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Captain Lacey #18
Murder on the Rhône
In June, 1820, I travel to Lyon, France, to attend a wedding, looking forward to sunny strolls on the city’s two rivers and sampling the region’s food. Instead, I soon spy a man from my past who stirs painful and enraging memories.
I find the same man bent over a corpse on one of the city’s bridges one morning, holding a blood-soaked knife, but he insists he is innocent of the murder. I’d like him to be responsible, but my experience investigating problems of this sort tells me he is not.
Suspicion, unfortunately, falls on the family my daughter is about to marry into, whose high standing and respect from the townspeople will not help them against the gendarmes determined to solve the crime.
When I look into the matter, I dredge up dark things from that family’s past that they will do anything to keep me from discovering …
I find the same man bent over a corpse on one of the city’s bridges one morning, holding a blood-soaked knife, but he insists he is innocent of the murder. I’d like him to be responsible, but my experience investigating problems of this sort tells me he is not.
Suspicion, unfortunately, falls on the family my daughter is about to marry into, whose high standing and respect from the townspeople will not help them against the gendarmes determined to solve the crime.
When I look into the matter, I dredge up dark things from that family’s past that they will do anything to keep me from discovering …
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2026
About the author
Ashley Gardner
49 books682 followersAshley Gardner is the pseudonym for NY Times bestselling and award-winning author Jennifer Ashley and nationally bestselling and award-winning author Allyson James. Her award-winning Captain Lacey Regency mysteries have garnered top reviews and an enthusiastic following. These books are now available as digital editions. More about the series can be found at http://www.gardnermysteries.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 19, 2026
Captain Lacey just can't help himself.
I agree with Brewster, Lacey is a magnet for trouble. This mystery takes place in France, where surprisingly Lacey finds the man who was responsible for the injury to his knee and left him for dead on the battlefield. His daughter is about to marry her lifelong love, and he becomes embroiled in solving a murder and learning about his daughter's future in-laws. A great read, with an exciting conclusion. It was great to have Greenville, Marianne, and even Denis included in the in investigation. I highly recommend this series.
I agree with Brewster, Lacey is a magnet for trouble. This mystery takes place in France, where surprisingly Lacey finds the man who was responsible for the injury to his knee and left him for dead on the battlefield. His daughter is about to marry her lifelong love, and he becomes embroiled in solving a murder and learning about his daughter's future in-laws. A great read, with an exciting conclusion. It was great to have Greenville, Marianne, and even Denis included in the in investigation. I highly recommend this series.
March 18, 2026
Nice read—great mystery
I quite enjoyed this book, as I have the others in the series. It is still a little awkward to read from a man’s point of view; but Lacey is a decent man, and the portrayal of his character is believable.
The characterizations are quite good. It has been a while since I read the previous book so I had to take some time to re-familiarize myself with the characters. Some of the surprises in the story come from Lacey’s interactions with previous characters from the series. I especially enjoyed the exchanges between Lacey and Moreau.
The plot was an interesting weave of murder/mystery with history of Lyon. The story was full of references to the past, tied intricately with the present. In this, the reader finds how the connection of past events can strongly impact the modern day, and how those connections can be positive or, in this case, extremely dangerous.
The book had several typos and I felt there were places where words were missing. This comes as a surprise in that this is the 18th book in the series. However, it wasn’t too difficult to figure out what the author meant to say.
The story was exciting in several places. There was more than one occasion where events were particularly engaging (“larger than life”—quite an achievement with the written word); and the reader is introduced to some extremely interesting new characters.
Donata seemed to play a much smaller role in this installment. Grenville is also secondary, but we do have some opportunity to enjoy his intelligence and his “connections,” and find how his life has changed.
Enjoyed the book; look forward to meeting up with Captain Lacey again in the future. I’m happy to recommend this adventure.
Good writers and well-crafted plots are often difficult to find; but for me, this one is a winner.
I quite enjoyed this book, as I have the others in the series. It is still a little awkward to read from a man’s point of view; but Lacey is a decent man, and the portrayal of his character is believable.
The characterizations are quite good. It has been a while since I read the previous book so I had to take some time to re-familiarize myself with the characters. Some of the surprises in the story come from Lacey’s interactions with previous characters from the series. I especially enjoyed the exchanges between Lacey and Moreau.
The plot was an interesting weave of murder/mystery with history of Lyon. The story was full of references to the past, tied intricately with the present. In this, the reader finds how the connection of past events can strongly impact the modern day, and how those connections can be positive or, in this case, extremely dangerous.
The book had several typos and I felt there were places where words were missing. This comes as a surprise in that this is the 18th book in the series. However, it wasn’t too difficult to figure out what the author meant to say.
