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Beatrice Hyde-Clare #10
An Extravagant Duplicity
Why, yes, the former Beatrice Hyde-Clare is distracted. Having settled comfortably into marriage to the Duke of Kesgrave, she is nevertheless surprised to find herself in an interesting condition. And it has to be that—the unsettling prospect of motherhood—that causes her to overlook the obvious clue that Roger Dugmore had indeed been killed in his sleep. Summoned to the scene of the supposed crime by his grandson, a preening viscount from the country desperate to establish himself in society, she assumes he is trying to draw the attention of Mr. Twaddle-Thum, London’s most rapacious gossip.
Disgusted, she dismisses the absurd lordship and his concerns.
But the duke does not.
Oh, no, he notices something is slightly off—the angle of the table, the position of the bed—and a horrified Bea begins to fear that the birth of her child will mean the end of her brilliant career as an investigator.
It is not the most pressing concern, of course, not with a murderer on the loose, and she struggles to put it out of her mind as she grapples with an even more daunting possibility: that this peacocking nodcock might be her most diabolical opponent yet.
Disgusted, she dismisses the absurd lordship and his concerns.
But the duke does not.
Oh, no, he notices something is slightly off—the angle of the table, the position of the bed—and a horrified Bea begins to fear that the birth of her child will mean the end of her brilliant career as an investigator.
It is not the most pressing concern, of course, not with a murderer on the loose, and she struggles to put it out of her mind as she grapples with an even more daunting possibility: that this peacocking nodcock might be her most diabolical opponent yet.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2023
325 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Messina
53 books647 followersLynn Messina is author of more than a dozen novels, including the best-selling Fashionistas, which has been translated into sixteen languages, and a series of Regency romance novels. Her essays have appeared in Self, American Baby and the New York Times Modern Love column. She lives in New York City with her sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
September 27, 2023
There are series that demand the reader start at the beginning to understand each installment and ones you can hop into at any time. An Extravagant Duplicity by Lynn Messina is both. You could definitely read this book as a standalone, enjoying the murder investigation and ridiculous antics of the cast without knowing the backstories of the main characters. The likely scenario after following Beatrice, Dutchess of Kesgrave, and her husband Damian, Duke of Kesgrave, during their investigation is that you'll want to circle back to enjoy the journey to this point. Every installment in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare series is a fast, fun romp. This one was particularly delightful to me because significant developments occurred in the personal storylines during the investigation and the introduction of a new character, the cherub.
In this book, Beatrice is asked to investigate the death of a manipulative, domineering patriarch by the man's grandson. The grandson is most interested in people hearing that the famous Dutchess visited his home and thinks his grandfather died in a fall. Bea is distracted during her initial visit to the house, made with her husband, cousin Flora, and Flora's love interest, Mr. Holcroft. She's preoccupied by conflicting thoughts about being mother and when to tell her husband she's expecting their child. She worries this will be the end of her investigations. Meanwhile, Damian realizes a murder definitely took place and they jump into sleuthing again. Flora and Holcroft have their own side story that makes some nice progress in this book.
Lynn Messina creates scenes where you find yourself laughing at the antics of her delightful characters while also pondering an observation about society and the role of women in Regency England that often still holds true today. I know I'll always get charming scenes between Bea and Damian, who can't keep their hands off each other, too. The pace is fast and though we get pages of internal dialogue from Bea, we go from start to finish in the course of a day. What a wonderful addition to one of my favorite series!
In this book, Beatrice is asked to investigate the death of a manipulative, domineering patriarch by the man's grandson. The grandson is most interested in people hearing that the famous Dutchess visited his home and thinks his grandfather died in a fall. Bea is distracted during her initial visit to the house, made with her husband, cousin Flora, and Flora's love interest, Mr. Holcroft. She's preoccupied by conflicting thoughts about being mother and when to tell her husband she's expecting their child. She worries this will be the end of her investigations. Meanwhile, Damian realizes a murder definitely took place and they jump into sleuthing again. Flora and Holcroft have their own side story that makes some nice progress in this book.
Lynn Messina creates scenes where you find yourself laughing at the antics of her delightful characters while also pondering an observation about society and the role of women in Regency England that often still holds true today. I know I'll always get charming scenes between Bea and Damian, who can't keep their hands off each other, too. The pace is fast and though we get pages of internal dialogue from Bea, we go from start to finish in the course of a day. What a wonderful addition to one of my favorite series!
December 29, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for the free digital advanced review copy. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
In a roundabout way, through her cousin Russell, Bea is handed a brand new case to solve. Russell has secretly been taking boxing lessons with Gentleman Jackson, much to his mother's dismay, and his mate Howard Lewis, Viscount Ripley's maternal grandfather, Roger Drugmore, had a bad fall, hit his head and died. Now the entire family blames Ripley and Ripley wants Bea to come solve the case and absolve him of all blame. With a disgruntled Flora and her erstwhile suitor, Mr. Holcroft, in tow, Bea and the Duke head to the Drugmore family home to investigate. Flora takes charge, much to Ripley's dismay, and declares the scene of the crime shows nothing more than an accident. Bea, preoccupied with thoughts of the cherub growing in her womb, concurs. However, her beloved Damian, Duke of Kesgrave, noticed something she did not! Back to the Drugmores to relaunch the investigation. The Duke and Duchess find themselves in the midst of serious family drama. One of the Drugmores must have killed the old man, but which one? Is Ripley as silly and stupid as he appears to be or a clever and cunning villain? Will this be Bea's last investigation once Damian finds out she's expecting his heir? With centuries of Matlock tradition before him, Bea is certain her husband will want to do everything necessary to protect the future duke and ensure his survival.
This story gets off to a rocky start with too much Russell and Flora bickering, Flora's lovesick drama queen antics and the seriously Georgette Heyeresque Drugmore family. Once they abandon Flora and Damian opens his mouth, the story goes off and running. The mystery plot is straight out of Georgette Heyer and features a tyrannical patriarch and a bunch of squabbling cousins who all had motive to kill their grandfather. I did guess who the murderer was - if there indeed was one- but I wasn't 100% positive. It was just a guess based on the least likely suspects. There were enough twists and turns though to keep me reading.
The cozy part is where this series shines. I love Bea and relate to her so much. Although I had a happy, normal childhood, I'm an introvert and reading Bea's inner monologues is like reading my own thoughts. Bea spends a lot of time trying to second guess what people are going to say and I do the same thing. That part was a little tedious to read but I was so happy to see Bea and Damian investigating together again. The stories are never better than when the couple are co-sleuths. This is really his investigation but as Bea is the noted sleuth, he lets her take the lead chiming in when he has an observation. They are the cutest couple and I love it when they're alone in their carriage LOL! What turns the other on is unusual but enjoyable. They're still newlyweds, believe it or not, and so the timeline is a little ridiculous, especially for her to realize she's increasing, but I forgot about the super short timeline after awhile and just accepted it. The Duke of Kesgrave is one in a million. I love his sense of humor and most of all, I love how much he loves Bea, even when she doubts herself, even when she invites murderers to come and try to kill her! This book has a lot of amazing observations on womanhood and how we are perceived by men. I thought things had changed since Bea's time but they really haven't and I look forward to reading the final published book so I can share the quotes.
Flora is not so lucky in love. There's a story there and I need to go back and read A Lark’s Tale because there are hints about Twaddle Thumb and who he is and where he might be lurking. I guessed but it isn't confirmed, that Bea and Damian passed him but didn't realize it. I like that little extra element of mystery. Flora is obnoxious but I understand her desire to prove her intelligence to the man she's fallen for. Isn't that pretty much what Bea has done? I think Flora needs to find a new tactic and a new suitor because Holcroft is rather stuffy and proud, so far. He doesn't seem like a good match for a headstrong girl trying to sow her wild oats after a lifetime frivilous and sometimes cruel pursuits. Flora has matured and realized a lot about her past self and is trying to change. I give her a lot of credit for that and I hope she matures some more and stops with the annoying behavior. Russell is a nitwit still but he, too, has grown up. He realizes that openness, honesty and communication are important in healthy family relationships. He's TRYING to be a man when he's still a boy.
The Drugmore clan are straight out of Georgette Heyer's mystery playbook but not quite as quirky, with the exception of Ripley. Ripley is a fop plain and simple. He's a country boy fresh off his mother's leash and eager to make a dash in society. He equates all manner of bizarre things with notorioty which he thinks will get him accepted in the ton. His antics are juvenile at best and aren't serving his purpose. He fan boys Bea and dismisses Flora because she's not in the tabloids! Is he for real? The one thing I like about him is his sincerity. He truly thinks he's doing the right thing and truly believes he's going to be famous by association with Bea.
