Love this series it is one of my favorites!

This one has Wrexford investigating the death of someone he knows and Charlotte was looking into something else but they both end up digging into the same things.

I love the atmosphere of this series and the banter between the characters, from Wrexford and Charlotte to the street rats they have adopted..

The mystery is always very good and I don't even try and solve it I just immerse myself into the time period and into the characters lives and enjoy.

Mr. Greeley, the head librarian at Oxford’s Merton Library, made a disturbing discovery and requested a meeting with the Earl of Wrexford. By the time Wrexford arrived at Oxford Greeley had been murdered. Greeley had served in the army with Wrexford’s late brother and he vows to find his murderer. At home his wife Charlotte is involved with an investigation of her own. Someone destroyed the laboratory of a prominent engineer. Charlotte is a satirical artist, publishing under the name of A.J. Quill. She uses her art to raise awareness of social issues and the arson that she witnessed raises questions. The engineer was currently working on a marine propulsion system that would provide faster travel and relieve dependence on wind power for shipping. Lord Taviot has been selling shares in a project that promises similar advances. Another incident at a naval facility working on a similar project has Charlotte looking into Taviot’s project. What Charlotte and her husband discover are ties between their respective investigations that put them in danger.

Wrexford and Charlotte are no strangers to investigations and they have a mutual respect for each other’s abilities. They are raising two orphans who call themselves Raven and Hawk. After living on the streets they are familiar with less affluent areas of the city. With their friend Peregrine, they are Wrexford’s own Baker Street Irregulars. Murder, fraud, sabotage and characters to love make this a most enjoyable mystery. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this book for my review.

Two lines of concern intersect to reveal treachery. The Earl of Wrexford responds to a desperate plea from a friend, only to discover the murder of a reclusive librarian and a missing rare manuscript in Oxford. Meanwhile, a suspicious laboratory fire with potential ties to a race between consortiums to develop steam-powered ships, draws Charlotte’s attention. To protect their band of friends and family, Wrexford and Charlotte unravel a sinister conspiracy that endangers everything they cherish unless they can piece together the puzzle in time.

My favorite earl and artist are back once again! I was surprised how emotional this story became. The past comes back to haunt the present, with details of how Wrexford’s brother was killed. This brings an urgency to his determination to uncover the identity of a murderer, to also bring justice for his brother.

As before, I enjoyed how the story plays with the idea of early inventions. The importance of them influences many decisions, but they are not quite where they need to be to succeed.

Overall, this was a well-paced and enjoyable read. I highly recommend it to readers who have been following the series and enjoy historical mysteries.

I am so glad I took a chance on this series as I have really enjoyed it and it has gotten better with each book; thankfully this continues in this book as well.

A well-thought out [and researched - I was flabbergasted when I learned some of the things I learned in this book and *DID* spend a good part of my reading time on several days looking information up and then getting lost in all of that. It was a glorious thing] book and mystery, I love how this small team of friends work together to bring the "baddies" to justice [though I wasn't sure they'd all get full satisfaction by the end of this one - such a slippery eel this one was] and having "Peregrine" [I don't even think of him by his given name anymore; he is fully a "weasel" now] still a part of the story [and the addition to Horatio/"Osprey" was just brilliant - no doubt he will become a full-fledged "weasel" as time passes [and also because of his heroics in this book]. The love and respect that they all have for each other is so evident and may we all have a group of friends that support and care for us as this fictional group does for each other.
Aunt Alison [the Dragon, as Henning so affectionately calls her] plays a VERY big part of this story and is a great lesson on just why you should never ever underestimate a person of a particular age. ;-)

One of the coolest parts [for the complete geek in me] was the note from the author at the end. While I didn't understand all of it [having never even gotten close to studying physics], it was a fascinating deeper dive into what happened in the story and was a cool addition to the whole book.

I certainly hope there is a book 8 - I could read this series for forever.

