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Bow Street Duchess Mystery #3
Silence of Deceit
Secrets and lies simmer to the surface in the third riveting Bow Street Duchess mystery.
For years, the Duchess of Fournier has buried a shameful secret connected to her remarkable, if bizarre, ability. While Audrey’s gift has helped her solve cases alongside the captivating Bow Street officer Hugh Marsden, she longs to forget her previous committal to an insane asylum. But now, a blackmailer with a taste for violence is threatening former patients of Shadewell Sanatorium, and it appears the ghosts of Audrey’s past have finally found her.
Since their last inquiry together, distance and distraction have helped Hugh restrain his forbidden attraction to the untouchable Audrey Sinclair. However, when a woman’s body clothed in one of Audrey's gowns, and bearing her calling cards, is fished out of the Thames, staying away from the stubborn duchess proves impossible.
Hugh and Audrey must join forces to unravel a puzzling revenge plot, but after the scrappy street boy Hugh has taken under his wing is attacked and left near death, they begin to realize just how steep the cost could be for crossing paths with a killer.
For years, the Duchess of Fournier has buried a shameful secret connected to her remarkable, if bizarre, ability. While Audrey’s gift has helped her solve cases alongside the captivating Bow Street officer Hugh Marsden, she longs to forget her previous committal to an insane asylum. But now, a blackmailer with a taste for violence is threatening former patients of Shadewell Sanatorium, and it appears the ghosts of Audrey’s past have finally found her.
Since their last inquiry together, distance and distraction have helped Hugh restrain his forbidden attraction to the untouchable Audrey Sinclair. However, when a woman’s body clothed in one of Audrey's gowns, and bearing her calling cards, is fished out of the Thames, staying away from the stubborn duchess proves impossible.
Hugh and Audrey must join forces to unravel a puzzling revenge plot, but after the scrappy street boy Hugh has taken under his wing is attacked and left near death, they begin to realize just how steep the cost could be for crossing paths with a killer.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2023
About the author
Cara Devlin
20 books313 followersCara is an author, reader, and history lover. She reads and writes across genres, but her heart is reserved for romantic historical fiction and mystery. Her Bow Street Duchess books are fast-paced historical mysteries featuring a slow-burn romance taking place in Regency London. The series begins with Murder at the Seven Dials. Cara lives in rural New England with her family, where she is at work on her next series, the Spencer & Reid Mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
May 17, 2023
The angst and longing in this one was delicious
*not quite 5 stars*
This series is really picking up momentum and this was by far the best one yet. The author seems to have found a way to drop the dead weight and write a much tighter mystery here; I felt on the edge of my seat for the majority of the book. The sexual pull between the two leads was heightened and the danger made it even more gripping. I can see how she will resolve the little problem with Audrey having a husband, while also making the reader not that sad when the Duke finally bites it. It was a bit obvious but I will complain about that when it actually happens, because I’m not entirely sure that it will (but it will, I’m sure of it).
So I recommended trying this series out to those fans of historical mysteries, cozy mysteries and historic romance with lots of angst and longing. But be prepared to stay in it for the long haul, these two won’t get together for a while (probably next book, I read the blurb of it and it looks pretty obvious how this will resolve itself).
Thanks to BookSirens for the copy of this book -since they gave it to me after launch, I can’t exactly call it an arc 😏 - the opinions are my own.
*not quite 5 stars*
This series is really picking up momentum and this was by far the best one yet. The author seems to have found a way to drop the dead weight and write a much tighter mystery here; I felt on the edge of my seat for the majority of the book. The sexual pull between the two leads was heightened and the danger made it even more gripping. I can see how she will resolve the little problem with Audrey having a husband, while also making the reader not that sad when the Duke finally bites it. It was a bit obvious but I will complain about that when it actually happens, because I’m not entirely sure that it will (but it will, I’m sure of it).
