Murder at the Merton Library - (Wrexford & Sloane Mystery) by Andrea Penrose

About the Book

"Responding to an urgent plea from a troubled family friend, the Earl of Wrexford journeys to Oxford only to find the reclusive university librarian has been murdered and a rare manuscript has gone missing. The only clue is that someone overheard an argument in which Wrexford's name was mentioned. At the same time, Charlotte--working under her pen name, A. J. Quill--must determine whether a laboratory fire was arson and if it's connected to the race between competing consortiums to build a new type of ship--one that can cross the ocean powered by steam rather than sails--with the potential to revolutionize military power and world commerce. That the race involves new innovations in finance and entrepreneurship only adds to the high stakes--especially as their good friend Kit Sheffield may be an investor in one of the competitors. As they delve deeper into the baffling clues, Wrexford and Charlotte begin to realize that things are not what they seem. An evil conspiracy is lurking in the shadows and threatens all they hold dear--unless they can tie the loose threads together before it's too late..."--

Book Synopsis

A perplexing murder in a renowned Oxford University library and a suspicious fire at a famous inventor's London laboratory set Wrexford and Lady Charlotte on two separate investigations in this masterfully plotted, atmospheric Regency-set mystery from USA Today bestselling author Andrea Penrose.

"[Penrose] mixes well thought out mysteries, early forensic science, great details of the era and a slow burning attraction creating a compulsive read." --The New York Public Library

Responding to an urgent plea from a troubled family friend, the Earl of Wrexford journeys to Oxford only to find the reclusive university librarian has been murdered and a rare manuscript has gone missing. The only clue is that someone overheard an argument in which Wrexford's name was mentioned.

At the same time, Charlotte--working under her pen name, A. J. Quill--must determine whether a laboratory fire was arson and if it's connected to the race between competing consortiums to build a new type of ship--one that can cross the ocean powered by steam rather than sails--with the potential to revolutionize military power and world commerce. That the race involves new innovations in finance and entrepreneurship only adds to the high stakes--especially as their good friend Kit Sheffield may be an investor in one of the competitors.

As they delve deeper into the baffling clues, Wrexford and Charlotte begin to realize that things are not what they seem. An evil conspiracy is lurking in the shadows and threatens all they hold dear--unless they can tie the loose threads together before it's too late . . .

Review Quotes

Praise for Andrea Penrose's Wrexford & Sloane Mystery Series

"Swashbuckling...Historical fans will have fun." --Publishers Weekly on Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens

"For relaxed enjoyment and the diversion of adept time travel, an Andrea Penrose historical mystery is hard to beat!" --The New York Journal of Books on Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens

"A bit of Regency-period romance and history enhance a convoluted mystery with plenty of derring-do." --Kirkus Reviews on Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens

"Andrea Penrose is skillful at incorporating the scientific discoveries of the day into her plots." --Criminal Element on Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens

"A nice mix of science, setting, adventure story, and romance. Wrexford and Charlotte are a great pair." --Aunt Agatha's Bookstore on Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens

"Another delight of the series." --Historical Novel Society on Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens

"Scientific discoveries combine with a complex mystery to provide an action-packed brainteaser." --Kirkus Reviews on Murder at Queen's Landing

"The author captures the Regency era's complexities in vivid settings, contrasting milieus, and a wealth of fascinating details...This thoughtful blend of derring-do and intellectual discussion should win Penrose new fans." --Publishers Weekly on Murder at Queen's Landing

"A high-paced adventure with a light feathering of attraction between the protagonists. After all, it's hard to take time for courting when you're protecting the people you care for, in the face of a powerful criminal mastermind." --The New York Journal of Books on Murder at Queen's Landing

"An intricately plotted mystery set in Regency England. Its complex story line and authentic historical details bring the early days of the Industrial Revolution vividly to life. Bound to fascinate readers of C.S. Harris and even fans of Victorian mysteries." --Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW on Murder at Half Moon Gate

"Penrose does a good job linking the mystery to the period's scientific and social changes. Those seeking an unusually rich look at Regency life will be satisfied." --Publishers Weekly on Murder at Kensington Palace

"Penrose is excellent at conveying the details of early 19th-century science and experiments with electricity. This was the era of
Frankenstein, after all. The relationship between Wrexford and Charlotte is further developed in this book, and I am looking forward to seeing where it leads next." --Historical Novel Society on Murder at Kensington Palace

"Penrose deftly intertwines the politics of navigating Regency-era society, scientific progress, and the deepening relationship between the protagonists. Series fans will enjoy revisiting the lively cast of characters, while historical fiction readers will be satisfied by the immersive, richly detailed mystery." --Library Journal on Murder at Kensington Palace

"Murder at Kensington Palace is a challenging story, replete with scientific discoveries and challenges of the time, but it's grounded in loyalty, persistence, and courage." --Criminal Element

"Science and romance meet in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game."--Kirkus Reviews on Murder at Kensington Palace

"The relationship and banter between the two stars of this series is incredible. Readers will look forward to seeing Charlotte and
Wrex again (and hopefully very soon)." --Suspense Magazine on Murder at Half Moon Gate

"Thoroughly enjoyable...with sharp, engaging characters, rich period detail, and a compellingly twisty plot, Andrea Penrose delivers a winner...fans of C.S. Harris and Kate Ross will be rooting for Charlotte Sloane and the Earl of Wrexford. Devilishly good fun!" --Deanna Raybourn, New York Times bestselling author on Murder on Black Swan Lane

"Fans of C.S. Harris take note! In this new, Regency-set mystery series, the artist Charlotte Sloane and the scientist Earl of Wrexford are the perfect mismatched pair of sleuths. A riveting ride through Regency London, from the slums of St. Giles, to the mansions of Mayfair." --Lauren Willig, New York Times bestselling author on Murder on Black Swan Lane

"A wonderfully engaging Regency mystery, with a most determined heroine and an engaging pair of street urchins at her side. Historical chemistry meets alchemy, and only a nonchalant nobleman can help solve the murder. A delight of a book." --Joanna Bourne, award-winning author on Murder on Black Swan Lane

About the Author

Andrea Penrose is the acclaimed author of Regency-era historical fiction, including the USA Today bestselling Wrexford & Sloane mystery series, as well as Regency romances written under the names Cara Elliott and Andrea Pickens. Published internationally in ten languages, she is a three-time RITA Award-finalist and the recipient of numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery and two Gold Leaf Awards. A graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Art and an M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Andrea fell in love with Regency England after reading Pride and Prejudice, and has maintained a fascination with the era's swirling silks and radical new ideas throughout her writing career. She lives in Connecticut and blogs with a community of historical fiction authors at WordWenches.com. She also can be found at AndreaPenrose.com and on Instagram @AndreaPenroseBooks.