Publication
Tantor Audio (2021)
Collections
Description
"One advantage of being caught up in a whirl of dress fittings and decisions about flower arrangements and breakfast menus is that Charlotte Sloane has little time for any pre-wedding qualms. Her love for Wrexford isn't in question. But will being a wife--and a Countess--make it difficult for her to maintain her independence--not to mention, her secret identity as famed satirical artist A.J. Quill? Despite those concerns, there are soon even more urgent matters to attend to during Charlotte and Wrexford's first public outing as an engaged couple. At a symposium at the Royal Botanic Gardens, a visiting botanist suffers a fatal collapse. The traces of white powder near his mouth reveal the dark truth--he was murdered. Drawn into the investigation, Charlotte and the Earl learn of the victim's involvement in a momentous medical discovery. With fame and immense fortune at stake, there's no shortage of suspects, including some whose ruthlessness is already known. But neither Charlotte nor her husband-to-be can realize how close the danger is about to get--or to what lengths this villain is prepared to go . . ." --Amazon.com.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member jetangen4571
historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, history-and-culture, early-19th-century, early-teen-god-help-us-all, relationships, murder, murder-investigation, evil, England, sociopath, thriller, suspense, theft*****
Lady Charlotte Sloane was born to the aristocracy but escaped
There have been harrowing incidents in the earlier books, and the development of the *family* as well as the love between Charlotte and Wrexford, but I think that each book is capable of standing alone. This one involves a sociopath who is truly evil, a potential botanical cure, lots of basically dishonest and greedy people, and even an American agent. As always, there is a slice of truth that has been well researched. Very well done tricky plot with extremely interesting characters! Great read!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Lady Charlotte Sloane was born to the aristocracy but escaped
Show More
for a time and now is a satirical cartoonist with surprising investigative skills, and Earl Wrexford who is a man reputed as one never to be crossed. Together they are formidable enough, but add in the orphans they call The Weasels and others they value for their abilities and you have just the right people to investigate murder, extortion, disappearances, and financial crimes.There have been harrowing incidents in the earlier books, and the development of the *family* as well as the love between Charlotte and Wrexford, but I think that each book is capable of standing alone. This one involves a sociopath who is truly evil, a potential botanical cure, lots of basically dishonest and greedy people, and even an American agent. As always, there is a slice of truth that has been well researched. Very well done tricky plot with extremely interesting characters! Great read!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Show Less
LibraryThing member BarbaraRogers
I love this series because of the unique characters, their myriad backgrounds, how they came together, and how their relationships have developed – not to mention the great mysteries they solve. Your enjoyment of this book, and this series, would be enhanced, I believe, if you read at least the
The setup for the mystery and investigation takes a little while, and to some, it might seem to be a bit too slow-paced at first. However, I thought it was perfect because all of the characters had to be introduced, the crime had to occur, the background set, etc. so the investigation could really take off. This one was a real doozie – there were red herrings aplenty, co-conspirators within co-conspirators, and motives within motives. You’ll definitely not figure this one out until the end. There are clues, but picking them out and putting them together is best left to the experts – Wrexford and Sloane.
Wrexford and Charlotte are looking forward to their wedding in less than a month and they are choosing their social engagements very carefully. The purpose of those social engagements is to ease Charlotte into the ton before she becomes a countess. Charlotte is already Lady Charlotte, but with her history, they’ll have to be very astute in how they answer questions and gain acceptance. That is doubly true when it comes to explaining the existence of the Weasels – Charlotte’s wards – Raven and Hawk. Since Wrexford is known for his cool scientific interests and logic, they have chosen a series of events sponsored by the botanists of the Royal Society at the Royal Botanic Gardens as their initial foray into society. How taxing can a series of lectures and dinners with a bunch of botanists be? Well, when Mr. Becton, one of America’s representatives at the event, is found dead and it wasn’t from natural causes, things get taxing indeed.
According to Mr. Becton’s friend, Mr. Hosack, leader of the American delegation, Becton was set to make the keynote speech that evening and he was to announce a major scientific breakthrough that would save thousands of lives. No one knows what that breakthrough is, what the formula is, or where any of Becton’s papers are kept. Charlotte and Wrexford are ready to stay out of the investigation and let Bow Street handle it until an old enemy (from the last book) rears his ugly head and threatens the Weasels.