Roger Drugmore was a terrible tyrant. A new money "cit", he controls the money that his family lives off and with the money comes strings- a lot of strings! He wanted his grandchildren to marry to enhance the family holdings just as he married off his daughters to wealthy, older gentleman (who ruined their lives). His daughter Celia is the dutiful widowed daughter, waiting on her father and running his household. Her husband was as silly and stupid as Ripley and Ripley's father yet Celia's father doesn't care. Her doesn't care about sentiment or love, affection or even partners having anything in common. His dependants are just pawns in the chess game of life. He was nasty, dispicable, old-fashioned and tyrannical. I suppose he didn't deserve to be murdered but how do we know it wasn't an accident? He was elderly after all and could have fallen and hit his head on the pier table. (That's one theory, someone else has another based on a clue or lack thereof).
Matthew, the heir, enjoys the Corinthian lifestyle: coats by Weston, boots by Hoby, shooting, fishing, etc. Some other family members believe because he enjoys killing for sport, he is the murderer. Matthew is tough on the younger men and fights like cats and dogs with Ripley. He's arrogant and snooty. Matthew has an alibi for the time of the murder, or so he says. It's flimsy because he could have asked his friend to lie for him. I'm not 100% positive the timeline is correct and I'm not certain there even WAS a murder! If there was, Matthew is a very good candidate. Debtor's prison would be abhorrent to anyone, especially a Corinthian like Matthew. Clifford is another cousin, the favored grandchild because he did everything he was told to and ratted out his siblings and cousins. He's sneaky and certainly lying about something. He had the least motive of the whole family to kill his grandfather though but also doesn't have a solid alibi. Jesse is also a moron and acts like he's in a melodrama. I think he enjoys the drama but doesn't have the guts to kill anyone, let alone his grandfather. In the end, I think he was likely to do what his grandfather wanted and enjoy it because he likes being a drama llama.
The only member of the family I like and have respect for is Melody. She understands her grandfather was old-fashioned and had outdated ideas. She also thinks she could have her own way if she just tolerated her grandfather's rants. Melody volunteers at an orphanage teaching art and nursing the sick. This is her life's vocation and she's dedicated to serving others. She is not at all intrested in marriage or having children of her own. Her mother also volunteers with her but Celia is not quite as sincerely devoted to the children as Melody is. Matthew is a horrible brother to her and begrudges her the tiniest bit of independence she has managed to secure. She points out his hypocricy and he still doesn't get it. Few men, especially at this time, understand the plight of women. (I wholeheardly support and adore Mrs. Palmer and her political aims!) I hope Matthew is the murderer so Melody can be free of him. She'll be tainted and no one will want to marry her, leaving her free to become the next best thing to a nun.
Mary, the maid, discovered Roger Drugmore's body. Her screams alerted the whole household. She's matter of fact in answering Bea's questions but seems sincere. It's never the servants as much as their employers would like them to be the villains. Pauline, one of the upstairs maids, is hiding something. I wish her story was a little more fleshed out. She's hiding something for a very good reason, or so she says. Bea has no way of knowing if Pauline is telling the truth. Even though Pauline has a good reason to lie, I find her wearying, like a character in a melodrama. She's too GOOD, too NOBLE. Did she commit murder on behalf of someone else or on her own to protect her secret?
On the cozy side... Aunt Vera doesn't have to say anything because Bea imagines it all. Aunt Vera is in need of some strong smelling salts after the opening chapter. I agree with her, for once, about bare knuckle brawling, however, Russell is learning it in a controlled environment from a master. Better for him to do it that way than ask someone on the streets to show him how. Or worse- ask Ripley! Uncle Horance's shortcomings are further illuminated by his silence. I thought he was coming around and becoming a more involved, nicer parent/uncle but I guess not. He's still Mr. Bennet with his head in the sand avoiding family drama. Lady Abercrombie managed to annoy me too. She's somewhat of a fairweather godmother. She has ideas about what Bea should do and when Bea expresses free will or circumstances tug Bea in a different direction, Lady Abercrombie dares to complain. The Duke's darling grandmother is not seen but mentioned. The Duchess's latest missive made me laugh out loud.
While cherubs make me want to throw up and run away screaming, I still look forward to seeing what/if Bea gets up to next. She doesn't seem to have any problems sleuthing right now. I suspect this cherub is going to keep his/her parents on their toes and be an absolute nightmare! I actually kind of look forward to seeing the Duke and Duchess of Kesgrave as parents, as long as they're still in love and making out in carriages.
I am eager to read the finished published version of this book after I go back and read about Twaddle Thumb.
In a roundabout way, through her cousin Russell, Bea is handed a brand new case to solve. Russell has secretly been taking boxing lessons with Gentleman Jackson, much to his mother's dismay, and his mate Howard Lewis, Viscount Ripley's maternal grandfather, Roger Drugmore, had a bad fall, hit his head and died. Now the entire family blames Ripley and Ripley wants Bea to come solve the case and absolve him of all blame. With a disgruntled Flora and her erstwhile suitor, Mr. Holcroft, in tow, Bea and the Duke head to the Drugmore family home to investigate. Flora takes charge, much to Ripley's dismay, and declares the scene of the crime shows nothing more than an accident. Bea, preoccupied with thoughts of the cherub growing in her womb, concurs. However, her beloved Damian, Duke of Kesgrave, noticed something she did not! Back to the Drugmores to relaunch the investigation. The Duke and Duchess find themselves in the midst of serious family drama. One of the Drugmores must have killed the old man, but which one? Is Ripley as silly and stupid as he appears to be or a clever and cunning villain? Will this be Bea's last investigation once Damian finds out she's expecting his heir? With centuries of Matlock tradition before him, Bea is certain her husband will want to do everything necessary to protect the future duke and ensure his survival.
This story gets off to a rocky start with too much Russell and Flora bickering, Flora's lovesick drama queen antics and the seriously Georgette Heyeresque Drugmore family. Once they abandon Flora and Damian opens his mouth, the story goes off and running. The mystery plot is straight out of Georgette Heyer and features a tyrannical patriarch and a bunch of squabbling cousins who all had motive to kill their grandfather. I did guess who the murderer was - if there indeed was one- but I wasn't 100% positive. It was just a guess based on the least likely suspects. There were enough twists and turns though to keep me reading.
The cozy part is where this series shines. I love Bea and relate to her so much. Although I had a happy, normal childhood, I'm an introvert and reading Bea's inner monologues is like reading my own thoughts. Bea spends a lot of time trying to second guess what people are going to say and I do the same thing. That part was a little tedious to read but I was so happy to see Bea and Damian investigating together again. The stories are never better than when the couple are co-sleuths. This is really his investigation but as Bea is the noted sleuth, he lets her take the lead chiming in when he has an observation. They are the cutest couple and I love it when they're alone in their carriage LOL! What turns the other on is unusual but enjoyable. They're still newlyweds, believe it or not, and so the timeline is a little ridiculous, especially for her to realize she's increasing, but I forgot about the super short timeline after awhile and just accepted it. The Duke of Kesgrave is one in a million. I love his sense of humor and most of all, I love how much he loves Bea, even when she doubts herself, even when she invites murderers to come and try to kill her! This book has a lot of amazing observations on womanhood and how we are perceived by men. I thought things had changed since Bea's time but they really haven't and I look forward to reading the final published book so I can share the quotes.
Flora is not so lucky in love. There's a story there and I need to go back and read A Lark’s Tale because there are hints about Twaddle Thumb and who he is and where he might be lurking. I guessed but it isn't confirmed, that Bea and Damian passed him but didn't realize it. I like that little extra element of mystery. Flora is obnoxious but I understand her desire to prove her intelligence to the man she's fallen for. Isn't that pretty much what Bea has done? I think Flora needs to find a new tactic and a new suitor because Holcroft is rather stuffy and proud, so far. He doesn't seem like a good match for a headstrong girl trying to sow her wild oats after a lifetime frivilous and sometimes cruel pursuits. Flora has matured and realized a lot about her past self and is trying to change. I give her a lot of credit for that and I hope she matures some more and stops with the annoying behavior. Russell is a nitwit still but he, too, has grown up. He realizes that openness, honesty and communication are important in healthy family relationships. He's TRYING to be a man when he's still a boy.
The Drugmore clan are straight out of Georgette Heyer's mystery playbook but not quite as quirky, with the exception of Ripley. Ripley is a fop plain and simple. He's a country boy fresh off his mother's leash and eager to make a dash in society. He equates all manner of bizarre things with notorioty which he thinks will get him accepted in the ton. His antics are juvenile at best and aren't serving his purpose. He fan boys Bea and dismisses Flora because she's not in the tabloids! Is he for real? The one thing I like about him is his sincerity. He truly thinks he's doing the right thing and truly believes he's going to be famous by association with Bea.
