I really like how Wilde is able to craft a compelling mystery while also moving the character-driven series plot forward. Such a fun series!

This series goes from one strength to the next. I am a longtime reader of the series, which is sometimes listed as two separate ones despite having the same characters. This book may be my favorite of the lot. The writing is beautifully done as always, with the characters continuing to grow and change in completely believable ways. The side characters never feel like an afterthought, and the relationships at the core of the books are one of their main strengths.

Rosalind gets caught up in high politics as well as high society in this one, as royal rumors and political machinations collide around the woman Rosalind is engaged to help. Add family drama and unscrupulous actors and you get this very compelling story. Personal developments abound for our main characters as well, and longtime readers especially will appreciate the ending and anxiously await the next book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and are freely provided.

I was happy to be able to read Darci Wilde’s new book, The Matter of the Secret Bride. It is part of the Useful Woman Mystery series. I really enjoy this historical series and this book was no different. The story was interesting and the historical details were meticulously researched and added a lot to the book. I always enjoy reading about Rosalind, Adam and their friends. Learning about Mrs. Fitzherbert, Queen Charlotte and King George really added a lot to the story and sent me into a research hole to find out more about these historical people.

One thing I will say about this book is that it felt way too long. 448 pages is a lot and I really do feel like about 100 pages of repetitiveness could have been eliminated. I also felt like this book didn’t have nearly enough of Adam and Rosalind’s relationship. They acted more like an old married couple than young people in love. I do look forward to reading more about Rosalind and Adam, they are a great couple in an interesting setting.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.

Oh, how I love this series!

When I received the email confirming I had been selected to read and review the ARC for the 8th book in the Rosalind Thorne mystery series I could not believe my good luck!

I wanted to dive once again in her world filled with innuendo, drawing room intrigue, politics, drama, action and the bright spark of blossoming romance.

The matter Rosalind has to solve this time is so important it might affect the future of England. With the help of her gang of friends and the dashing Adam she does her very best in a race against the clock to bring the situation to a satisfactory solution.

As always the characters are greatly portraited and full of nuances, the plot twisted but masterfully laid out and balanced in a way that makes this series enormously enjoyable and entertaining.

I cannot wait till the next book comes out!

I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.

Long time readers will be so pleased with the development in this book! It can be read as a stand alone, but Rosalind’s character growth is so much more satisfying having read the previous books. Rosalind struggled with her task here, and so did I, wondering how on earth she was going to solve the mystery and get herself out of trouble. Fortunately, our favorite useful woman is very clever!

A convoluted mystery firmly rooted in real historical events during Regency England. As always, I enjoyed the period details and the character's interactions. Recommended for series fans.

Thanks for the advanced copy!! This book made for an enjoyable read and a good mystery. I would recommend this book for fans of the series and even for those who enjoy an entertaining mystery. Looking forward to the next in the series.