As the investigation continues and the suspects are being narrowed down – more deaths occur – and motives blur – and suspects become allies – and – well, it is just very busy with suspects, crimes, motives, governments who aren’t on particularly friendly terms at the time – especially with the nuptials looming and neither Charlotte nor Wexford intend to put those off. The final revelation and resolution is exciting and dangerous and yet it wraps up the case nicely. You’ll be turning the pages faster and faster to see what happens next and how they manage to thwart the bad guys.
I can definitely recommend this book and this series. I will say I got a little tired of Charlotte’s angst. It just seemed out of character for her. She’s usually much more pragmatic. She may have a nagging worry, but she decides on a course of action and moves straight forward. She did have a good bit to be angsty about – her re-entry into society after years away, her upcoming wedding, and her reconciliation with her brother and other members of her family. However, that angst could have been mentioned less often. Our Charlotte just didn’t seem quite like our normal Charlotte.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Show More
first book in the series first. Our characters have grown and evolved so much since that first book – and it would help you to know where they all began. I’ve read and loved each of the books in the series and I’ve loved how the characters have grown.The setup for the mystery and investigation takes a little while, and to some, it might seem to be a bit too slow-paced at first. However, I thought it was perfect because all of the characters had to be introduced, the crime had to occur, the background set, etc. so the investigation could really take off. This one was a real doozie – there were red herrings aplenty, co-conspirators within co-conspirators, and motives within motives. You’ll definitely not figure this one out until the end. There are clues, but picking them out and putting them together is best left to the experts – Wrexford and Sloane.
Wrexford and Charlotte are looking forward to their wedding in less than a month and they are choosing their social engagements very carefully. The purpose of those social engagements is to ease Charlotte into the ton before she becomes a countess. Charlotte is already Lady Charlotte, but with her history, they’ll have to be very astute in how they answer questions and gain acceptance. That is doubly true when it comes to explaining the existence of the Weasels – Charlotte’s wards – Raven and Hawk. Since Wrexford is known for his cool scientific interests and logic, they have chosen a series of events sponsored by the botanists of the Royal Society at the Royal Botanic Gardens as their initial foray into society. How taxing can a series of lectures and dinners with a bunch of botanists be? Well, when Mr. Becton, one of America’s representatives at the event, is found dead and it wasn’t from natural causes, things get taxing indeed.
According to Mr. Becton’s friend, Mr. Hosack, leader of the American delegation, Becton was set to make the keynote speech that evening and he was to announce a major scientific breakthrough that would save thousands of lives. No one knows what that breakthrough is, what the formula is, or where any of Becton’s papers are kept. Charlotte and Wrexford are ready to stay out of the investigation and let Bow Street handle it until an old enemy (from the last book) rears his ugly head and threatens the Weasels.
As the investigation continues and the suspects are being narrowed down – more deaths occur – and motives blur – and suspects become allies – and – well, it is just very busy with suspects, crimes, motives, governments who aren’t on particularly friendly terms at the time – especially with the nuptials looming and neither Charlotte nor Wexford intend to put those off. The final revelation and resolution is exciting and dangerous and yet it wraps up the case nicely. You’ll be turning the pages faster and faster to see what happens next and how they manage to thwart the bad guys.
I can definitely recommend this book and this series. I will say I got a little tired of Charlotte’s angst. It just seemed out of character for her. She’s usually much more pragmatic. She may have a nagging worry, but she decides on a course of action and moves straight forward. She did have a good bit to be angsty about – her re-entry into society after years away, her upcoming wedding, and her reconciliation with her brother and other members of her family. However, that angst could have been mentioned less often. Our Charlotte just didn’t seem quite like our normal Charlotte.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Show Less
LibraryThing member eyes.2c
Plant secrets to kill for!
