Another enjoyable mystery read involving Rosalind Thorne and her friends, who seem to get in over their heads with this inquest. The point of view in mainly from Rosalind, but a few other major characters get their points of view as well. Rosalind has made a name for herself with helping ladies of the ton, and making more connections, especially those who she would not want to anger, for it could ruin her reputation that she has rebuilt. This latest request has Rosalind on a short time frame, for the king is trying to divorce the queen, and the certificate could prove their marriage to be invalid. Gossip spreads like wildfire and Rosalind must navigate through all those wanting the latest scoop. But things escalate when murder is involved and everyone is a suspect, for money and fear can be powerful motivators. Not only is Rosalind dealing with her most trying case yet, she must also figure out her relationship with Adam, for she does not want to give up her independence. A delightful read! I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"Jane Austen meets Fleabag in Regency London, as a resourceful young woman with a talent for helping ladies of the ton with their most delicate and pressing predicaments finds herself facing a task of royal proportions. Literally.

King George IV is petitioning Parliament for a divorce from his queen on the grounds of her adultery. But rumor has it that the king secretly married Maria Fitzherbert - long before he married the queen. Now Mrs. Fitzherbert has been robbed - and she's frantically calling on Rosalind for help.

Because what those thieves took is proof that she and King George did really marry. That single piece of paper could destroy Mrs. Fitzherbert and her family - or it could prove the king guilty of bigamy.

Rosalind races to investigate. With her is ex-Bow Street officer, Adam Harkness, with whom Rosalind shares a complex and rapidly intensifying bond. But a case of theft soon turns to murder...

Josiah Poole, a disreputable attorney specializing in helping debtors - and who was seen entering Mrs. Fitzherbert's house - is found brutally murdered. Mrs. Fitzherbert has debts. Could she have staged the theft, and employed Mr. Poole to sell the marriage certificate? Or is the truth even more complicated? Mrs. Fitzherbert's daughters have secrets of their own. And Poole himself had no shortage of enemies.

With suspicious coincidences mounting, and more danger encroaching, Rosalind and Adam must move quickly to unravel a history-making mystery that might just lead them straight to the palace itself..."

Oh, a mystery rooted in very real history! I love it!

I love this series and this book was an excellent addition. The mystery was well thought out with plenty of twists and turns. Every time I thought I solved it, I was proven wrong. I also love when books include pieces of real history because I always end up researching the topic and leaning something interesting.

3.75 stars

These historical mysteries feature Rosalind Thorne, raised as an aristocratic, then fallen from grace due to her father's felonious behavior. She makes a living discreetly solving problems for the social set. The ensemble surrounding her is interesting: her gay roommate Alice, a writer and sister to newspaper man George. Alice's love Amelia is a maid but also assists Rosalind in her investigations. And lastly, former Bow Street Runner Adam Harkness, Rosalind's love interest. Their affection is real, but the difference in their stations in life and Rosalind's independence have stopped them from progressing forward.

This mystery is based on an actual event - the unsanctioned and illegal marriage of Charles IV to Mrs. Fitzherbert, a widow. He eventually had to marry someone royal, and wed Princess Caroline. When their marriage went sour, all these details threatened to become public.

In this novel, Mrs. Fitzherbert contacts Rosalind when her marriage certificate is stolen. Obviously that document was some protection for her and its theft had grave ramifications.

Rosalind and Adam investigate and it's not long before people are murdered to keep these secrets. Enjoyable characters, but lengthy and complicated plots which might go on a little too long. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series of historical mysteries featuring the intrepid Rosalind Thorne and her sidekicks. The mysteries are always intriguing, and this one is no less so. While the mystery is complex and the clues misleading at times, it is the characters in this series that keep me coming back. At a time when women had absolutely no rights, Rosalind proves very adept at navigating the strict societal mores and laws in order to maximize her freedoms and live a life that suits her. One cannot help wondering if she would be as clever and successful as Miss Thorne. My sincere thanks to the author and Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read an ARC of this enjoyable historical mystery. I certainly hope it is not the last in this series!

It is always great to reconnect with Rosaline, Adam, Alice, and their friends. In the latest installment of the Rosaline Thorne Mysteries, the Matter of the Secret Bride, Mrs. Maria Fitzherbert hired Rosaline to recover stolen documents that could expose her secret marriage to King George IV. Around the same time, the King was seeking to end his marriage to his Queens, citing adultery as the cause. Rosaline is tasked with finding and returning the document and if she is unable to do so, the King would be exposed as a bigamist. Rosalind had to quickly find the documents. But as she starts her investigation a murder is committed that might be related to the theft.

This story involved murder, political intrigue and it weaved historical events into an absorbing narrative. It was an intricate complicated puzzle with a resolution that seemed almost impossible. The Matter of the Secret Bride can be a standalone but reading the other books in the series will provide backstories for the characters. I find this series delightful, and absolutely love the author’s writing style. I have enjoyed watching Rosaline’s character grow more self-assured and her relationship with Adam develop further with each new addition. I look forward to seeing what comes next for Rosaline and Adam. This is perfect for those who enjoy regency era historical mysteries with realistic and appealing characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Here we go again - I always say this is the best one! But this is the best one.

I have read the Useful Woman series since the beginning. I LOVE Rosalind and Adam and the great group of crime fighters.

This story actually made me stop reading in the beginning and do research about that period in time.

I highly recommend reading the first book of the series - where Adam and Rosalind meet and you understand how she became a crime solver.

This book of the series was the highest stakes of any she has been involved in.

I highly recommend!

Another excellent entry in this Regency-set mystery series, featuring a wonderful cast of main and supporting characters trying to solve a mystery, inspired by actual events! #TheMatteroftheSecretBride is set during a time when King George was trying to divorce his wife, Princess Caroline. For years, rumors had circulated that George had married a Catholic widow, Maria Fitzherbert, when he was a prince, prior to his unhappy marriage to Caroline of Brunswick.

The story begins with Rosalind Thorne receiving a request from Mrs. Fitzherbert to call on her. The widow requests Rosalind’s assistance in finding her marriage certificate, which has been stolen. Trying to locate the missing certificate proves to be a complex assignment, involving lawyers, debtors, the leadership of Bow Street, Mrs. Fitzherbert’s two wards (Minney and Mary Ann), the aristocracy (including the King and patronesses of Almacks: Lady Jersey and Countess Lieven), the press and mobs in the streets supporting the princess.

Rosalind has help trying to unravel the many motives to determine the thief from her beau, former Bow Street Runner Adam Harkness, and her reliable circle of friends, including Alice Littlefield, George Littlefield and Sanderson Faulks.

Based on a fascinating and disruptive episode in English history, this well researched tale rings true, immersing the read in the social conventions of the era as well as describing the potential serious repercussions for the country should the marriage lines fall into the wrong hands. It’s always a pleasure to spend time with Rosalind and friends as they try to solve another cleverly plotted mystery. The meaningful relationships depicted among the main characters adds a wonderful depth to this series.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Kensington for the ARC.

King George IV is petitioning Parliament for a divorce from his queen on the grounds of her adultery. But rumor has it that the king secretly married Maria Fitzherbert—long before he married the queen. Now Mrs. Fitzherbert has been robbed—and she’s frantically calling on Rosalind for help.

The Matter of the Secret Bride
by Darcie Wilde

Because what those thieves took is proof that she and King George did really marry. That single piece of paper could destroy Mrs. Fitzherbert and her family—or it could prove the king guilty of bigamy.

Rosalind races to investigate. With her is ex-Bow Street officer, Adam Harkness, with whom Rosalind shares a complex and rapidly intensifying bond. But a case of theft soon turns to murder . . .

Josiah Poole, a disreputable attorney specializing in helping debtors—and who was seen entering Mrs. Fitzherbert’s house—is found brutally murdered. Mrs. Fitzherbert has debts. Could she have staged the theft, and employed Mr. Poole to sell the marriage certificate? Or is the truth even more complicated? Mrs. Fitzherbert’s daughters have secrets of their own. And Poole himself had no shortage of enemies.

With suspicious coincidences mounting, and more danger encroaching, Rosalind and Adam must move quickly to unravel a history-making mystery that might just lead them straight to the palace itself . . .

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Darcie Wilde for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Matter of the Secret Bride coming out December 24, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really enjoyed this author’s writing! I love regency era mysteries. This is a really fun series and I think Rosalind is a strong, intelligent character. I think this book was slightly on the long side. I think there was a bit of repetition with the plot points. I would’ve liked to see a little more fun between Rosalind and Adam. Things were pretty serious. Bring the King into the story was interesting. Overall, I enjoyed it. I’ll definitely keep reading this series!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys regency mysteries!

Rosalind and Adam are the best and this was a great addition to the series! I love how well developed all of the side characters are as well!

An enjoyable regency political intrigue and marital secrets. This was an interesting installment in the Useful Woman mystery series, with multiple twists and political manuveouring from all levels of society.

I must admit I read the first two years ago at my local library. Now reading this one, it feel like I have lost out a lot of the character and relationship development. I must got back and read the series in order!

I did like the progress that Rosalind and Adam have made in the series so far.!

I have always loved a good mystery and this one is GREAT! The author wraps real historical figures into this story and the ones she chose was the King and Queen of England! I really enjoyed all the twists and turns of this tale that kept me guessing who the real culprit was. It really wasn’t until the vey end that you know who it is. The good guys and the bad guys are so intertwined, there are times you don’t know who to trust (except the main characters, of course!) Watching Adam and Rosalind dance around each other and seeing them finally communicate was so sigh worthy. I REALLY enjoyed this story and can’t wait for more. !

I received this book for free and these are my honest opinions.

I enjoyed this latest entry in the series. I didn't know about King George's marriage history during the time period so it was bananas to learn about his first marriage, divorce proceedings, etc. Framing it around a mystery was super interesting. The relationship between Rosalind and Adam continued to flourish, with a very satisfyingly ending in this entry of the series.

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.