Roger Drugmore was a terrible tyrant. A new money "cit", he controls the money that his family lives off and with the money comes strings- a lot of strings! He wanted his grandchildren to marry to enhance the family holdings just as he married off his daughters to wealthy, older gentleman (who ruined their lives). His daughter Celia is the dutiful widowed daughter, waiting on her father and running his household. Her husband was as silly and stupid as Ripley and Ripley's father yet Celia's father doesn't care. Her doesn't care about sentiment or love, affection or even partners having anything in common. His dependants are just pawns in the chess game of life. He was nasty, dispicable, old-fashioned and tyrannical. I suppose he didn't deserve to be murdered but how do we know it wasn't an accident? He was elderly after all and could have fallen and hit his head on the pier table. (That's one theory, someone else has another based on a clue or lack thereof).
Matthew, the heir, enjoys the Corinthian lifestyle: coats by Weston, boots by Hoby, shooting, fishing, etc. Some other family members believe because he enjoys killing for sport, he is the murderer. Matthew is tough on the younger men and fights like cats and dogs with Ripley. He's arrogant and snooty. Matthew has an alibi for the time of the murder, or so he says. It's flimsy because he could have asked his friend to lie for him. I'm not 100% positive the timeline is correct and I'm not certain there even WAS a murder! If there was, Matthew is a very good candidate. Debtor's prison would be abhorrent to anyone, especially a Corinthian like Matthew. Clifford is another cousin, the favored grandchild because he did everything he was told to and ratted out his siblings and cousins. He's sneaky and certainly lying about something. He had the least motive of the whole family to kill his grandfather though but also doesn't have a solid alibi. Jesse is also a moron and acts like he's in a melodrama. I think he enjoys the drama but doesn't have the guts to kill anyone, let alone his grandfather. In the end, I think he was likely to do what his grandfather wanted and enjoy it because he likes being a drama llama.
The only member of the family I like and have respect for is Melody. She understands her grandfather was old-fashioned and had outdated ideas. She also thinks she could have her own way if she just tolerated her grandfather's rants. Melody volunteers at an orphanage teaching art and nursing the sick. This is her life's vocation and she's dedicated to serving others. She is not at all intrested in marriage or having children of her own. Her mother also volunteers with her but Celia is not quite as sincerely devoted to the children as Melody is. Matthew is a horrible brother to her and begrudges her the tiniest bit of independence she has managed to secure. She points out his hypocricy and he still doesn't get it. Few men, especially at this time, understand the plight of women. (I wholeheardly support and adore Mrs. Palmer and her political aims!) I hope Matthew is the murderer so Melody can be free of him. She'll be tainted and no one will want to marry her, leaving her free to become the next best thing to a nun.
Mary, the maid, discovered Roger Drugmore's body. Her screams alerted the whole household. She's matter of fact in answering Bea's questions but seems sincere. It's never the servants as much as their employers would like them to be the villains. Pauline, one of the upstairs maids, is hiding something. I wish her story was a little more fleshed out. She's hiding something for a very good reason, or so she says. Bea has no way of knowing if Pauline is telling the truth. Even though Pauline has a good reason to lie, I find her wearying, like a character in a melodrama. She's too GOOD, too NOBLE. Did she commit murder on behalf of someone else or on her own to protect her secret?
On the cozy side... Aunt Vera doesn't have to say anything because Bea imagines it all. Aunt Vera is in need of some strong smelling salts after the opening chapter. I agree with her, for once, about bare knuckle brawling, however, Russell is learning it in a controlled environment from a master. Better for him to do it that way than ask someone on the streets to show him how. Or worse- ask Ripley! Uncle Horance's shortcomings are further illuminated by his silence. I thought he was coming around and becoming a more involved, nicer parent/uncle but I guess not. He's still Mr. Bennet with his head in the sand avoiding family drama. Lady Abercrombie managed to annoy me too. She's somewhat of a fairweather godmother. She has ideas about what Bea should do and when Bea expresses free will or circumstances tug Bea in a different direction, Lady Abercrombie dares to complain. The Duke's darling grandmother is not seen but mentioned. The Duchess's latest missive made me laugh out loud.
While cherubs make me want to throw up and run away screaming, I still look forward to seeing what/if Bea gets up to next. She doesn't seem to have any problems sleuthing right now. I suspect this cherub is going to keep his/her parents on their toes and be an absolute nightmare! I actually kind of look forward to seeing the Duke and Duchess of Kesgrave as parents, as long as they're still in love and making out in carriages.
I am eager to read the finished published version of this book after I go back and read about Twaddle Thumb.
January 13, 2023
The Duchess comes through! With a little help from her friends!
A scintillating and baffling puzzle has Duchess Beatrice Hyde-Clare rather stumped and wondering just what’s happened. Roger Dunmore has been found dead on the floor of his bedroom. Seemingly he tripped and fell. His grandson, Viscount Ripley who aspires to social recognition figures if he can interest the Kesgraves in a possible murder, then this is the route to take. The stiir his murder would cause would mean Ripley might just have pulled off a social coup as he would then be mentioned by Mr. Twaddle-Thum.
Only it seems there’s more truth in his hazarded guess than first thought for Kesgrave has noticed a detail that had escaped Beatrice.
Meanwhile Beatrice is nursing a secret and is soulfully wondering if Kesgrave will curtail her investigations when she reveals it.
Flora is in high dudgeon over perceived slurs upon her capabilities as a certain Mr. Holcroft is the focus of her ire. Her determination to join the investigation is fully aroused.
Another fun read with our eccentric and unexpected Duchess.
A Book Whisperer ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher
A scintillating and baffling puzzle has Duchess Beatrice Hyde-Clare rather stumped and wondering just what’s happened. Roger Dunmore has been found dead on the floor of his bedroom. Seemingly he tripped and fell. His grandson, Viscount Ripley who aspires to social recognition figures if he can interest the Kesgraves in a possible murder, then this is the route to take. The stiir his murder would cause would mean Ripley might just have pulled off a social coup as he would then be mentioned by Mr. Twaddle-Thum.
Only it seems there’s more truth in his hazarded guess than first thought for Kesgrave has noticed a detail that had escaped Beatrice.
Meanwhile Beatrice is nursing a secret and is soulfully wondering if Kesgrave will curtail her investigations when she reveals it.
Flora is in high dudgeon over perceived slurs upon her capabilities as a certain Mr. Holcroft is the focus of her ire. Her determination to join the investigation is fully aroused.
Another fun read with our eccentric and unexpected Duchess.
A Book Whisperer ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher
January 4, 2023
What a charming and delightful Regency period mystery this is. Although it is the eleventh installment in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare novels by gifted writer, Lynn Messina, I did not find myself asea trying to track the characters and the cumulative story. There was sufficient background provided, that one could leap into this book with both feet and not miss a step. There are a few enticing references to scenarios from previous installments which only make the desire stronger to go back to the beginning and get the full story and all its developments.
From page one, the story read like a Mozart comic opera - absolute shear farce! But after a few chapters, the gravity of the situation begins to take shape. It would appear that a murder has taken place after all, and the Duchess of Kesgrave will do whatever it takes to sort the clues and deliver her assessment as requested. Although many of of the character are far from perfect, their flaws reveal their humanity resulting in this reader's empathy for the characters and a touch of sorrow for the situations in which they find themselves. The moral messages threaded throughout the book give one cause to ponder.
Ms. Messina has done a terrific job of capturing the social mores of the aristocratic class of Regency England. She pokes a bit of fun at all the rules by which one must live one's life. She also brings to light the struggles which women particularly faced back in those days and the social constrictures placed upon them. Heaven forbid that they should step out of line. Any such action will only land them in the tattle sheets of the local newspaper - as well they do in this story.
Ms. Messina's writing is clear and concise. The mise-en-scène is spot on. The mystery proffers a number of red herrings with any number of the characters having a motive for the murder. This was certainly an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more by this fine writer.
I am grateful to Ms. Messina and her publisher, Potatoworks Press, for having provided a complimentary advance reader copy (ARC) of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
From page one, the story read like a Mozart comic opera - absolute shear farce! But after a few chapters, the gravity of the situation begins to take shape. It would appear that a murder has taken place after all, and the Duchess of Kesgrave will do whatever it takes to sort the clues and deliver her assessment as requested. Although many of of the character are far from perfect, their flaws reveal their humanity resulting in this reader's empathy for the characters and a touch of sorrow for the situations in which they find themselves. The moral messages threaded throughout the book give one cause to ponder.
Ms. Messina has done a terrific job of capturing the social mores of the aristocratic class of Regency England. She pokes a bit of fun at all the rules by which one must live one's life. She also brings to light the struggles which women particularly faced back in those days and the social constrictures placed upon them. Heaven forbid that they should step out of line. Any such action will only land them in the tattle sheets of the local newspaper - as well they do in this story.
Ms. Messina's writing is clear and concise. The mise-en-scène is spot on. The mystery proffers a number of red herrings with any number of the characters having a motive for the murder. This was certainly an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more by this fine writer.
I am grateful to Ms. Messina and her publisher, Potatoworks Press, for having provided a complimentary advance reader copy (ARC) of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
December 23, 2022
Bea and Kesgrave recapture some of their investigative sparkle in this latest outing. I enjoyed this one more than some of the previous titles, as the crime and the path of the investigation seem to give the reader a pretty fair shot at figuring out what happened, which I appreciate.