The last thing you expect to come upon at an “ elegantly civilized…international symposium of botany scholars and wealthy patrons of science” with leading scientific minds at the Royal Botanic Gardens, is a body! Not just any body, but that of visiting scientist,
Here’s the thing. This is the first grand social event as Wrexham’s future countess, Lady Charlotte Sloane, already anxious, is slated to attend. A death might calm her nerves, but her involvement with it might not endear herself to high society,
Although, as McLellan, that is Mac, their housekeeper cum lady’s maid points out, “ As a married lady—and one with a high-ranking title—you’ll merely be considered eccentric when you break the rules, not scandalous.”
Scandalous or not, neither the Earl of Wrexford and Lady Charlotte (secretly, the famed satirist A.J. Quill) will hold back when they realise that what seems to be a heart attack, could be murder. Any investigation might endanger their family, including the weasels, and that a prime candidate for evil deeds Justinian DeVere is back in the country, attending this symposium. What they don’t realize they’ve stumbled upon is a matter that will affects nations.
Add to this Charlotte’s reunion with her family, the arrival of an old friend from Rome, and the rumours of a possible amazing botanical medical breakthrough. This is a riveting read!
Charlotte is attuned to Wrexford, is certain this is the step she wishes to take, but still questions around her future as A.J. Quill trouble her.
The weasels, Raven and Hawk, are developing into interesting young men. The cool Wrexham is assuming more warmth, flagging to a dangerous heat when fears for his rather unusual bride-to-be. Including the ready made family he’s taking on, along of course with all his other friends that have mostly come his way since he and Charlotte (Charlie) first bumped shoulders. I love the Charlie side of Charlotte when she lets that persona rip.
I do love the banter between Wrexham and the Bow street Runner Griffon, especially around eating.
Atmospheric, believable and compelling! I couldn’t put this down!
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
The last thing you expect to come upon at an “ elegantly civilized…international symposium of botany scholars and wealthy patrons of science” with leading scientific minds at the Royal Botanic Gardens, is a body! Not just any body, but that of visiting scientist,
Show More
Josiah Becton! And just as that poor man is in the conservatory breathing in the ambient, rich fragrances, “The essence of life.” Ironic!Here’s the thing. This is the first grand social event as Wrexham’s future countess, Lady Charlotte Sloane, already anxious, is slated to attend. A death might calm her nerves, but her involvement with it might not endear herself to high society,
Although, as McLellan, that is Mac, their housekeeper cum lady’s maid points out, “ As a married lady—and one with a high-ranking title—you’ll merely be considered eccentric when you break the rules, not scandalous.”
Scandalous or not, neither the Earl of Wrexford and Lady Charlotte (secretly, the famed satirist A.J. Quill) will hold back when they realise that what seems to be a heart attack, could be murder. Any investigation might endanger their family, including the weasels, and that a prime candidate for evil deeds Justinian DeVere is back in the country, attending this symposium. What they don’t realize they’ve stumbled upon is a matter that will affects nations.
Add to this Charlotte’s reunion with her family, the arrival of an old friend from Rome, and the rumours of a possible amazing botanical medical breakthrough. This is a riveting read!
Charlotte is attuned to Wrexford, is certain this is the step she wishes to take, but still questions around her future as A.J. Quill trouble her.
The weasels, Raven and Hawk, are developing into interesting young men. The cool Wrexham is assuming more warmth, flagging to a dangerous heat when fears for his rather unusual bride-to-be. Including the ready made family he’s taking on, along of course with all his other friends that have mostly come his way since he and Charlotte (Charlie) first bumped shoulders. I love the Charlie side of Charlotte when she lets that persona rip.
I do love the banter between Wrexham and the Bow street Runner Griffon, especially around eating.
Atmospheric, believable and compelling! I couldn’t put this down!
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
Show Less
LibraryThing member SheriAWilkinson
Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens (Wrexford & Sloane, #5) by Andrea Penrose
Lady Charlotte is preparing for her wedding to the Earl Wexford, she also is a satirical artist under the pen of A.J. Quill. Life is full for her. When a murder occurs at a symposium at the Royal Botanic Gardens, she and
Set in the early 1800's, Andrea Penrose is true to the era. Well developed (likable) characters, intriguing (fast paced) plot, with a classic who-done-it feel. The list of suspects grows with suspense, mystery and secrets revealed. I was hooked from the first page. Overall I found Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens very enjoyable and feel those who love murder/mystery will enjoy it as well.
