I would like to thank Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not sure that the hero’s story is something that should be told by a white author.

This is a wonderful historical romance with a murder / mystery to go with it. Our lead characters are starting a new series with this book. Our hero is a wealthy businessman with something of a mysterious back story that we get teasing glimpses of. Our heroine runs an exclusive brothel, but is using an assumed name .

This is a fast-paced mystery with lots of suspects for the murder. Everyone looks innocent, but all have motive.

Really marvellous characters that I can't wait to follow in the next books.

Great fun.

Constance Silver is the Madame of one of the most exclusive brothels in London. Solomon Grey is a wealthy businessman who came to England from Jamaica. They had met briefly before (at the scene of a crime), and Solomon knows her true identity. Solomon and Constance (as Mrs. Goldrich) have each come to the house party seeking information. When their host is found murdered, the two of them work together to solve the puzzle of who killed him and why. This is a well-constructed mystery with very intelligent main characters and some interesting party guests. Solomon and Constance work well together. There seems to be some attraction between them, but it hasn’t flourished yet. Maybe later. I enjoyed this first Silver and Grey mystery and look forward to more.
I received a special copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Well plotted and written, Murder in Moonlight captured my attention.

I love historical romance, but I really enjoyed how this was more a mystery with romantic undertones,

Looking forward to reading more of this series.



Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

I love Mary Lancaster’s writing. I’ve read several of her historical romances and historical romance with elements of mystery. Her latest novel (book 1 of a new series) takes a different tack. It’s a mystery first and foremost (with elements of romance.) The detecting couple have met before but very briefly. Now, they launch a series of their own. I imagine we’ll find them growing closer and closer as the series progresses. I love this type of series!

Murder in Moonlight is book 1 of the Silver and Grey series. Constance Silver and Solomon Grey (hence the series name) meet again at Greenforth Manor out in Norfolk, home of the Winsom family. Constance, the owner of a high-priced brothel back in London, is masquerading as a respectable widow, Constance Goldrich. Both Constance and Solomon have been invited for social reasons, by different members of the family. Both are there for information-seeking reasons of their own. Solomon could give Constance away, but sees no reason to, so he keeps quiet. Constance knows that could change at any moment, but she has learned to keep a charming, give-nothing-away demeanor, which intrigues Solomon even more.

The two watch each other warily, knowing they are both there under false pretenses. But the game quickly becomes very real when one member of the family is found dead, stabbed in the back with a kitchen knife.

In this “stuck-together” mystery, the protagonists, family, and other house guests must remain at the manor until the police investigation is completed, which is longer than anyone wants, considering the murderer is very probably one of them. Constance and Solomon work together to solve the mystery, understanding that they are considered suspects, and knowing that they don’t quite trust each other. The more information they uncover, the more it seems everyone there has a motive. And opportunity.

Fast-paced, well-plotted, and with a wonderful budding friendship likely to turn into more, Murder in Moonlight is my favorite kind of mystery. I eagerly await book 2.

A good start to a new mystery series. The story is well written and engaging although this isn't necessarily down to the mystery which was fairly straight forward but more about the character's and situation. Looking forward to more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I absolutely love historical romance mysteries and this is by far my favorite author who writes them. Constance owns a brothel, Sol has a secret he doesn't want to share with the ton. They both end up at an event and a murder takes place. From there the fun begins. As the two work together, the steam and chemistry build. The first in a series of continuous mystery, you only want to miss this one if you are too impatient for book two. Filled with great characters and surprises.

Murder in Moonlight by Mary Lancaster is a new series featuring Constance Silver and Solomon Grey. Both have extensive back stories, which make this pairing all the more amazing. They are “friends” of Lady Grizelda Tizsa who, along with her husband, investigates crimes. Constance has gotten herself invited to a house party, using a fake name, by the son of the house, Randolph Winsom. All were worried that her goal was marriage. Sol was invited by the lady of the house, Deborah, who invited him to liven up the party. He had his own reasons for attending. All is going well enough until Sol and Constance meet in the library late one evening, both searching for information relating to their reasons for being there, see something outside, and discover Mr. Walter Winsom dead with a knife in his back. Now the fun begins.

All throughout the investigation, Sol and Constance are fighting an attraction. Both have secrets, hers is the fact she owns a brothel and is a very high-class courtesan; his is that he has African in his ancestry, a fact for many people from Jamaica and obvious to many. They both have an affinity for solving crimes and are able to work together despite the fact neither really trusts the other. Winsom and his partner were bankers, and that may be involved with the crime. It was certainly involved with one of the suspects. The crime is solved. The guests are able to return home and all is well, Constance and Sol never to meet again. Sure… Wonderful characters and I was never sure who the killer was. It changed for me as well as for the lead duo. The surprises were great, and worth waiting for. Good read.