The story was exciting in several places. There was more than one occasion where events were particularly engaging (“larger than life”—quite an achievement with the written word); and the reader is introduced to some extremely interesting new characters.
Donata seemed to play a much smaller role in this installment. Grenville is also secondary, but we do have some opportunity to enjoy his intelligence and his “connections,” and find how his life has changed.
Enjoyed the book; look forward to meeting up with Captain Lacey again in the future. I’m happy to recommend this adventure.
Good writers and well-crafted plots are often difficult to find; but for me, this one is a winner.
March 22, 2026
Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Captain Lacey #18
Publication Date: 3/17/26
Period: Regency Lyon
Number of Pages: 297
Lacey and his wife travel to Lyon, France, to attend his daughter Gabriella's wedding. It is a bittersweet time for Lacey, as he has only recently been reunited with his long-lost firstborn. Now, he feels as though he is losing her again—but she is so clearly happy and deeply in love that he cannot help but share in her joy. Determined to spend as much time with her as possible before the wedding, Lacey sets aside his usual work… though he has an unfortunate habit of stumbling across murder victims wherever he goes.
While walking through a crowded street with Brewster, Lacey catches sight of a man from his past—a man who once left him for dead. Because the incident occurred during the war, Lacey chooses not to pursue the encounter, but fate clearly has other plans. Early one morning, he encounters the man again… standing over a dead body.
The victim’s questionable past provides plenty of possible motives, but the gendarmes quickly focus their suspicions on the family of the man Gabriella is about to marry. The story weaves together past and present, blending multiple mysteries with fascinating glimpses into the history and atmosphere of Lyon.
This is a well-paced and engaging mystery populated with memorable characters—from an outrageously flamboyant mistress to an elegant and refined countess. Readers will also enjoy spending time with the familiar supporting cast who make this series so enjoyable.
I happily recommend this book, this series, and this author. Happy reading!
Series: Captain Lacey #18
Publication Date: 3/17/26
Period: Regency Lyon
Number of Pages: 297
Lacey and his wife travel to Lyon, France, to attend his daughter Gabriella's wedding. It is a bittersweet time for Lacey, as he has only recently been reunited with his long-lost firstborn. Now, he feels as though he is losing her again—but she is so clearly happy and deeply in love that he cannot help but share in her joy. Determined to spend as much time with her as possible before the wedding, Lacey sets aside his usual work… though he has an unfortunate habit of stumbling across murder victims wherever he goes.
While walking through a crowded street with Brewster, Lacey catches sight of a man from his past—a man who once left him for dead. Because the incident occurred during the war, Lacey chooses not to pursue the encounter, but fate clearly has other plans. Early one morning, he encounters the man again… standing over a dead body.
The victim’s questionable past provides plenty of possible motives, but the gendarmes quickly focus their suspicions on the family of the man Gabriella is about to marry. The story weaves together past and present, blending multiple mysteries with fascinating glimpses into the history and atmosphere of Lyon.
This is a well-paced and engaging mystery populated with memorable characters—from an outrageously flamboyant mistress to an elegant and refined countess. Readers will also enjoy spending time with the familiar supporting cast who make this series so enjoyable.
I happily recommend this book, this series, and this author. Happy reading!
March 24, 2026
Another enthralling Captain Lacey adventure!
Captain Lacey and friends solve another mystery. I love all the characters and feel invested in them, and the story.
The only reason for taking away one star is all the typos. I don't remember that issue from previous books by Gardner. It's as if this book wasn't edited and it was distracting to the flow, having to reread so many sentences to figure them out.
Captain Lacey and friends solve another mystery. I love all the characters and feel invested in them, and the story.
The only reason for taking away one star is all the typos. I don't remember that issue from previous books by Gardner. It's as if this book wasn't edited and it was distracting to the flow, having to reread so many sentences to figure them out.
April 2, 2026
I loved the story, though it was a bit repetitive with the explanations of "the letters." I would have given it 4 stars (these quickly formulaic murder mysteries that I read in between heavier books are not 5 star material), but the editing in this was so bad - my 11-year old granddaughter could have done a better job. On almost every page, words were left out or transposed leaving one reading for context to get the idea of the sentence. Jennifer Ashley/Ashley Gardner needs a new editor!
April 5, 2026
This may be the 18th story in the series, but it was one of my favourites! So good, in fact, that I was reading it to fall back asleep last night and accidentally finished the book at 3:30 am! Whoops!
The mystery was interesting, but the bigger mystery was all the secrets that everyone had. I am inspired to learn more about the siege of Lyon, as well!
I was so happy to see all my favourite characters make an appearance, from Brewster to Dennis, to Donata and Grenville!
The mystery was interesting, but the bigger mystery was all the secrets that everyone had. I am inspired to learn more about the siege of Lyon, as well!