Bea's deeply hidden insecurities about her marriage and her identity have been the subject of (extensive) rumination for many, many books now, but I'm happy to report that even though they're still present, they're reined in a bit. And they're also made more relevant by the introduction of a new phase of life for her and Kesgrave. All in all, this volume picked up the pace and added a bit of needed freshness for the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and The Book Whisperer for this advance review copy!
Bea's deeply hidden insecurities about her marriage and her identity have been the subject of (extensive) rumination for many, many books now, but I'm happy to report that even though they're still present, they're reined in a bit. And they're also made more relevant by the introduction of a new phase of life for her and Kesgrave. All in all, this volume picked up the pace and added a bit of needed freshness for the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and The Book Whisperer for this advance review copy!
March 13, 2023
Looks like my Beatrice binge is over for now as this is the current last of the series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and series, and even when I figured out the murderers early on, I still had fun with the story and dialogue. On to new books!
January 11, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mystery
Publication Date: 1/13/23
Period: Regency - London
Number of Pages: 310
As usual, this author has provided us with an entertaining and well-crafted read. Our murderer is among an insanely dysfunctional family that will almost remind you of the old Keystone Cops movies. When you add Bea’s wild and wooly family into the mix, you have a recipe for total and utter chaos – along with some witty and humorous banter. As always, we have a lot of Bea’s internal dialogue to know what she is really thinking – and most of that internal dialogue centers around the fact that she is expecting a ‘cherub’ and is afraid she’s going to have to curtail her investigating. Oh! My! I sure do hope that isn’t the author actually thinking of ending the series.
Roger Dugmore, a man who is old and feeble, died when he was trying to get out of bed, fell, and hit his head on a table. Or is that what happened? You’ll know for sure after Bea and Kesgrave finish their investigation. Dugmore’s grandson, Viscount Ripley, asked for their help – mostly as a lark. You see, Ripley is very young, very naïve, very immature, and very determined to come to the notice of Mr. Twaddle Thum so he can be featured in his gossip column.
Bea is distracted by the news that she is 'with child' and initially misses an important clue. Thus, she believes this really is just a horrible accident – until Kesgrave shares what he has noticed. So, murder it is, and there are plenty of suspects with several grown grandchildren and a daughter all living in the home.
As the investigation progresses, they learn that grampa wasn’t the nicest of men. He ruled his family with an iron hand and had no compunction about blackmailing or otherwise coercing his own family into doing his bidding. With so many suspects and alibis floating around it seems almost impossible to find the solution. But, of course, they do.
While murder is a serious subject, the author always manages to slip in plenty of wit and humor along with side stories to make the darker topic more tolerable. As always, this story was rife with Americanisms – just in case you needed to know that. The characters are engaging and fun, and the side stories keep it really interesting. Again, as always, there is a lot of self-dialogue on Bea’s part – sometimes that causes me to skip some paragraphs – sometimes it doesn’t. At any rate, it is an enjoyable read and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mystery
Publication Date: 1/13/23
Period: Regency - London
Number of Pages: 310
As usual, this author has provided us with an entertaining and well-crafted read. Our murderer is among an insanely dysfunctional family that will almost remind you of the old Keystone Cops movies. When you add Bea’s wild and wooly family into the mix, you have a recipe for total and utter chaos – along with some witty and humorous banter. As always, we have a lot of Bea’s internal dialogue to know what she is really thinking – and most of that internal dialogue centers around the fact that she is expecting a ‘cherub’ and is afraid she’s going to have to curtail her investigating. Oh! My! I sure do hope that isn’t the author actually thinking of ending the series.
Roger Dugmore, a man who is old and feeble, died when he was trying to get out of bed, fell, and hit his head on a table. Or is that what happened? You’ll know for sure after Bea and Kesgrave finish their investigation. Dugmore’s grandson, Viscount Ripley, asked for their help – mostly as a lark. You see, Ripley is very young, very naïve, very immature, and very determined to come to the notice of Mr. Twaddle Thum so he can be featured in his gossip column.
Bea is distracted by the news that she is 'with child' and initially misses an important clue. Thus, she believes this really is just a horrible accident – until Kesgrave shares what he has noticed. So, murder it is, and there are plenty of suspects with several grown grandchildren and a daughter all living in the home.
As the investigation progresses, they learn that grampa wasn’t the nicest of men. He ruled his family with an iron hand and had no compunction about blackmailing or otherwise coercing his own family into doing his bidding. With so many suspects and alibis floating around it seems almost impossible to find the solution. But, of course, they do.
While murder is a serious subject, the author always manages to slip in plenty of wit and humor along with side stories to make the darker topic more tolerable. As always, this story was rife with Americanisms – just in case you needed to know that. The characters are engaging and fun, and the side stories keep it really interesting. Again, as always, there is a lot of self-dialogue on Bea’s part – sometimes that causes me to skip some paragraphs – sometimes it doesn’t. At any rate, it is an enjoyable read and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 1, 2023
I absolutely love this series and I've read all the books so far! I love the way Bea and Kesgrave's relationship has evolved through the series and it's so fun to read their interactions.
In this story, it's Kesgrave who notices something is not right when he and Bea are called to solve an alleged crime. This one was quite the story! So many people had motive and opportunity, and it was quite the ride to the end to see who had done it.
The way she finally tells Damian she's expecting is just so like Bea, and the ending, with both of them in the carriage, is perfect!
Can't wait for the next story!
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
In this story, it's Kesgrave who notices something is not right when he and Bea are called to solve an alleged crime. This one was quite the story! So many people had motive and opportunity, and it was quite the ride to the end to see who had done it.
The way she finally tells Damian she's expecting is just so like Bea, and the ending, with both of them in the carriage, is perfect!
Can't wait for the next story!
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
January 13, 2023
I reread A Boldly Daring Scheme last night when I realized this book was coming out today. I love this series and this book was one of the best. It is a bit silly in places for sure but it overcomes that quite nicely by the inner monologue of Beatrice. This mystery was twisty and kept me guessing but I wish Bea had not solved this one. Flora was an added bonus and so wish she could have another book of her own.
May 15, 2024
My first venture following Bea on a suspected murder case. Bea is thinking this is not a murder, but an act for recognition by the London Daily Gazette's Mr. Twaddle-Thum. It's Bea's husband, the Duke of Kesgrave, who notices something she missed. Bea's thoughts are the predominant part of the book. If you can keep up with her thought processes among the chaos, you have a clear inside view of figuring out the murderer and why they did it. Entertaining murder mystery series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
April 11, 2023
Another delightful addition to the series, although I do very much wish Bea would stop assuming the worst of Damien and start giving him the benefit of the doubt as he very much deserves. He has never let her down and constantly assuming he will is frustrating to this reader.
April 19, 2023
Another good book in this series, though I’m still hoping that Kesgrave would have a bigger part in helping to solve the mysteries.
January 15, 2023
It’s always fun to dip back into the world of Beatrice and Damien. Their relationship is as much a joy as ever; I loved the cute little moments between them in this one - The romance definitely takes more of a backseat now - which is understandable - but still manages to be quite romantic and tender.
The mystery in this one was good, too; I think I preferred it to some of the more recent ones. It was twisty, with just enough clues dropped here ant there that I felt able to try and work it out myself. The suspects were all infuriating figures and were quite well-drawn given how briefly some of them appeared.
I did think though that this took a while to get going - the opening felt very dense to me. I love Flora’s character - I find her delightful and funny - but I did want slightly less of the Hyde-Clares in general. But that might just be because I love the dynamic between Beatrice and Damien so much.
Overall, though, I thought this was a very solid installment in this series and I had a lot of fun reading it.
Content Notes: Established relationship.
Warnings:
Other: .
The mystery in this one was good, too; I think I preferred it to some of the more recent ones. It was twisty, with just enough clues dropped here ant there that I felt able to try and work it out myself. The suspects were all infuriating figures and were quite well-drawn given how briefly some of them appeared.
I did think though that this took a while to get going - the opening felt very dense to me. I love Flora’s character - I find her delightful and funny - but I did want slightly less of the Hyde-Clares in general. But that might just be because I love the dynamic between Beatrice and Damien so much.
Overall, though, I thought this was a very solid installment in this series and I had a lot of fun reading it.
Content Notes: Established relationship.
Warnings:
Other: .
January 16, 2023
Criminological plot fail
This book is poorly conceived filler in an otherwise excellent series.
Warning spoilers ahead.
Do not read if you do not want to have significant aspects of the plot spoiled.