I was invited to read Murder in Moonlight by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #MaryLancaster #MurderInMoonlight

Two people looking for answers. Although they have already met its in their best interests to seem as they haven't. One a self made man and another a highly controversial women. Both understand navigating the ton and its secrets. Finding themselves at the house party and in the middle of a murder can they keep themselves from being accused and keep the secrets they hold.
I am SUPER excited about this new series from Mary Lancaster. It has so much potential and and intrigue of the next meeting is nail biting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.

I liked this mystery. I enjoyed how there were many different character povs but it was always easy to know who was giving their perspective and it did add something to the story. I am not usually a big fan of this cause it can make things feel overwhelming or gimmicky. Our two main characters are both outsiders in society looking for answers about their families and it was nice to see them grow in friendship and potential love interest. I know we won’t see them again but I liked Emily and Randolph a lot. I can’t wait to read the next one. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Secrets abound in this intriguing book, and hardly anyone is where they should have been on the night a murder takes place. A house party devolves into a murder investigation and two unlikely characters pair up to investigate the sequence of events. Solomon Grey and Constance Silver have inadvertently encountered each other before. Although they come from very different worlds, they begin to trust one another despite their suspicions. Piecing the bits of the puzzle together puts both of them at risk, especially when it seems they have stumbled on the truth. Attraction simmers between Constance and Solomon, and although they cautiously reach out to one another, they do not allow their feelings to carry them away. When the truth eventually emerges the house of cards comes tumbling down leaving the players struggling with the outcome. I received a copy of this well-written detective novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Murder in Moonlight was a very decent whodunit. Walter and Deborah Winsom had invited friends to their home for what would appear to be a party. Among those friends was Solomon Grey, who was instrumental in solving the murder of Walter. Constance Silver AKA Constance Goldrich who was a lady of the evening had been invited by Richard, Walter's son. She had colluded with Solomon in solving the murder. Ivor Davidson was another guest. Walter had invested in one of his business interests and he wanted him to invest in yet another. But Walter had refused. Thomas Bolton and his wife Alice were also guests at the house. Thomas was Walter's partner in the banking business. Also at the party where Peter Albright and Miriam who was Walter and Deborah's daughter. And their other daughter, Ellen, was there as well.

Alice and Walter were having an affair. The night of the murder, Walter had broken up with Alice. As for the murder, everyone in the house were suspects, save Solomon and Constance. Harris and Finch were the detectives trying to find the culprit. Solomon and Constance had a plan whereby they would discover who the guilty party was. The plan was that Solomon told everyone he was going to the library and he wanted the murderer to come and confess. The person who turned out to be the one who killed Walter tried to kill Solomon and Constance, unsuccessfully.

I have to say, it wasn't easy solving this mystery. Everyone there had motive, including Walter's son-in-law, Peter, who had borrowed money from Walter. He was a vicar and he had borrowed the money to expand the vicarage. He needed more money but Walter had not giving it to him. Deborah had motive because of the affair between Walter and Alice. And his daughters, Miriam and Ellen, had motive because it was assumed that they knew about the affair. And Richard, his son, had motive because his father had wanted him to make something of himself and he was basically refusing. He wanted his inheritance.

So the author set up this murder beautifully with plenty of suspects. She also did a marvelous job with the characters. They were very believable. This book kept me guessing and held my interest from start to finish. It is very deserving of five stars.

Constance and Solomon "officially" meet at a house party, where they have to hide that they really had met years ago. Someone is murdered, and the house is full of suspects. These two work really well together. There is easy chemistry and attraction.

My ONLY complaint is Monster, the dog, needed a HEA too. It's obvious that he's neglected and if an author is going to bring a Notable Pet into the storyline, they need to make sure all is well for the pet in the end. You know, make the next book somehow Solomon has adopted the dog because Randolph can't take care of him, or something.
Signed, a disgruntled animal lover

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

Constance Silver, madam of Mayfair’s most exclusive brothel, has lied her way into Greenforth Manor, home of respectable and charismatic provincial banker, Walter Winsom. As she is on a personal quest & hopes to find answers, so she’s going by the name of Mrs Goldrich She feels quite safe from recognition until Solomon Grey joins the party. Aloof and strangely exciting, Solomon, a shipping tycoon is one of the wealthiest men in London. When they discover their host’s murdered body together, they have to overcome distrust of each other to investigate. Everyone in the house seems to have had both motive and opportunity to kill him, so Constance and Solomon must uncover many secrets and set a dangerous trap in order to reach the truth.
The first in a new series & I loved it. Far more mystery than romance & the mystery was intriguing. There were secrets, lies, revenge & danger, everyone at the house party is a suspect & all seem to have something to hide. I loved both Solomon & Constance, there was a spark between them but they were wary of each other at the beginning but became friends & had each other’s back. The pace was really good & the characters well portrayed some I liked others I disliked. The climax is thrilling & I look forward to the rest of the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