So I recommended trying this series out to those fans of historical mysteries, cozy mysteries and historic romance with lots of angst and longing. But be prepared to stay in it for the long haul, these two won’t get together for a while (probably next book, I read the blurb of it and it looks pretty obvious how this will resolve itself).
Thanks to BookSirens for the copy of this book -since they gave it to me after launch, I can’t exactly call it an arc 😏 - the opinions are my own.
April 28, 2023
The 3rd in the series and it just keeps getting better. The story delves deeper into the asylum that the Duchess of Fournier was forced into by her mother and uncle due to her "gift". The opening chapter sets the tone for the book. The pent-up desire between Hugh and the Duchess...will they or won't they. The story also further discusses the illness of the Duke. The murder mystery is very good with a twist that I didn't see coming. Very much enjoyed the book and recommend the series. 4.5* Waiting for the next book due out this summer.
April 13, 2023
Thank you, Booksirens, for an eARC copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love this series, and I think it keeps getting better! This time around, Audrey's friend from her time at the Shadewell asylum is the one found drowned in the Thames, wearing one of Audrey's castoffs and having her calling cards in the pocket. This led Hugh to believe the drowned Victim was Audrey. The drowned victim was so bloated that recognition was not quite possible. Hugh went to Audrey's residence and was relieved to find Audrey still alive. This event led to them teaming up again to solve the crime.
The mystery is more compelling compared to the previous book. It is well-plotted, and the pacing is excellent.
Finally, we get to see Hugh and Audrey share a kiss! The near-kiss in the last book kept me on tenterhooks. And Ms Devlin finally does away with Hugh's mistress (they were never on the page, but the mistress was like a haunting spectre).
I am keen to see where Ms Devlin will bring this couple next. The excerpt from the next book has left me excited and wanting for the next book! Well done, Ms Devlin.
I love this series, and I think it keeps getting better! This time around, Audrey's friend from her time at the Shadewell asylum is the one found drowned in the Thames, wearing one of Audrey's castoffs and having her calling cards in the pocket. This led Hugh to believe the drowned Victim was Audrey. The drowned victim was so bloated that recognition was not quite possible. Hugh went to Audrey's residence and was relieved to find Audrey still alive. This event led to them teaming up again to solve the crime.
The mystery is more compelling compared to the previous book. It is well-plotted, and the pacing is excellent.
Finally, we get to see Hugh and Audrey share a kiss! The near-kiss in the last book kept me on tenterhooks. And Ms Devlin finally does away with Hugh's mistress (they were never on the page, but the mistress was like a haunting spectre).
I am keen to see where Ms Devlin will bring this couple next. The excerpt from the next book has left me excited and wanting for the next book! Well done, Ms Devlin.
December 29, 2023
December 2023: I devoured this is 24 hours. I love this series.
March 2023: You know that feeling when you finish a book in a series and find yourself wishing for the next book? Cara Devlin has your back because she is publishing the books in the Bow Street Duchess series in rapid succession and I am here for it! I have enjoyed these books so much that I have ordered physical copies of them, something I only do with my most favorite books.
In this third installment of the series, we see Audrey Sinclair, Duchess of Fournier, hunt down a killer who is targeting people from the asylum where she was detained for two years after she revealed her ability to "read" an object's past by holding it. Hugh Marsden, the Bow Street detective she has worked with before, is also working on the case, though trying to exclude Audrey for her safety and to preserve her reputation, which has suffered after two investigations.
While the critical parts of the back story are here and allow this be a standalone, those who read the previous books get the full effect of the devastating first chapter and delightful moments of character and relationship development throughout the story. I marvel at how Devlin has made my opinion of the character Philip, in particular, evolve over the course of three books. The angst and slow burn of the romantic relationship is intense and I love it.
Knowing that Cara Devlin is spoiling us with book 4 in a few months makes me very excited.
I received an advance review copy for free, but I will be ordering a physical copy for myself because I love this book so much!