I am likely to reread this book and hope that when I do, I form a more favorable opinion, but upon the first review I find myself appalled that the author persists on perpetuating the pretense that women commit violent homicide at a similar rate as men commit violent homicide against both women and other men. The reality is that women are 8x more likely to be killed by a male family member member than a man is to be killed by a female family member. In fact, a male family member is more likely to be killed by a male family member than a female family member. What is coloring my thoughts here and now, despite having looked forward to reading this book for several months and having enjoyed the series generally, is that not only do I have a degree in criminology, but I recently read an account of a man who murdered his five children, his wife, and his mother-in-law before turning the weapon on himself. The obituary for the murderer extolled the virtue of his character as that of a loving husband and father.
Globally, men commit 9.9 homicides for every 2 homicides committed by a woman. In terms of familial violence, women are the victim in 82% of cases. This sharply contrasts with Lynn Messina’s alternate universe where women routinely bludgeon men to death over real and perceived slights. The author has Beatrice Hyde-Clare momentarily fear dying in childbirth in this book, without acknowledging that the number one cause of death for pregnant women is homicide - most frequently committed by their intimate partner. As such, I simply could not suspend my disbelief enough to buy into the highly flawed premise that the daughter drugged her father with laudanum in order to bash his head in and kill him. It made no sense at all. If she was going to drug him, why not simply overdose him? To go over-the-top by adding in obvious physical violence to guarantee that there would be suspicion of murder was patently absurd. She pulled her drugged, unconscious father out of bed to violently slam his head against the table? No one noticed the sound of his body hitting the floor as she pulled his limp body from the bed, then hefted him into an upright position so she could slam his head hitting the table? It was such an obvious retread of the previous books in the series that featured female murderesses that I genuinely feel embarrassed for the author.
This book is poorly conceived filler in an otherwise excellent series.
Warning spoilers ahead.
Do not read if you do not want to have significant aspects of the plot spoiled.
I am likely to reread this book and hope that when I do, I form a more favorable opinion, but upon the first review I find myself appalled that the author persists on perpetuating the pretense that women commit violent homicide at a similar rate as men commit violent homicide against both women and other men. The reality is that women are 8x more likely to be killed by a male family member member than a man is to be killed by a female family member. In fact, a male family member is more likely to be killed by a male family member than a female family member. What is coloring my thoughts here and now, despite having looked forward to reading this book for several months and having enjoyed the series generally, is that not only do I have a degree in criminology, but I recently read an account of a man who murdered his five children, his wife, and his mother-in-law before turning the weapon on himself. The obituary for the murderer extolled the virtue of his character as that of a loving husband and father.
Globally, men commit 9.9 homicides for every 2 homicides committed by a woman. In terms of familial violence, women are the victim in 82% of cases. This sharply contrasts with Lynn Messina’s alternate universe where women routinely bludgeon men to death over real and perceived slights. The author has Beatrice Hyde-Clare momentarily fear dying in childbirth in this book, without acknowledging that the number one cause of death for pregnant women is homicide - most frequently committed by their intimate partner. As such, I simply could not suspend my disbelief enough to buy into the highly flawed premise that the daughter drugged her father with laudanum in order to bash his head in and kill him. It made no sense at all. If she was going to drug him, why not simply overdose him? To go over-the-top by adding in obvious physical violence to guarantee that there would be suspicion of murder was patently absurd. She pulled her drugged, unconscious father out of bed to violently slam his head against the table? No one noticed the sound of his body hitting the floor as she pulled his limp body from the bed, then hefted him into an upright position so she could slam his head hitting the table? It was such an obvious retread of the previous books in the series that featured female murderesses that I genuinely feel embarrassed for the author.
January 29, 2023
A couple of years ago I had Kindle unlimited for a bit and I binged my way through the first 8 books in this series over a couple of weeks. Since then I've really wanted to buy physical copies for my over stuffed bookshelves. They are available in paperback omnibus form of 3 stories per volume and one day they will be mine.
They are Regency Era cozy mysteries with excellent banter and mysteries that I at least don't easily guess.
In the first book A Brazen curiosity 26 year old orphan Beatrice Hyde-Clare is the put upon spinster relation of her family, treated more as a servant. Bea is meek and mild and hiding behind a book. While at house party hosted by friends of her (unpleasant) Aunt Bea stumbles upon the body of one of the house guests and also the very much alive, very annoying in Bea's opinion Duke of Kesgrave (he's also young, rich and good looking). At first they both think each other is the killer but eventually team up to solve the crime and then ten more books (so far) of crimes because some how Bea keeps stumbling across dead bodies even when she tries really hard to give up crime solving.
Solving crimes really brings Bea out of her shell and she gives up being a timid little mouse much to her aunt's eternal dismay.
Bea and the Duke may be my favourite fictional couple, certainly my favourite crime solving duo. I LOVE their banter.
I have also love seeing Bea grow, come out of her shell and accept herself over the series.
In this latest story Bea and the Duke are investigating the death of a rich old man who loved to control the lives of his adult grandchildren, threatening them with disinheritance and blackmailing them into marriages they don't want. Maybe the old man fell out of bed? or maybe he was pushed? Bea is going to find out. Everyone thought the death was an accident until his foppish, dimwitted grandson Ripley attempts to become famous by association by having it become common knowledge that Beatrice, the famous crime solving Duchess has cleared his name of a crime no one actually thought was a murder.... until now.
Now that Bea and the Duke have reviewed the circumstances of the death they are sure it is indeed murder but which grandchild is the killer? Or is it the dead man's daughter? One of the servants? Maybe the whole house is in on it? Everyone seems to have a motive and an alibi.
I do recommend reading the series in order as there is plenty of characters and family drama that carries on from one book to the next plus I enjoyed seeing Bea grow as the series progresses and watching Bea and the Duke banter their way through crime solving and life.
They are Regency Era cozy mysteries with excellent banter and mysteries that I at least don't easily guess.
In the first book A Brazen curiosity 26 year old orphan Beatrice Hyde-Clare is the put upon spinster relation of her family, treated more as a servant. Bea is meek and mild and hiding behind a book. While at house party hosted by friends of her (unpleasant) Aunt Bea stumbles upon the body of one of the house guests and also the very much alive, very annoying in Bea's opinion Duke of Kesgrave (he's also young, rich and good looking). At first they both think each other is the killer but eventually team up to solve the crime and then ten more books (so far) of crimes because some how Bea keeps stumbling across dead bodies even when she tries really hard to give up crime solving.
Solving crimes really brings Bea out of her shell and she gives up being a timid little mouse much to her aunt's eternal dismay.
Bea and the Duke may be my favourite fictional couple, certainly my favourite crime solving duo. I LOVE their banter.
I have also love seeing Bea grow, come out of her shell and accept herself over the series.
In this latest story Bea and the Duke are investigating the death of a rich old man who loved to control the lives of his adult grandchildren, threatening them with disinheritance and blackmailing them into marriages they don't want. Maybe the old man fell out of bed? or maybe he was pushed? Bea is going to find out. Everyone thought the death was an accident until his foppish, dimwitted grandson Ripley attempts to become famous by association by having it become common knowledge that Beatrice, the famous crime solving Duchess has cleared his name of a crime no one actually thought was a murder.... until now.
Now that Bea and the Duke have reviewed the circumstances of the death they are sure it is indeed murder but which grandchild is the killer? Or is it the dead man's daughter? One of the servants? Maybe the whole house is in on it? Everyone seems to have a motive and an alibi.
I do recommend reading the series in order as there is plenty of characters and family drama that carries on from one book to the next plus I enjoyed seeing Bea grow as the series progresses and watching Bea and the Duke banter their way through crime solving and life.
March 23, 2024
Continues To Be A Favorite Series
This is definitely staying in my favorites. If you are new to these books you'll want to go back and start at book 1. They really should be read in order for the best experience.
I find it sad when a series dies shortly after the couple finds each other and gets married, and I worried early on in this series that it would happen here as well... but so far it has not and isn't showing signs that it will. I love the relationship that Bea and the Duke have and the humour goes a long way to make these books more enjoyable. Experiencing the character growth and watching their journey is just such fun and I look forward to hopefully many more. I stick by my description of this series being the best mixture of an Agatha Christie mystery with the era and writing style of Jane Austen - really what could be better?
Without giving too much away I did enjoy this one with the nod back to some personally haunting memories of Bea's early childhood. It showed a side that those with childhood trauma can identify with and seeing her stubbornly push through with the Duke's help was sweet. The mystery as always has a tangle of twists that keep you on your toes and is very engaging for the reader.
Parents- PG13 - high school and up readers
Language- none
Violence- PG- murders are kept free of overly graphic detail
Sexual Content- PG13- there is just a matter of a week or two between books so they are still very much newlyweds and while there are no actual sex scenes there are a lot of make-out scenes with some pretty steamy lead-ups to the door closing, them adjusting clothing back into place, and teasing each other about better uses of time and the like
The narrator is as always top-notch and one of the few that I can't listen to sped up because she's just that good. She just fits the characters so perfectly, has phenomenal differentiations, and is simply a lot of fun to listen to. In my book, Jill Smith is up there with narrators like Jim Dale who have ruined me for the lesser skilled narrators.
