Having inexplicably nabbed the Duke of Kesgrave, twenty-six-year-old spinster Beatrice Hyde-Clare is determined to marry him at once.
And no amount of handwringing from anxious family members, worried friends and well-meaning acquaintances will convince her to delay. Except...maybe she is a little swayed by her uncle's efforts to make amends for treating her with cold indifference during her childhood. While her aunt's concern about the growing scandal around her unfortunate habit of unmasking murderers in the middle of society events isn't entirely unfounded.
Then there's the truly unfathomable appearance on her doorstep of the former Miss Brougham, the spiteful heiress whose cruel taunts derailed Bea's social career. Remarkably, the society matron has a mystery to solve and knows Bea is the only person who can help her. A dead grandfather, a missing jewel, a cryptic letter, an opportunity to condescend to her archnemesis-the case seems simple enough.
And yet somehow it all goes terribly, horribly wrong.
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Readers continue to praise Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries Series!
I love how Messina writes the Bea-Damien dynamic. It's so warm, compelling and heart warming. They have fast become my favourite fictional pairing and I can't get them out of my head. - Koalathebear, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Suffice to say, this has been a hugely enjoyable series - I am so looking forward to more from this author! - Catherine, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is such a clever blend of Jane Austen and Stephanie Plum style writing. - Paula, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really loving time spent with these characters...they are SO delightful! - Alisha, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love the witticism with the main character she is endearing and I love the romantic or Slow Burn relationship to be! - Elvira, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The witty banter between Bea and the Duke as their affection/admiration for one another grows is so engaging and fun. - Laura, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As to the story itself, this is another wonderful romp of a cozy crime. I loved the plot, I loved Bea's growing confidence, and I loved her ongoing relationship and snark with the Duke of Kesgrave. - Roberta, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