March 2023: You know that feeling when you finish a book in a series and find yourself wishing for the next book? Cara Devlin has your back because she is publishing the books in the Bow Street Duchess series in rapid succession and I am here for it! I have enjoyed these books so much that I have ordered physical copies of them, something I only do with my most favorite books.
In this third installment of the series, we see Audrey Sinclair, Duchess of Fournier, hunt down a killer who is targeting people from the asylum where she was detained for two years after she revealed her ability to "read" an object's past by holding it. Hugh Marsden, the Bow Street detective she has worked with before, is also working on the case, though trying to exclude Audrey for her safety and to preserve her reputation, which has suffered after two investigations.
While the critical parts of the back story are here and allow this be a standalone, those who read the previous books get the full effect of the devastating first chapter and delightful moments of character and relationship development throughout the story. I marvel at how Devlin has made my opinion of the character Philip, in particular, evolve over the course of three books. The angst and slow burn of the romantic relationship is intense and I love it.
Knowing that Cara Devlin is spoiling us with book 4 in a few months makes me very excited.
I received an advance review copy for free, but I will be ordering a physical copy for myself because I love this book so much!
April 27, 2023
Oh my! It doesn’t get any better than this. All that unrequited love fuelled with accompanying murders to solve with Bow Street Runner Hugh Marsden and the headstrong, venerable Duchess, Audrey!
Awaiting the next in the series with bated breath.
Awaiting the next in the series with bated breath.
November 30, 2024
This story fills us in on Audrey's missing years spent in a mental asylum for revealing her clairvoyance to hostile family members. Fellow inmates from Audrey's two years at Shadewell Sanitorium are showing up dead now, and since one of the victims is wearing her gown, she is personally identified and invested in getting to the bottom of the crimes. As a reader of the series, I laughed at Officer Hugh Marsden's frustrated lament that Audrey is weirdly connected once again to another mystery involving dead people because it's meta self-awareness about the high coincidence of being linked in one's life to so many unsolved crimes. Audrey though is also notoriously bored and unfulfilled in her life as an aristocrat in a marriage of convenience, and so, as always, she is more than ready to throw herself into helping to solve a mystery.
The romance between Audrey and Hugh is the high point of this third book in the series. Moving slowly but steadily toward each other since first meeting, both are more willing to articulate what is going on between them. There are a number of romantic moments as they acknowledge and debate not only what is happening, but what options they potentially have. I'm here for the romance and this one is so far the most emotional in the series. I enjoyed too the development of Phillip's character and gained more insight into his relationship with Audrey. A clearer picture emerges on where this series is going...
The romance between Audrey and Hugh is the high point of this third book in the series. Moving slowly but steadily toward each other since first meeting, both are more willing to articulate what is going on between them. There are a number of romantic moments as they acknowledge and debate not only what is happening, but what options they potentially have. I'm here for the romance and this one is so far the most emotional in the series. I enjoyed too the development of Phillip's character and gained more insight into his relationship with Audrey. A clearer picture emerges on where this series is going...
October 14, 2024
I'm obsessed with these books. It's only the first day of reading week, and I've already finished 2 books in this series. Granted, they're very short books, but still. I am having the most fun binging these books! The romance is still really slow-burn and really cute, and the mysteries continue to impress me!
Even though this book is very much marketed towards romance readers, the mysteries aren't suffering at all. I really liked the reveal and how everything was connected and dealt with. I'm sure people that read a ton of mysteries won't be surprised by the reveals, but I was! There were enough clues that I guessed some things but I hadn't put everything together so the reveal was really fun to read.
My one complaint about this book was that the side characters didn't feel super developed. The two main characters feel very real and I feel like I understand their personalities and motivations. The supporting case, however, have whispers of interesting character traits but the books are too short to really develop them. This is especially the case with Phillip, the main character's husband. My suspicion is that he's gonna be written off sooner rather than later (and I think I know how) but I would like if he had better characterization considering that he's a major supporting character.