I was so happy to see all my favourite characters make an appearance, from Brewster to Dennis, to Donata and Grenville!
April 20, 2026
This addition to the Captain Lacey series is set in the squares, alleys and hills of Lyon. The murder of a mysterious Italian man on a bridge crossing the Rhone is wrapped in a tale of blackmail and retribution. Babriel and his family are in Lyon for the wedding of his daughter when he becomes involved in the investigation of the murder. For a while, it looks as though his soon-to-be in-laws are involved in the murder, but it soon becomes clear that although the groom's various uncles are innocent of that crime, the do know something. Threads leading back almost thirty years to revolutionary events turn out to be the secrets the blackmailer was trying to exploit. This was an intriguing plot and a wonderfully drawn setting.
April 4, 2026
I love these books featuring Captain Lacey set in the early 1800s. This was very entertaining with an unexpected result. I did notice that a couple of the more prominent characters, who are usually so helpful in solving whatever mystery the captain is dealing with, were somewhat side-lined in this book, and that is a shame. Hopefully things will be back to normal next time.
March 18, 2026
Excellent!
Absolutely typical Jennifer.
Great story, great characters, thoroughly enjoyable.
Always looking fw to the next.
Well respected author, in both writing circles and by readers.
Absolutely typical Jennifer.
Great story, great characters, thoroughly enjoyable.
Always looking fw to the next.
Well respected author, in both writing circles and by readers.
March 25, 2026
1820 Captain lacey has travelled to Lyon for the marriage of his daughter Gabrielle to Emily Devere. But he comes across a body seconds after it is discovered by a Colonel Moreau, an old enemy from the war. But what secrets does the city hide.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
March 24, 2026
Top Notch
Book No. 18 and Still I enjoy the Adventures of Captain Lacey and His Colleagues. The Story this Time is set In France and Laceey Has a Hard job on His Hands. I cannot wait for the Next Adventure
Book No. 18 and Still I enjoy the Adventures of Captain Lacey and His Colleagues. The Story this Time is set In France and Laceey Has a Hard job on His Hands. I cannot wait for the Next Adventure
March 27, 2026
Enjoyable…
This was an enjoyable read. I have come to love this series and the amazing characters. I have been waiting for Captain Lacey and the fam/friends to travel to France.
It was worth the wait! I look forward to more adventures in the series.
This was an enjoyable read. I have come to love this series and the amazing characters. I have been waiting for Captain Lacey and the fam/friends to travel to France.
It was worth the wait! I look forward to more adventures in the series.
March 31, 2026
Good story
Captain Lacey has come a long way from the events of his first book. He's collected quite the host of friends and compatriots along the way. It's always enjoyable to catch up with them on each new adventure.
Captain Lacey has come a long way from the events of his first book. He's collected quite the host of friends and compatriots along the way. It's always enjoyable to catch up with them on each new adventure.
April 3, 2026
I love my captain Lacey’s! My score is solely based on the fact that there was too little Grenville, Marianne and Donata. They were around but felt like bit players. I hope the next one involves them more!
March 22, 2026
Excellent as usual
One of my favorite series. Enjoy seeing everyone back and doing well. High recommend this series. Ready for the next adventure.
One of my favorite series. Enjoy seeing everyone back and doing well. High recommend this series. Ready for the next adventure.
March 25, 2026
Really enjoyed
Really enjoyed the new Captain Lacey novel. Well written. Characters are really likeable. Would highl recommend. I am hoping there will be another adventure soon.
Really enjoyed the new Captain Lacey novel. Well written. Characters are really likeable. Would highl recommend. I am hoping there will be another adventure soon.
March 27, 2026
excellent
I really do love this series and always find it very hard to put the book down once I start reading
I really do love this series and always find it very hard to put the book down once I start reading
March 28, 2026
not up to par
Ok
Story line, verbose, reads like it was forced to write it
I absolutely love this group of people... hopefully the author will find her passion for them again soon
Ok
Story line, verbose, reads like it was forced to write it
I absolutely love this group of people... hopefully the author will find her passion for them again soon
March 29, 2026
Wonderful, as always. However, the number of errors, both editorial and those made by the author, was distressing.
April 4, 2026
Captain Lacey Mystery series
The characters in this series have continued to be at the top of my favorites.
Jennifer Ashley/Gardner is an excellent novelist.
The characters in this series have continued to be at the top of my favorites.
Jennifer Ashley/Gardner is an excellent novelist.
April 5, 2026
I continue to enjoy the intrigue of the plots and the development of the increasing cast of characters. the history and settings are also appealing.
April 15, 2026
It's Captain Lacey's daughters wedding in Lyon, but he's got time to solve a little murder, blackmail, and cold case, right??
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews