoy the development of Bea and Kesgrave's marriage and their future together, despite the negative expectations of those around them. We find out more about Kesgrave's lie, and hint - it links to the parallel series about his half sister, Verity Lark.

Also, this story gave me the thought that I would love to see a story written with Kesgrave's voice - like how Lynn Messina did the one-off story from Flora's perspective and with her own adventure. But seeing how strongly we got Bea's perspective and doubts, I would love to see at least one where we get Kesgrave's perspectives and thoughts, especially as his beloved wife puts herself in harms way to investigate things, and now she is pregnant with their child - I would love to know his fears, concerns, frailties and how his thoughts may spiral down as well. Perhaps especially when she is closer to her confinement?

Anyways, this was a fun, warm, cozy mystery about a couple I love and I quite enjoyed it.

4.25 stars out of 5

Lynn Messina has amazing ability to capture the periods of dukes, mistresses, marriages, murders and mayhem.
Bea, recently married, is now two months pregnant when her Duke, Kesgrave, fails to come home one night, until she awakes to find him asleep in another room.
Very quickly she sees a beautiful former courtesan , Penelope, in his arms who then claims her purpose is to have Bea prove that she did not kill a young woman friend in her bed chamber who looked much like her.
Messina has an eye for vivid descriptions of surroundings, decor, and the characters that put the reader directly in the room. You see and feel the colors and and become immersed in every visual detail.
Initially suspicious and concerned about Kesgrave’s interest in his former lover, the two of them begin to sort through the evidence together. There hovers throughout the book the period’s view
of marriage, privilege, servitude and infidelity.
The Duke discovers a family secret and government secrets pop up.
It’s a whodunit from beginning to end, and the reader may need to turn back to find an overlooked clue.
The choice of title is an apt fit : A Murderous Tryst, is the best book yet of the series with a deep insight into the period and social mores.
As the Duke says, “It is all a great tangle”

When I first read the description for this book, I was like, please don't ruin Kesgrave for me. No need to worry on that front. Damien is gold. My favorite parts are when Bea and Kesgrave discuss serious topics like Verity's abandonment, and Damien's thoughts on that, the keeping of mistresses. I love these insights into their insecurities and how they help each other deal with them by candid conversations that are never demeaning. I love these two. I love how their relationship is maturing as well and how having a relationship did not magically fix them. That's reality baby. I did not however love Penny. Honestly, that was my main drawback here, sorry, but I'm not going to care about Kesgrave's paramour of long ago who has been passed from man to man since. I didn't have an ounce of sympathy for most of the characters here. I get the exaggerated portrayal of courtesans and their cohorts, but none of them were more than caricatures, which to me diminished the motivation to care for the resolution to the murder. But to all that, I have one word. Nuneaton! I need the Nuneaton book, like yesterday. I do love this series, even if this was not my favorite. I received an ARC from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review.

Bea and Kesgrave are always a good read.
Although this is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone and is a great read as are the others in this series. In it we see Bea struggling with her self-doubts, still not able to see herself as enough for her husband, Kesgrave. When she finds that Kesgrave has lied to her and then catches him, in their entryway, embracing his old mistress, all her doubts are magnified. But the mistress, Penny, is there for a reason. There has been a murder and Penny is the prime suspect. She has come to request Bea’s help. Placed in this awkward situation, Bea feels she has no alternative but accept since murders are hard to come by and she has a reputation of solving the most entangled murders. Now she must deal with her own fears while being in very close proximity to someone she really never wanted to meet. Mix in some extremely awkward moments, Kesgrave’s own surprises, an unwilling magistrate, a strong headed but naïve young man, and some serious double dealing and you have a fun read with surprises around every turn. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.

BOOK: THE MURDEROUS TRYST
AUTHOR: LYNN MESSINA
PUB DATE: 03 NOVEMBER 2023
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REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
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Unfortunately, this book was very disappointing. It had undeveloped storyline and characters, and it was very difficult for me to read it. The crime solving was rushed, to say the least. The detective, our fmc, only interviewed the suspects once, and they were some damning evidence in the crime scene, so it was very easy to solve the crime. It was so easy that I thought there would be an unexpected twist, alas, I was wrong.
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I did not like this book and I won't be reading any other book in the series

A Murderous Tryst by Lynn Messina tells the story of Beatrice, Duchess of Kesgrave who is an amateur sleuth in Victorian England. This is the Eleventh in a series, but worked as a stand alone. Bea and her husband have a great dialogue. I loved her analytical thinking. It was a delightful novel to read. Thank you to NetGallery and Potato Works Press for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Historical romance,part of a series. Unusual in that the main characters are already married. A mystery or two to be solved,lots of twists,satisfying ending.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Beatrice Hyde Clare series and am a huge fan of Lynn Messina. In this addition, A Murderous Tryst, Beatrice Hyde Clare, Duchess of Kesgrave has some grave concerns. First, she catches her husband Damian, Duke of Kesgrave, in a lie which she dubs the great fabrication and then discovers him embracing his former mistress Penny in their front hall. Not to worry, Penny is there seeking Bea’s help to investigate a murder in which she is the primary suspect. To say the least, Bea is in a rather awkward position, but she takes on the challenge because she believes Penny is innocent.

The book is well written, clever, and entertaining with a fast-paced humorous dialogue. There are plenty of clues provided along the way to help uncover the killer and a few red herrings to throw you off track. It also gives a glimpse into the precarious lives of women on the fringes of respectable society. Bea and Damian are a lovely couple, and the author continues the exploration of their relationship. The portrayal of Bea and her battle to work through her insecurities is realistic. Those deep-seated traumas and feelings of inferiority do not go away overnight. But the author illustrates that Bea’s confidence builds with each case solved, Damian’s partnership and belief in her abilities.

This is a great addition to the series, and I will definitely get a copy of the Verity Lark series as it inhabits the same world. I look forward to seeing what awaits Bea, Kesgrave and the cherub in the future. Can’t wait for the next edition. I highly recommend this book and the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the advanced copy of this book. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.