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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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MY REVIEW:
Genre | Tropes: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Regency
Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐
The Matter of the Secret Bride by Darcie Wilde is an enthralling addition to the Rosalind Thorne Mysteries, combining Regency-era elegance with a richly layered mystery. Wilde immerses readers in the political and social intrigue of early 19th-century England, crafting a story brimming with suspense, secrets, and wit.
The plot centers on a high-stakes investigation involving a stolen marriage certificate belonging to Maria Fitzherbert, a document that could shake the foundations of the monarchy. Rosalind Thorne, a “useful woman” to the ladies of London’s ton, is tasked with recovering this elusive item. Her mission becomes perilous when a man connected to the case is found murdered, drawing Rosalind and her steadfast ally, Adam Harkness, deeper into a tangled web of deception and danger.
Wilde’s portrayal of Rosalind is nothing short of inspiring. Her intelligence, resourcefulness, and poise make her a compelling heroine who navigates society’s rigid constraints with grace and determination. The slow-burning tension between Rosalind and Adam adds a captivating layer to the story, offering both heart-stopping moments and tender exchanges that leave readers yearning for more.
The narrative is rich with historical detail, capturing the nuances of Regency London in vivid color. From glittering ballrooms to shadowy legal offices, Wilde transports readers to a world teeming with intrigue. The novel’s complexity, with its interwoven subplots and political ramifications, demands close attention but rewards with a deeply satisfying story.
Darcie Wilde masterfully blends mystery, romance, and history, delivering a novel that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The Matter of the Secret Bride is a must-read for fans of intelligent, atmospheric mysteries with a strong female lead. Rosalind Thorne’s journey will leave readers eagerly anticipating her next adventure.
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Jane Austen meets Fleabag in Regency London, as a resourceful young woman with a talent for helping ladies of the ton with their most delicate and pressing predicaments finds herself facing a task of royal proportions. Literally.
KingGeorge IV is petitioning Parliament for a divorce from his queen on the grounds of her adultery. But rumor has it that the king secretly married Maria Fitzherbert—long before he married the queen. Now Mrs. Fitzherbert has been robbed—and she’s frantically calling on Rosalind for help.
Because what those thieves took is proof that she and King George did really marry. That single piece of paper could destroy Mrs. Fitzherbert and her family—or it could prove the king guilty of bigamy.
Rosalind races to investigate. With her is ex-Bow Street officer, Adam Harkness, with whom Rosalind shares a complex and rapidly intensifying bond. But a case of theft soon turns to murder . . .
Josiah Poole, a disreputable attorney specializing in helping debtors—and who was seen entering Mrs. Fitzherbert’s house—is found brutally murdered. Mrs. Fitzherbert has debts. Could she have staged the theft, and employed Mr. Poole to sell the marriage certificate? Or is the truth even more complicated? Mrs. Fitzherbert’s daughters have secrets of their own. And Poole himself had no shortage of enemies.
With suspicious coincidences mounting, and more danger encroaching, Rosalind and Adam must move quickly to unravel a history-making mystery that might just lead them straight to the palace itself . . .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darcie Wilde
Darcie Wilde is the award-winning author of stylishly adventurous historical mysteries and romances, including the Rosalind Thorne Mysteries, a Regency-set series inspired by the novels of Jane Austen, as well as the Regency Makeover Trilogy. She has also written, under the name Sarah Zettel, Locus and Philip K. Dick Award-winning novels, including Fool’s War, a New York Times Notable Books of the Year selection. She lives in Michigan and can be found online at DarcieWildeRomance.com.
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