Murder at Somerset House - (Wrexford & Sloane Mystery) by Andrea Penrose (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Beyond the gilded ballrooms and salons of Regency London lurks a sinister web of intrigue and deception, and when a murder occurs within the scientific community, Lord Wrexford and Charlotte are the perfect pair to unravel it in USA Today bestselling author Andrea Penrose's latest masterfully plotted mystery for readers of Charles Dodd, C.S. Harris, and Deanna Raybourn.

A welcome interlude of calm has descended on Wrexford and Charlotte, though with three lively young boys in their care and an unconventional circle of friends and allies, quiet rarely lasts long. And sure enough, in the dead of night, an old acquaintance appears and asks for help. His brother-in-law has been accused of murdering a fellow member of the prestigious Royal Society at their London headquarters, Somerset House.

Wrexford agrees to investigate, and with a little unexpected help from their young charges, discovers that what seemed a simple case may be part of a darker, more dangerous plot, where science, money, and politics collide. A mysterious new technical innovation threatens to ignite a crisis throughout Europe, with frightening consequences for London's financial world.

There is also personal upheaval for Wrexford and Charlotte, when a shocking secret from the past brings a profound change to their family, testing the bonds of loyalty and trust as never before . . .

Review Quotes

Praise for the Wrexford & Sloan Mysteries by 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

"Penrose maintains a brisk pace in her finely wrought eighth Regency-era adventure for the Earl of Wrexford and his cartoonist wife, Charlotte Sloane...Penrose elegantly weaves insights about the period's politics and technological innovations into a splendid mystery...This reliable series continues its winning streak." --Publishers Weekly on Murder at King's Crossing

"A complex and surprising mystery enhanced by historically accurate information about the science and society of the period." --Publishers Weekly on Murder at King's Crossing

"[Penrose] rewards diligent readers with a pulse-pounding climax, and her deep dive into early 18th-century technology is a treat. In the crowded field of Regency mysteries, this series stands out." --Publishers Weekly on Murder at the Merton Library

"An excellent mystery bolstered by fascinating information about a life-changing invention." --Kirkus Reviews on Murder at the Merton Library

"The plot moves quickly with unexpected complications that keep the reader intrigued. The dialogue is lively; the author has a discriminating sense of timing. The climax is worthy of the complications, and the ending is felicitous." --Historical Novel Society on Murder at the Merton Library

"As in every Penrose novel, the solution to these linked crimes is generated through the loyalty and insight of intelligent and caring friends--which is why her fiction is, as Lord Wrexford's friends would say, 'infernally satisfying.'" --New York Journal of Books on Murder at the Merton Library

"A fascinating and educational journey into the Regency era filled with new inventions, ruthless villains, greedy aristocrats, and the power of family." --Fresh Fiction on Murder at the Merton Library

"Swashbuckling...Historical fans will have fun." --Publishers Weekly 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

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.