I'm literally already part-way through the next book (I couldn't resist!) and will be 100% finishing it today.
Even though this book is very much marketed towards romance readers, the mysteries aren't suffering at all. I really liked the reveal and how everything was connected and dealt with. I'm sure people that read a ton of mysteries won't be surprised by the reveals, but I was! There were enough clues that I guessed some things but I hadn't put everything together so the reveal was really fun to read.
My one complaint about this book was that the side characters didn't feel super developed. The two main characters feel very real and I feel like I understand their personalities and motivations. The supporting case, however, have whispers of interesting character traits but the books are too short to really develop them. This is especially the case with Phillip, the main character's husband. My suspicion is that he's gonna be written off sooner rather than later (and I think I know how) but I would like if he had better characterization considering that he's a major supporting character.
I'm literally already part-way through the next book (I couldn't resist!) and will be 100% finishing it today.
March 27, 2023
Book 3 of The Bow Street Duchess Mystery is the most action filled book yet. Duchess Audrey has her past catching up with her, much to her dismay. Despite his intention to stay away, Detective Hugh Marsden is pulled back into Audrey's sphere, as people from her past start turning up dead. The stubborn pair, once again, are working together and getting emotionally closer, much to their dismay. Bring on Book 4! 4-1/2 Stars
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 23, 2023
This third book in the Bow Street Duchess Series is fantastic, and while it is the shortest of the three novels in the series so far (only 236 pp.), it is perhaps my favorite! By this time in the series, the two main characters, Audrey Sinclair, Duchess of Fournier and Principal Officer Hugh Marsden of the Bow Street station have grown closer, their connection becoming deeper but more complicated despite their better judgment. The result: I've become more entrenched in what happens to them, both in terms of their adventures in solving crimes and their relationship - and whether they'll eventually be able to be together (because all the yearning and angst that courses between them throughout Silence of Deceit squeezed my heart and would not let go). Not only that, but the mystery that draws them back into each other's orbit (though they try to stay apart) is quite well done, serving as a vehicle to show how much these two mean to each other despite their relatively brief acquaintance. The tie that binds them is not so easily broken, and I'm very interested to see where Cara Devlin takes them in the next story. I, of course, want them to have their happily ever after because I think each is what the other needs and wants in their lives, and in my opinion, Hugh has already shown Audrey (and us readers) that he loves her - it is much more than mere attraction between them.
I also love the secondary characters in this series, who become better known to us as they relate to Hugh and Audrey. Sir and Basil, Carrigan and Greer - we see how loyal and devoted they are to these two, and how they keep Audrey and Hugh's secrets. They are allies and would-be confidantes when needed. I am not as enamored of Philip, the Duke of Fournier, but I think that stems from his dishonesty with Audrey at the start of the series and since I see him as being selfish, holding Audrey back from a real life that could be more fulfilling and happy. He obviously has his reasons though.
There are some errors in this ARC: some words missing from sentences in the text, a turn from Audrey's point of view to Hugh's when the story is with Audrey only (Hugh is not there so it wouldn't make sense for the POV to change to him) and a switch from a character's name Esther to Estelle and back again (which I didn't understand), and I hope these mistakes are fixed before the book's publication on April 22. But even with these blips, Cara Devlin weaves a tightly spun story, and the ending is a powerhouse scene between Hugh and Audrey who have been struggling with their feelings throughout much of this third book. It blew me away - and made me want the fourth story to come out sooner than early June so I can find out what happens next for these two with their burgeoning, forbidden love as they work together on the next crime.
In short, I'm hooked on this series, and this third entry in the series did not disappoint! It just made me want much more of Hugh and Audrey.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I also love the secondary characters in this series, who become better known to us as they relate to Hugh and Audrey. Sir and Basil, Carrigan and Greer - we see how loyal and devoted they are to these two, and how they keep Audrey and Hugh's secrets. They are allies and would-be confidantes when needed. I am not as enamored of Philip, the Duke of Fournier, but I think that stems from his dishonesty with Audrey at the start of the series and since I see him as being selfish, holding Audrey back from a real life that could be more fulfilling and happy. He obviously has his reasons though.