This is definitely staying in my favorites. If you are new to these books you'll want to go back and start at book 1. They really should be read in order for the best experience.
I find it sad when a series dies shortly after the couple finds each other and gets married, and I worried early on in this series that it would happen here as well... but so far it has not and isn't showing signs that it will. I love the relationship that Bea and the Duke have and the humour goes a long way to make these books more enjoyable. Experiencing the character growth and watching their journey is just such fun and I look forward to hopefully many more. I stick by my description of this series being the best mixture of an Agatha Christie mystery with the era and writing style of Jane Austen - really what could be better?
Without giving too much away I did enjoy this one with the nod back to some personally haunting memories of Bea's early childhood. It showed a side that those with childhood trauma can identify with and seeing her stubbornly push through with the Duke's help was sweet. The mystery as always has a tangle of twists that keep you on your toes and is very engaging for the reader.
Parents- PG13 - high school and up readers
Language- none
Violence- PG- murders are kept free of overly graphic detail
Sexual Content- PG13- there is just a matter of a week or two between books so they are still very much newlyweds and while there are no actual sex scenes there are a lot of make-out scenes with some pretty steamy lead-ups to the door closing, them adjusting clothing back into place, and teasing each other about better uses of time and the like
The narrator is as always top-notch and one of the few that I can't listen to sped up because she's just that good. She just fits the characters so perfectly, has phenomenal differentiations, and is simply a lot of fun to listen to. In my book, Jill Smith is up there with narrators like Jim Dale who have ruined me for the lesser skilled narrators.
January 12, 2023
Many thanks to NetGalley and Potatoworks Press for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review An Extravagant Duplicity. All opinions and comments are my own.
Her career is over. So the Duchess of Kesgrave thinks, in An Extravagant Duplicity, the latest in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare series of historical mysteries by Lynn Messina. Because she’s a few months away from having a “cherub,” as she calls her pending pregnancy. Such an event will mean the duke will put a halt to all her detecting activities. And beset as she is with worrying about this, she misses the clue that the duke sees -- that a man has indeed been murdered.
You would think that this would be a satisfactory investigation. There’s plenty of suspects, for instance (a whole bunch of unlikeable characters, none of which I cared about one whit). It was because the book was so taken up with spending an inordinate amount of time going on about family matters; not just the pregnancy, but there’s cousin Flo and her love life to worry about, too. And if I had to hear one more time about a certain gossip columnist, well, let me just say that all of that was tedious in the extreme, and detracted from what was actually a finely drawn murder enquiry. And never mind the heavy hints over the actual identity of that columnist, and whether “he” actually exists. At this point, I don’t even care.
Bea and her duke come up with the reason -- and the perpetrator -- why a family patriarch had to die, of course. “Actions have consequences,” as the author reminds an unhappy family -- and us readers.
Ms. Messina’s understanding of the time period is exemplary, as always. But this entry in the series was disappointing to me, too full of folderol. I found the circumstances of the “case” rather saddening, and at the end just wanted the whole thing over, although we do get one plot point to be happy about, at least. Hopefully the next book in the series will pick up the pace a bit.
Her career is over. So the Duchess of Kesgrave thinks, in An Extravagant Duplicity, the latest in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare series of historical mysteries by Lynn Messina. Because she’s a few months away from having a “cherub,” as she calls her pending pregnancy. Such an event will mean the duke will put a halt to all her detecting activities. And beset as she is with worrying about this, she misses the clue that the duke sees -- that a man has indeed been murdered.
You would think that this would be a satisfactory investigation. There’s plenty of suspects, for instance (a whole bunch of unlikeable characters, none of which I cared about one whit). It was because the book was so taken up with spending an inordinate amount of time going on about family matters; not just the pregnancy, but there’s cousin Flo and her love life to worry about, too. And if I had to hear one more time about a certain gossip columnist, well, let me just say that all of that was tedious in the extreme, and detracted from what was actually a finely drawn murder enquiry. And never mind the heavy hints over the actual identity of that columnist, and whether “he” actually exists. At this point, I don’t even care.
Bea and her duke come up with the reason -- and the perpetrator -- why a family patriarch had to die, of course. “Actions have consequences,” as the author reminds an unhappy family -- and us readers.
Ms. Messina’s understanding of the time period is exemplary, as always. But this entry in the series was disappointing to me, too full of folderol. I found the circumstances of the “case” rather saddening, and at the end just wanted the whole thing over, although we do get one plot point to be happy about, at least. Hopefully the next book in the series will pick up the pace a bit.
January 20, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
I have read this series from book 1 and I have now felt that I have invested so much into the characters that my interest in the series has transcended the actual individual mysteries. Because I found the actual mystery in this story, about who killed the elderly, dictatorial, manipulative patriarch of a family of somewhat unlikeable people to be fair, but not memorable.
However I love Beatrice Hyde-Clare, now Her Grace, Lady Beatrice, the Duchess of Kesgrave, her inner insights and reflections, and her relationship with her loving, indulgent, modern thinking, pedantic duke. I also love her flawed relationship with her quirky and flawed family and am now also drawn into her cousin's romantic drama, which is playing out in this novel as well.
Beatrice finds herself in an interesting condition now, and is worried about how it will affect her ability to engage in investigations. She is drawn into meeting a family to inquire into the death of their grandfather, by her cousin Russell, and initially determines it to be an accident caused by a frail old man falling against a table in his bedroom. She then worries that her condition is causing her to miss details when her loving husband picks up on a detail that she missed, that determines it really was a murder. Then she frets about losing her freedom to investigate, period, because surely when Kesgrave finds out about the baby, he will insist on stifling her activities to keep her safe.
The joy to this series for me is the continuing relationships of the characters involved and their various quirks and foibles and how they are amusingly drawn out. Again the mystery was fair, but not outstanding for me.
3.5 stars out of 5
I have read this series from book 1 and I have now felt that I have invested so much into the characters that my interest in the series has transcended the actual individual mysteries. Because I found the actual mystery in this story, about who killed the elderly, dictatorial, manipulative patriarch of a family of somewhat unlikeable people to be fair, but not memorable.
However I love Beatrice Hyde-Clare, now Her Grace, Lady Beatrice, the Duchess of Kesgrave, her inner insights and reflections, and her relationship with her loving, indulgent, modern thinking, pedantic duke. I also love her flawed relationship with her quirky and flawed family and am now also drawn into her cousin's romantic drama, which is playing out in this novel as well.
Beatrice finds herself in an interesting condition now, and is worried about how it will affect her ability to engage in investigations. She is drawn into meeting a family to inquire into the death of their grandfather, by her cousin Russell, and initially determines it to be an accident caused by a frail old man falling against a table in his bedroom. She then worries that her condition is causing her to miss details when her loving husband picks up on a detail that she missed, that determines it really was a murder. Then she frets about losing her freedom to investigate, period, because surely when Kesgrave finds out about the baby, he will insist on stifling her activities to keep her safe.
The joy to this series for me is the continuing relationships of the characters involved and their various quirks and foibles and how they are amusingly drawn out. Again the mystery was fair, but not outstanding for me.
3.5 stars out of 5
January 7, 2023
*This review is based on a complementary ARC received from NetGalley*
I have to start by saying i am completely new to this author, and did not even realize this was a part of a (long) series until i had started reading, so my review may be colored by my unawareness. That said, here goes!
This is not a book to be binged. It is not a book where you start reading as a nightcap and then stay awake past your bedtime to cram it in. No, this is a book that has to be read slowly - and savored - because every sentence in this book is pure gold and worthy of full concentration. Obviously, it is hilarious, and enjoyable and so, so fun!
I grew up reading mystery books but have veered away from the genre for a while. This book reminded me just how much I adore typical whodunits. This book has all the best parts of a mystery book, mixed in with my current favorite - historical romance plus a little of the all-time favorite- humor! And just when I was beginning to think the book is solely light-hearted fun, there is a touch of angst, which serves to give an added depth to both characters and plot. Very nicely done!
Bea is an amazing character, and sometimes the duke felt very insipid next to her (this may be a consequence of my not having read the previous books).
My only little issue was that at places, it started feeling a little too repetitive. Otherwise, in terms of plot, humor, prose, characters - it is top-notch!! Most importantly, I seem to have found a new series and new author to love, and I am very excited to read some other books by Lynn Messina!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for this book!
I have to start by saying i am completely new to this author, and did not even realize this was a part of a (long) series until i had started reading, so my review may be colored by my unawareness. That said, here goes!
This is not a book to be binged. It is not a book where you start reading as a nightcap and then stay awake past your bedtime to cram it in. No, this is a book that has to be read slowly - and savored - because every sentence in this book is pure gold and worthy of full concentration. Obviously, it is hilarious, and enjoyable and so, so fun!