Thank you to NetGalley, Andrea Penrose, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When a troubled friend is found murdered at the Merton Library at Oxford, Lord Wrexford is determined to find the killer. Meanwhile Charlotte is trying to determine if a fire in one of the warehouse labs is arson or accident. Two competing consortiums are trying to create a new kind of propulsion for long distance shipping. As their cases overlap, Wrex and Charlotte find themselves involved in a deeply troubling situation and a high stakes competition for the security of their country. This series gets better and better with each book.

A solidly plotted historical mystery despite highly disappointing use (or lack of use) of setting.

This is my first read in this series and I found it to be well-plotted and paced. But I picked it up because of the Oxford setting and library setting, and both are a complete nonfactor in the story, which lessened my enjoyment of the book.

The characters are fine and I enjoyed some of the ancillary content about shipbuilding, but it bugs me to see a book advertising itself as rooted in an Oxford setting that could have been set pretty much anywhere during this era and come out exactly the same.

If you read historical mysteries primarily for plot rather than setting or atmosphere then this probably won’t bother you the way it did me, but if sense of place matters significantly to you as a reader, this one falls a bit short.

Murder at the Merton Library by Andrea Penrose
Wrexford and Sloane Series Book 7
I have enjoyed this series from the beginning but this was not really a favorite. Maybe there was just too much technical information or the plot was kind of convoluted or too many extraneous characters or a combination of all the above but it just didn’t grab me. I do like that Wrexford is developing more family feeling and realizing how precious that is to him. I will read the next book but this one was not fabulous as some of the earlier books in the series were.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and the author for an advanced reader’s copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I’ve listened to a few of the Wrexford & Sloane books in the past and have enjoyed them, so I was all in for volume #7, Murder at the Merton Library. This is one series where it is helpful to have read at least one of the previous books for background.

I really enjoyed the latest entry in the series, which is a mix of upper crust society people interacting with the lower classes. It was a little slower than some of the other stories, but maybe because I was so anxious to solve the mystery. Wrex’s backstory gets filled in a bit more, including his relationship with his dear departed brother. There’s also some interesting info regarding Mac’s backstory because her history starts to get involved with the case Wrex and Charlotte are investigating.

The scientific aspect of this book that is delved into is the race to develop the steam engine and how important that would be for trade and the military. To be honest, as much as I normally geek out on the science in the Wrexford & Sloane books, this time around, it didn’t grab me like it normally would. However, I love a good info dump in a book that’s entertaining as well as educational, just like a Nancy Drew book, so I at least appreciate the effort.

The best thing about this book is the atmosphere. You really get a feeling for the time period. And I loved the surprise ending–totally didn’t see it coming! Another job well done by the author in this delightful series. Four stars!

I had problems connecting with the characters. I could also not develop any interest in the mystery. I struggled to get through this one.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

I freaking adore this series!!! The bond between Wrexford and the Weasels is growing and I love this family so so much!

Murder At The Merton Library is the seventh book in the Wrexford And Sloane Historical Mystery series by Andrea Penrose.

Lord Wrexford receives a short note from the librarian, Neville Greely, at Merton Library imploring him to come to Oxford as he has some vital information. Greely had served with Wrexford’s late brother in Portugal during the war. Wrexford immediately sets off for Oxford, but when he arrives, Wrexford finds that Greely has been murdered and a valuable manuscript has been stolen. Wrexford will soon learn that Greely had an argument with someone shortly before his death, and Wrexford’s name comes up; this leads Wrexford to want to learn more about Greely’s death and gain an understanding of his brother’s death.

In the meantime, Charlotte also has a mystery to look into. Two consortiums are racing to develop a steam engine and propeller to make travel on the ocean faster and more economical. When a fire occurs at a warehouse of one of the consortiums, which appears to be arson, Charlotte is on the scene wondering if the fire was arson. Important drawings were stolen before the fire started. Charlotte also wonders what Wrexford’s close friend, Kit Sheffield, was doing at the fire scene. Raven, Falcon, and Peregrine will provide important information about one of the consortium's works.