Lady Charlotte is preparing for her wedding to the Earl Wexford, she also is a satirical artist under the pen of A.J. Quill. Life is full for her. When a murder occurs at a symposium at the Royal Botanic Gardens, she and
Show More
Wexford are on the case. More people end up dead as they get closer to uncovering the truth.Set in the early 1800's, Andrea Penrose is true to the era. Well developed (likable) characters, intriguing (fast paced) plot, with a classic who-done-it feel. The list of suspects grows with suspense, mystery and secrets revealed. I was hooked from the first page. Overall I found Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens very enjoyable and feel those who love murder/mystery will enjoy it as well.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Kathy89
With their wedding less than a month away, Lady Charlotte and the Earl of Wrexford attend their first society gathering at Kew Gardens and of course someone is murdered. Wrexford is asked to take a look at the victim and the scene. Charlotte’s ward, Raven, was hiding and sketching different
Contrary to the previous reviews, I didn’t enjoy this as much as the other books in the series. I thought the first half of the book was boring -- spending too much time talking about science and plants. There was a suspenseful ending which involved all of their contacts.
Show More
plants and heard the argument between the victim and the murderer. This brings all of Wrexford’s and Charlotte’s friends to help with the investigation. Contrary to the previous reviews, I didn’t enjoy this as much as the other books in the series. I thought the first half of the book was boring -- spending too much time talking about science and plants. There was a suspenseful ending which involved all of their contacts.
Show Less
LibraryThing member murderbydeath
I still like this series, but what started out as a string of compelling mysteries is starting to lose its edge. Blame it on the editor, reader feedback, or change of perspective on the part of the author, but the whole narrative has become entirely too idealistic to be reasonably realistic. There
What I did enjoy was the botanical setting of Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, and the impetus behind the plot being the race for a game-changing medicinal plant that enhances the effect of cinchona, or quinine, against malaria (plant being entirely fictional). I really enjoyed the name drops of real historical figures, including Alexander von Humboldt – and was tickled to see the author recommend Andrea Wulf’s The Invention of Nature in the story notes.
The plot was going rather well until I neared the end, when the author suddenly felt the need to work in a slave-trade angle that felt like a bolt from nowhere. Looking at the story as a whole, it felt like the author needed to wrap up some loose ends from the previous book, needing to kill someone off while keeping the current book’s plot going. I don’t know, but it just felt super clumsy.
I’ll read a 6th, should it appear, because I really do enjoy the cast of characters, but if this idealistic stuff continues to the point of incredulity, I’ll add this series to the “done for me” list.
Show More
was an excess of repetitive statements about the family you choose, the power of love, and an awful lot of lamenting over the death of an objectively heinous individual. All of these ideals are wonderful and worth striving for, but considering the early 1800’s setting, I doubt very much they were worked quite so thoroughly into the mindset of anybody living at the time. The result was a book that felt entirely too much like a religious genre novel. Only with murder and (light) swearing.What I did enjoy was the botanical setting of Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, and the impetus behind the plot being the race for a game-changing medicinal plant that enhances the effect of cinchona, or quinine, against malaria (plant being entirely fictional). I really enjoyed the name drops of real historical figures, including Alexander von Humboldt – and was tickled to see the author recommend Andrea Wulf’s The Invention of Nature in the story notes.
The plot was going rather well until I neared the end, when the author suddenly felt the need to work in a slave-trade angle that felt like a bolt from nowhere. Looking at the story as a whole, it felt like the author needed to wrap up some loose ends from the previous book, needing to kill someone off while keeping the current book’s plot going. I don’t know, but it just felt super clumsy.
I’ll read a 6th, should it appear, because I really do enjoy the cast of characters, but if this idealistic stuff continues to the point of incredulity, I’ll add this series to the “done for me” list.
Show Less
LibraryThing member jamespurcell
It is enjoyable to explore the state and history of science in this era. Education was generally accessible only to the aristocrats many of which became wastrels or dilettantes. Others founded or joined societies as well as had home labs or botanical collections. From these latter few,
Language
Original language
English