I grew up reading mystery books but have veered away from the genre for a while. This book reminded me just how much I adore typical whodunits. This book has all the best parts of a mystery book, mixed in with my current favorite - historical romance plus a little of the all-time favorite- humor! And just when I was beginning to think the book is solely light-hearted fun, there is a touch of angst, which serves to give an added depth to both characters and plot. Very nicely done!
Bea is an amazing character, and sometimes the duke felt very insipid next to her (this may be a consequence of my not having read the previous books).
My only little issue was that at places, it started feeling a little too repetitive. Otherwise, in terms of plot, humor, prose, characters - it is top-notch!! Most importantly, I seem to have found a new series and new author to love, and I am very excited to read some other books by Lynn Messina!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for this book!
February 1, 2023
Lady Kesgrave has been requested to do an investigation into the death of Roger Dugmore via her cousin Russell. Her other cousin, Flora, is in quite a to-do with her love interest and so decides to tag along and even take over the investigation. The Lady is not quite herself these days so misses some important clues when they are visiting the Dugmore house and decides the death was actually an accident.. Once her husband Damian points out what she has missed, they return and carry on (but no longer with Flora in charge.) Thus begins another enjoyable investigation from Bea and Damian.
This was just as witty and clever as previous books in the series and I loved reading it. The fact that Bea is now expecting adds a new dimension to her inner monologue as she tries to decide when and where to share the news with her husband. I like the way her cousins become less the children of their parents and more independent and decent human beings in their own right. Flora is not quite so flighty and Russell has his own plans for the future, despite the protests of his mother. There's still the shadow of Mr. Twaddle Thum over the family although there's still no way to stop the gossip writer in his tracks. Not to mention that the main reason they are even involved in the case is due to the desire of one viscount to be noticed and commented upon himself.
Overall, it was another delightful read and I look forward to finding out what happens in the next instalment of the series. I give this 3.5 stars and thank Netgalley and The Book Whisperer for the advanced reader copy. I have provided this review completely voluntarily.
This was just as witty and clever as previous books in the series and I loved reading it. The fact that Bea is now expecting adds a new dimension to her inner monologue as she tries to decide when and where to share the news with her husband. I like the way her cousins become less the children of their parents and more independent and decent human beings in their own right. Flora is not quite so flighty and Russell has his own plans for the future, despite the protests of his mother. There's still the shadow of Mr. Twaddle Thum over the family although there's still no way to stop the gossip writer in his tracks. Not to mention that the main reason they are even involved in the case is due to the desire of one viscount to be noticed and commented upon himself.
Overall, it was another delightful read and I look forward to finding out what happens in the next instalment of the series. I give this 3.5 stars and thank Netgalley and The Book Whisperer for the advanced reader copy. I have provided this review completely voluntarily.
January 12, 2023
I thank the author and The Book Whisperer for offering access to this ARC. This novel is #11 in the long-running Regency cozy series by Lynn Messina. Our heroine, the shy, charming Beatrice Hyde-Clare has settled into married life with the Duke of Kesgrave. She has made a name for herself with her unusual investigations into society murders.
The emphasis here is on a “cozy” detachment from the physical ugliness of this crime, first thought to be an accident. We spend much more time on Beatrice’s anxious internal monologues, which weave from her childhood trauma of losing her parents to her spinsterhood and ultimately her current extremely high status in the “ton” due to her marriage. She’s a worrier, which is charming at the beginning but I found myself losing patience as the story continued.
As Beatrice investigates the family of the dead man, the high-society male elites of London are portrayed as supremely silly, while the women chafe at their restrictions and lack of agency. The women are the center of this tale. The resolution of the crime was very sad to me, as the women were punished for their attempts to have a positive outcome. Okay, the murder was a bad thing. . . but he sure seemed to deserve it. We exit stage left with our heroine and her husband, before the ugly consequences for this family can be seen. Again, super cozy!
As a light Regency romance/mystery, this story succeeds as a comfortable, breezy read. Ms. Messina is a reliable storyteller and I will enjoy future installments. 3.5 stars.
The emphasis here is on a “cozy” detachment from the physical ugliness of this crime, first thought to be an accident. We spend much more time on Beatrice’s anxious internal monologues, which weave from her childhood trauma of losing her parents to her spinsterhood and ultimately her current extremely high status in the “ton” due to her marriage. She’s a worrier, which is charming at the beginning but I found myself losing patience as the story continued.
As Beatrice investigates the family of the dead man, the high-society male elites of London are portrayed as supremely silly, while the women chafe at their restrictions and lack of agency. The women are the center of this tale. The resolution of the crime was very sad to me, as the women were punished for their attempts to have a positive outcome. Okay, the murder was a bad thing. . . but he sure seemed to deserve it. We exit stage left with our heroine and her husband, before the ugly consequences for this family can be seen. Again, super cozy!
As a light Regency romance/mystery, this story succeeds as a comfortable, breezy read. Ms. Messina is a reliable storyteller and I will enjoy future installments. 3.5 stars.
May 4, 2023
Thank you Netgalley, Lynn Messina, and publishers for gifting me a copy of your book in return for my honest opinion.
4/5 stars
Beatrice Hyde-Clair is happily married to the Duke of Kesgrave when she finds herself pregnant and it causes her to overlook obvious clues that Rodger Dugmore had been murdered in his sleep. She is summoned to the scene by his grandson and Bea assumes that he is just trying to start drama to get noticed in the gossip columns, but when the Duke sees something that she doesn't Bea starts to wonder if the baby is going to cause her to lose her detective prowess. Will Bea be able to continue investigating crimes?
I love a strong female character and Bea never disappoints! Even married and pregnant Bea I'm in love with! I love her inner monologues to herself, you get to see what she is going through at the moment and how pregnancy has changed her. I love her and Damian together they really are so well-suited for each other, between the way that they banter back and forth to their sense of humor. I also got a chuckle when they were in the carriage together and what got them excited.
Out of all the books, this one was the easiest to guess who the murderer was... but there were enough twists and turns in the book that had me second-guessing myself at points. Fiona is slowly growing on me, at the beginning of this book she was very dramatic but by the end, I didn't mind her. This was a wonderful cozy, and I can't wait for the next book to come out in the series.
September 11, 2023
3.5 - Not bad! Above average. But I cannot give it a 4, when comparing it to other of the Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries I have given a 4.. (But perhaps I will change it later XD)
Having now caught up with this wonderful series, which I started in April, I am truly amazed how it and its characters (especially Bea and Kesgrave of course!) have won me.
The very character development Bea has gone through - from shyly, almost stuttering, revealing the murderer in the Lake District in book one - to confidently speaking her mind and point out killers now, is wonderful.
Kesgrave being the most wonderful and supporting husband, with good humour as well - and leaves my heart swelling!
But to be true, I was more engaged in Bea and Kesgrave in this one, than the mystery. I truly liked the fact, that it was Kesgrave who spotted the first clue for it to be murder and that Bea felt a bit overwhelmed in this one - but as much as I LOVE Bea and Kesgrave moments and team-work, I just appreciate the novel more, when it balances with the excitement of the mystery.
I did not find this one as particular exciting - I actually found many of the characters annoying (especially Ripley) - which I know is the intention, but it just did not make it AS enjoyable for me. And why I cannot give it 4 stars.
Nevertheless this one has become one of my favourite series. I ADORE Bea and Kesgrave and can't wait to see where their story and mysteries will lead. (Although the sad thing about catching up with the series is that now I will have to wait for new ones to get released...)
Having now caught up with this wonderful series, which I started in April, I am truly amazed how it and its characters (especially Bea and Kesgrave of course!) have won me.
The very character development Bea has gone through - from shyly, almost stuttering, revealing the murderer in the Lake District in book one - to confidently speaking her mind and point out killers now, is wonderful.
Kesgrave being the most wonderful and supporting husband, with good humour as well - and leaves my heart swelling!
But to be true, I was more engaged in Bea and Kesgrave in this one, than the mystery. I truly liked the fact, that it was Kesgrave who spotted the first clue for it to be murder and that Bea felt a bit overwhelmed in this one - but as much as I LOVE Bea and Kesgrave moments and team-work, I just appreciate the novel more, when it balances with the excitement of the mystery.
I did not find this one as particular exciting - I actually found many of the characters annoying (especially Ripley) - which I know is the intention, but it just did not make it AS enjoyable for me. And why I cannot give it 4 stars.
Nevertheless this one has become one of my favourite series. I ADORE Bea and Kesgrave and can't wait to see where their story and mysteries will lead. (Although the sad thing about catching up with the series is that now I will have to wait for new ones to get released...)