Charlotte’s Aunt Alison has a more important role in this book. The introduction of her nephew, Horatio, Raven, and Falcon, nicknamed his Osprey, is essential in solving the mystery. The story is well-written and plotted with an exciting cast of well-developed characters. There were enough twists and turns that I kept guessing who the killer was until the end of the book. The weaving of scientific events into the story is always enjoyable. The author provides an informative Author Note at the end of the book.

I will be looking forward to the next book in this enjoyable series.

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

It was such a joy to read Murder at the Merton Library. I love everything from this found family and their strong, caring connections, to their love of science and arts, with their willingness to investigate and try to right the wrongs not just for themselves but others. With the progression of relationships and their circle of friends, I would suggest reading the series in order. Plus it's amazing. Being the seventh book, some characters and aspects may be lost without the background of the earlier installments.

The Wrexfords have added "Falcon" to their own weasels, Raven and Hawk. In this adventure, Osprey is introduced. He is a naval man and Allison is his aunt. All of the weasels are blooming under the care of Rex and Charlotte. They support and love each other so clearly.

There is a murder of a friend of Rex's brother, and a fire suspected to be arson. As they investigate, it seems there is some connection to trying to invent a way to propel ocean ships with steam engines. There was a research group which lost some plans in the fire. The navy is also working on prototypes. There is also an investment group, purporting to have made a break though. Kit wants to invest but Cordelia is against it. Allison and Charlotte go to hear about the investment with unfavorable consequences.

I am ecstatic to have the series continue after the marriage of Charlotte and Rex. They continue to expand their circle of learning, sciences, arts and those they love and protect. This found family is not to be missed. I highly recommend the Wrexford & Sloane series, particularly if you are interested in early scientific developments.


Narration:
This narrator is the voice of the series for me. I don't believe I had listened to this narrator before the series. I love listening to his distinct character voices of all genders and ages. With many foreign characters, the accents and tones sound right, although I am not knowledgeable enough to know if they are authentic. I listened well at my usual 1.5x speed.

I love this author, and try to read anything they write. The mystery kept me guessing.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Murderous Maritime Machinations
Another tour de force with two plots of intertwining threads for Lady Charlotte, Wrexford and friends to disentangle - encompassing war, inventions, espionage, investments, and past decisions and actions.

This time there is a more maritime focus, and the Weasels delightfully expand themselves and their group again to become the Fledglings. The relationships between Lady Peake and the youngsters is wickedly affectionate and enchanting to read.

However, having just read all 7 books together, I'm now starting to worry about their dietary intake being so focussed around gammon, eggs and piles of ginger biscuits - I hope they soon have a culinary challenge mystery that might help to expand their menus!

I received an advance copy via Netgalley and this is my independent review.

I had a hard time with this one. Wrexford and Sloane are two of my favorite sleuths, but I feel the characters are getting lost in the author's desire to work historical events into the mystery. Instead of the intense, personal danger, we're more into learning state secrets and inventions that, while important, still feel very distant. They're interesting, but they don't have the gripping effect of the earlier books in the series.

I also wish we got a little bit more quiet time with Wrex and Charlotte, For the past several books, that's been my main issue- now a married couple, but we still barely get snatches of their romance or feelings for one another, which feels unbalanced when compared with the info-dump of details of the race to invent an efficient ocean-going vessel.

I do love the way they solve mysteries as a family, and the secondary characters that have made it from book to book (Kit, the Weasels, etc) are very strong. The writing, as well, is similar to previous books, but it's becoming a little too dramatic for my taste. It's hard to imagine the characters actually speaking in such a flowery way, but sometimes the gothic feel is just what you want in a dramatic mystery.

Overall, I enjoyed it, but this series needs to add more heart and character depth and less technical details in the future.