New, highly anticipated mystery/romance series, as Crime&Passion seems to be finished (what a pity!). Although, there are several shout-outs to the Tizsas, their story seems to have come to an end. The new investigative couple is an unusual combination in Regency romance context, and to be honest, although I really do like the books by the author (well written, good story, not too cheesy, witty, well researched, conclusive, well-paced), I wasn’t sure about this book when I read the description. What made me read it, was a teaser chapter in "spinster’s last dance".
The MC’s profession is hard to sympathize with, as in other regencies these women are mostly painted as difficult, cold, calculating, etc. Not to say as usually being described as much older (“past their prime”, etc.). Here we have a highly attractive, young woman in this managerial position in the trade. This made me rather skeptical and that is also a point in both MCs brooding, probably in the attempt to persuade the reader of its plausibility. Probably, more details on the backstory will follow in the next installments, but since it is “just” a backdrop, it does not disturb nether the narrative, nor the atmosphere of the book.
The story is capturing enough, although the sleuthing is a bit straight forward. A lot of questioning and repetitions in the gathered information, but with the backstories and the slow burn attraction all in all it is a good mixture.
As expected the new installment is a well thought-out story, well written, slow burn clean romance, sprinkled with a bit of humor and suspense. Recommend as a cozy read and with anticipation for the rest of series (maybe also with a little more of the Tizsas ;) ). Thanks to the author for providing such delightful entertainment!
I received an advanced copy of this book provided by netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Tropes: class/racial difference; working class MC's; MC's team up to solve a murder
Steam level: low (a chaste kiss)

This is a solid 4 stars from me. A good start to a new mystery/HR series by Mary Lancaster. The MC's, Constance and Solomon, are engaging, witty, and different from the typical HR couple. The hook for me was their challenging pasts due to gender and race; they've each had to overcome much to attain success in their lives. Neither is titled. I thought Solomon's past in Jamaica and the issue of slavery was handled in an especially fresh way and was well researched. Be aware that though the MC's have chemistry, their relationship is an extremely slow burn, which makes sense for their characters; this book is much more heavily focused on plot than steam

The baddie isn't hard to figure out, but there is an unexpected angle, and I liked Constance and Solomon's clever escape.

My quibbles:
--The butler played an interesting role but not quite sure why he lingered? Maybe I missed something.
--I wasn't really comfortable with the fact that the youngest daughter, who was around 16, had a very obvious flirtation with a much older man and then a lower-key flirtation with another (slightly younger) man by the end. It seemed an odd choice to not make her, say, 18.
--Finally, I felt that Constance was a bit too accepted by a key character at the end.

Overall, though, this is a well plotted and well researched mystery/romance.

Murder in Moonlight
Mary Lancaster

What a delightful read. More mystery than romance but delightfully captivating. Captured my attention from prologue and never let go. Extremely well written with rounded characters even very secondary ones, believable mystery and page turner. Author is new to me but I’ll definitely be reading by her.

Mrs Constance Silver and Mr Solomon Grey meet unexpectedly when he rescues her.
They meet again at a house party where they are both searching for answers.
Constance is undercover as she is a courtesan and would not normally be welcome and Solomon is a businessman.
A murder takes place and they join forces to protect each other as well as attempt to solve crime.
A compelling story as clues are revealed and danger is present.
Looking forward to further collaborations by this couple.

5 stars

What an excellent start to the new series.

We met Solomon and Constance briefly in one of the books with Lady Grizelda Tizsa and Dragan. In that book Constance was helping Griz dress as a prostitutue in order to retrieve some diamonds. The Diamonds were owned by Solomon.
They are invited to the house party separately. Constance wants to ask questions of the host as does Solomon. I guessed who Solomon was searching for...lets hope this is answered in other books. The host is killed and our intrepid duo seek to solve the mystery and help out the police. The police recognise that Constance is in disguise but don't let the cat out of the bag. About two thirds of the way through I realised who must have done the deed.

What I love about this author's writing is the characterisation of all the players, even the smaller roles such as Owen the boot boy. Looking forward to more stories and heartily recommend.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

There's a lot to like here. There's a murder mystery, opposites attract and a lot of dramatic moments. I was never bored while reading. The action is fast paced and the characters are entertaining. I also liked the setting of a house party. I was also surprised by the ending.

A fun read!