January 10, 2023
This series is such fun and An Extravagant Duplicity is a wonderful addition. Beatrice, Duchess of Kesgrave has settled into her marriage and huge change in circumstances to nobility from a orphaned poor relation and 26 year old spinster. She’s smart, insightful and funny….and Damian, the Duke adores her for all of it. Oddly, Bea continues to be drawn into murder investigations that currently make her the darling of the ton and the subject of fascination of a tabloid columnist. This time, she’s asked to exonerate Lord Ripley from his family’s accusations that he killed his grandfather. Ripley is a self centered dandy who wants attention and publicity and thinks Bea’s investigation will give him both. The rest of his family don’t really see him as a murderer because they think their grandfather simply fell from bed and hit is head….death by natural causes. Unfortunately, for Ripley, his aunt and his cousins, Bea’s investigation identifies a murder and the murderer. To complicate matters, Bea is pregnant and is worried the her husband will curtail her activities once he finds out. Will her way of life change forever, will her marriage suffer, will she be a good mother. All these self doubts plague her as she, once again, solves a case.
Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC of this book.
Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC of this book.
December 29, 2022
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“An Extravagant Duplicity” is the 11th book in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare series by Lynn Messina. I didn’t know that this was part of a series when I was offered the book by the publisher. I think the first 10% of the book was catching new readers up on who was who (and related to whom), but I was still a bit lost. Once the story began rolling, I realized who the main characters were, which really helped a lot. There are some references to what had happened in previous books which were explained a little, but I felt like I was missing something. I cannot say that this is the book I’d start with for this series. Putting all that aside, however, the mystery … the reason for Beatrice being called in to solve a case. It was a bit tangled, but Ms. Messina does a good job lying out red herrings, twists, and the like until the last moment when all are assembled and the guilty is announced - reminding me of Nick Charles solving a Thin Man case. I don’t think this is the series for me, but I did like some of humor Ms. Messina includes. Overall, a three star rating because this was my first book in the series, but it wasn’t a bad book - just not the right one for me to start with.
“An Extravagant Duplicity” is the 11th book in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare series by Lynn Messina. I didn’t know that this was part of a series when I was offered the book by the publisher. I think the first 10% of the book was catching new readers up on who was who (and related to whom), but I was still a bit lost. Once the story began rolling, I realized who the main characters were, which really helped a lot. There are some references to what had happened in previous books which were explained a little, but I felt like I was missing something. I cannot say that this is the book I’d start with for this series. Putting all that aside, however, the mystery … the reason for Beatrice being called in to solve a case. It was a bit tangled, but Ms. Messina does a good job lying out red herrings, twists, and the like until the last moment when all are assembled and the guilty is announced - reminding me of Nick Charles solving a Thin Man case. I don’t think this is the series for me, but I did like some of humor Ms. Messina includes. Overall, a three star rating because this was my first book in the series, but it wasn’t a bad book - just not the right one for me to start with.
May 13, 2024
In another Beatrice Hyde-Clare mystery, the new Duchess works to solve amurder, this time accompanied by her cousin Flora, her husband Kesgrave, and Mr. Holcroft. Flying in the face of society writer Mr. Twaddle-Thum, “Her Outrageousness” Bea continues to thwart propriety and all the rules as the only lady Runner in London. Messina continues to bring Bea and her circle of friends and suspects to life, creating a dramatic mystery and adding nuance to Bea’s life as a married woman and a Duchess. Messina continues to successfully write her female characters in their respective historical periods, and her writing, syntax, and language choices keep the reader on their toes as Bea’s investigation progresses. While the ideal reader should already be familiar with the other Beatrice Hyde-Clare mysteries, a reader new to the series should be able to understand the characters and setting without prior knowledge. The story flows well, and the mystery keeps the reader looking for clues throughout the story. Messina’s familiarity with Bea and her writing style propel the plot forward, engaging the reader with a litany of clever characters and the strange death of a patriarch named Roger Dugmore.
January 15, 2023
Interesting story but hard to read
I have always enjoyed the books in this series and the author usually writes in a stilted manner to make the dialect sound like more of that of the time period of the setting. But this time I think she was trying to express Bea's confusion of being early in her pregnancy. That may be incorrect, but the thoughts were extremely hard to follow in several sections of the book. I think it may have been a better read if she had left the thesaurus out of the writing.
The mystery itself is pretty good but the side plot of her niece having problems with her love life was distracting as well, and it was never clear what her beau had done wrong except it had something to do with refusing to acknowledge her autonomy.
Figuring out who had murdered the selfish and cruel grandfather took Bea and the Duke on a circular journey that mattered very little to the discovery of the murderer. The clues were all in the bedroom and the identity of the killer was obvious several chapters before the big reveal. I enjoyed the mystery and would have liked the book more if the convoluted language had been used less.
I have always enjoyed the books in this series and the author usually writes in a stilted manner to make the dialect sound like more of that of the time period of the setting. But this time I think she was trying to express Bea's confusion of being early in her pregnancy. That may be incorrect, but the thoughts were extremely hard to follow in several sections of the book. I think it may have been a better read if she had left the thesaurus out of the writing.
The mystery itself is pretty good but the side plot of her niece having problems with her love life was distracting as well, and it was never clear what her beau had done wrong except it had something to do with refusing to acknowledge her autonomy.
Figuring out who had murdered the selfish and cruel grandfather took Bea and the Duke on a circular journey that mattered very little to the discovery of the murderer. The clues were all in the bedroom and the identity of the killer was obvious several chapters before the big reveal. I enjoyed the mystery and would have liked the book more if the convoluted language had been used less.
July 23, 2023
An Extravagant Duplicity is a lovely historical mystery that follows Beatrice Hyde-Clare, a Duchess and crime solver in Regency era England. She already has a lot on her mind when she and her husband, the Duke of Kesgrave, are asked to the Dugmore home, where the patriarch of the family has recently passed, in order to determine if he died of natural causes or was murdered. Of course each member of the family has their own potential motivations for the murder. Can Beatrice solve the case, and figure out a way to tell her husband that she's expecting? Of course she can.
I've not read the others in this series, but didn't feel too disconnected or confused by the story. It was easy to pick up, and the allusions to previous events in the storyline definitely make me curious enough to search them out for a read. I adore lady detectives, and Beatrice is a perfect example of this character type. She's so confident and intelligent, but you also get to see some of her insecurities come through. Her relationship with the Duke is very sweet and loving. There are plenty of comedic situations, as well as a well plotted mystery that keeps you guessing. A delightful period piece.
I've not read the others in this series, but didn't feel too disconnected or confused by the story. It was easy to pick up, and the allusions to previous events in the storyline definitely make me curious enough to search them out for a read. I adore lady detectives, and Beatrice is a perfect example of this character type. She's so confident and intelligent, but you also get to see some of her insecurities come through. Her relationship with the Duke is very sweet and loving. There are plenty of comedic situations, as well as a well plotted mystery that keeps you guessing. A delightful period piece.
December 30, 2022
If you enjoy Bea and Kesgrave you’ll love this book!
I have enjoyed all of the Bea and Kesgrave books but this one adds even more depth to the couple and their relationship. If you’ve never read them this is a good intro and can easily be read as a standalone but I can recommend all of the series. Bea is approached and asked to investigate a death to prove that it was an accident. But her investigation takes a strange turn when her cousin, Flora, tries to take over the investigation and announces that indeed it was an accident. Only after they have left does Kesgrave point out an important fact that Bea missed, which is not surprising given the secret she is keeping from Kesgrave. As they proceed in their investigation, without Flora, they are met with ghosts from their pasts and people in the present who have them chasing down false trails, false clues, and facts omitted in their interviews. It will keep you guessing right along with Bea and Kesgrave. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
I have enjoyed all of the Bea and Kesgrave books but this one adds even more depth to the couple and their relationship. If you’ve never read them this is a good intro and can easily be read as a standalone but I can recommend all of the series. Bea is approached and asked to investigate a death to prove that it was an accident. But her investigation takes a strange turn when her cousin, Flora, tries to take over the investigation and announces that indeed it was an accident. Only after they have left does Kesgrave point out an important fact that Bea missed, which is not surprising given the secret she is keeping from Kesgrave. As they proceed in their investigation, without Flora, they are met with ghosts from their pasts and people in the present who have them chasing down false trails, false clues, and facts omitted in their interviews. It will keep you guessing right along with Bea and Kesgrave. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
January 11, 2023
This is the eleventh installment of the series, but my first experience reading something by this author. Not having read the previous books, I was still able to follow the plot quite easily. You don't necessarily need to know the backstory of the characters in order to enjoy the story. It was very entertaining and engaging and kept my interest all the way through. The interactions and antics of the characters will definitely keep you laughing and smiling as they work their way through a murder investigation. The author does a really nice job of creating scenes you can easily picture and be pulled into. I'm not one for reading many mysteries, but being set in the Regency period, I was curious to see how the story would play out. I was not disappointed!
This was a very charming, witty, and delightful mystery and I had a fun time reading it. I will definitely be going back to the books I missed and looking out for the next one!
My thanks to The Book Whisperer and the author for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This was a very charming, witty, and delightful mystery and I had a fun time reading it. I will definitely be going back to the books I missed and looking out for the next one!
My thanks to The Book Whisperer and the author for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
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