Responding to an urgent plea from a troubled family friend, the Earl of Wrexford journeys to Oxford only to find the reclusive university librarian has been murdered and a rare manuscript has gone missing. The only clue is that someone overheard an argument in which Wrexford’s name was mentioned. At the same time, Charlotte—working under her pen name, A. J. Quill—must determine whether a laboratory fire was arson and if it’s connected to the race between competing consortiums to build a new type of ship. As they delve deeper into the baffling clues, Wrexford and Charlotte begin to realize that things are not what they seem.
The seventh outing for the Earl & Countess of Wrexford & another entertaining murder mystery. I’ve enjoyed how Wrex & Charlotte’s relationship has grown & matured but felt this was missing in this book. It could be read on it’s own but as it’s not my favourite of the series I’d recommend starting at the beginning. I love the research, which went into the book & certainly opened my eyes to some of the inventions happening at the time. A well written enjoyable book
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I was expecting a Regency romance, but Every Duke has his Day is decidedly on the romantic comedy end of the spectrum. The banter between the two main characters, Michael and Bitsy, is witty and amusing, and their relationship is a lot of fun to watch unfold.

Michael is a nerd, with a passion for science. Bitsy is in the middle of her coming out season, and expected to find a husband. But despite their differences, they are drawn to each other.


The secondary characters are also well-developed and entertaining. Jimmy Bly is a charming rogue who is looking for a way to make a living lucrative enough to marriage to Sally.

Overall, Every Duke has his day is a fun and lighthearted read. It is perfect for fans of Regency romance and romantic comedy alike.

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

Andrea Penrose's Wrexford & Sloane is one of the best historical mystery series I read. Always well researched and well plotted, a vivid historical background, and well rounded characters both interesting and likeable.
This is another excellent addition that kept hooked and guessing, I was glad to catch up with the characters and enjoyed the story
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

What do arson, investment schemes, the death of Wrexham's brother years ago and the recent murder of a librarian have in common? Wrex, Charlotte and the weasels are on the case!

The gang is growing (now Aunt Allison is helping out) and they're all back together to solve a twisty mystery which (as usual) I lost interest in. I'm definitely in these for the characters themselves and not so much the mysteries/complicate plots. We get a little bit of Kit & Cordelia progress and a little more of McClellan's backstory in this book but otherwise, there's not much character development. I keep waiting for Charlotte to announce she's pregnant. In fact, I was really convinced that was coming by the end of this installment.

I'll say it again - I need more Charlotte & Wrex love-dovey scenes! I was excited when Charlotte's life was in jeopardy for a minute in this one, but then she wasn't even in danger long enough for Wrex to get very upset or save her with some real heroics. Boo.

I totally wanted Wrex's brother to really be alive and living as a spy undercover or something to really shake things up! There was that mysterious librarian guy....hmm. All in all, it was just okay for me. Not my favorite or least favorite of the series.

Navigating newlywed life and their expanded colorful family of choice, Wrexford and Charlotte have the challenge of how to prioritize principles, duty, and love when faced with not one, but two deadly mysteries. Murder at the Merton Library delivers another faceted jewel full of complex characters, layered plot, and well-drawn historical backdrops.



Murder at the Merton Library is the seventh in an addicting historical mystery series that reads best in order.



Wrexford faces the challenge of solving his beloved deceased brother’s best friend being murder and being compelled to solve it while facing the shadows of past pain from memories the case dredges up. Wrex is forced to lay aside a sense of guilt toward his younger brother’s death and the bitter pain of suspecting the late earl would have rather not have only been left with the older, broody son. And, while solving this mystery, he does what he can to help Sheffield navigate his floundering love life with Cordelia and help Charlotte figure out who is performing nefarious deeds of theft of plans and sabotage of rivals as private and government concerns seek to be the first to work out ocean going marine propulsion engines. Naturally, the stakes are high, but Charlotte, the boys, and their friends won’t be intimidate when duty to justice and right is called for.



I’ve appreciated before how the author can weave together a cunning mystery, a curious scientific element, and a compelling character-driven side full of surprise twists, action, and thoughtful moments. This was still the case in the latest installment. I loved seeing Wrexford and Charlotte tackling adopted parenthood though both felt inadequate to the task and doing so well because they were careful with the Weasels and Peregrine. Fun new face to add to the boys’ group.



In summary, it was stellar and another swiftly devoured entry in the series. I came to this series after seeing it highly touted and now I can’t help begging my fellow historical mystery fans to jump on this series.