There are some errors in this ARC: some words missing from sentences in the text, a turn from Audrey's point of view to Hugh's when the story is with Audrey only (Hugh is not there so it wouldn't make sense for the POV to change to him) and a switch from a character's name Esther to Estelle and back again (which I didn't understand), and I hope these mistakes are fixed before the book's publication on April 22. But even with these blips, Cara Devlin weaves a tightly spun story, and the ending is a powerhouse scene between Hugh and Audrey who have been struggling with their feelings throughout much of this third book. It blew me away - and made me want the fourth story to come out sooner than early June so I can find out what happens next for these two with their burgeoning, forbidden love as they work together on the next crime.
In short, I'm hooked on this series, and this third entry in the series did not disappoint! It just made me want much more of Hugh and Audrey.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 29, 2023
why are these heroines always so ridiculous?
The lack of common sense and intelligence... just ruins the story . Unfortunately the characters could really shine if the foolishness was limited
The lack of common sense and intelligence... just ruins the story . Unfortunately the characters could really shine if the foolishness was limited
April 27, 2024
Yet another death that involves the duchess. She really has the worst luck. This time, it involves her past at the asylum. She and Hugh team up (once again against his better judgment) to solve the case. Philip is not as present in this book, which is honestly perfectly fine by me. He's not my favorite. His absence allows Hugh and Audrey to spend more time together. I think it is safe to say that by the end of this book, Audrey should have a pretty clear idea of where Hugh's intentions lay. Bless him. The author has been weaving in a solution to the predicament they've found themselves in. Not that I'm happy per se, but at least there's a small window that's been opened. We'll just have to see how it works itself out.
April 26, 2023
A first rate mystery.
This was an excellent mystery with an entangled love story. The author did an awesome job of keeping the who in the who done it secret until almost the end. The love story has two of the characters going around and around the tension between them is done really well. I cannot wait to see what else our duchess gets involved with. I did receive a free copy of this book from BookSiren and voluntarily chose to review it.
This was an excellent mystery with an entangled love story. The author did an awesome job of keeping the who in the who done it secret until almost the end. The love story has two of the characters going around and around the tension between them is done really well. I cannot wait to see what else our duchess gets involved with. I did receive a free copy of this book from BookSiren and voluntarily chose to review it.
April 12, 2023
Hugh Marsden and Audrey Sinclair reunite to solve another very messy murder mystery. I loved the mystery and the twists and turns it took to solve who-done-it. Hugh lit a little match to the slow burn he’s got going with Audrey. I can see where the author might go with that thread. Very entertaining third installment to the series.
The next story, coming out in June, will be about Hugh’s mysterious past as he solves the murder of one of his family members. Can’t wait to see what happens next. This is one of my favorite series and I highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The next story, coming out in June, will be about Hugh’s mysterious past as he solves the murder of one of his family members. Can’t wait to see what happens next. This is one of my favorite series and I highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 25, 2023
When the police officer brings detective hue a box with Audreys calling cards in it and tells him they got it from the ridicule of a woman they pulled out of the Tim’s he races to Violet House he wants to be the first one to tell the Duke but when Alex comes down the stairs he’ll is more than relieved to hear Audrey say his name. When he tells the couple why he is there at such a late hour Audrey says she thinks she may know the dead woman and when they go to the death house Audrey does identify her as Delia an old friend who she met at her secret days in the mental hospital her parents sent her to when she thought her gift was worth sharing with the family. when Hugh starts investigating the other calling cards found in the reticule he meets more people that were in the institute with Audrey and finds out someone was blackmailing them and all though Audrey thinks there’s no way Delia would be involved with that with another old friend winds up dead and other clues fall into place Hugh and Audrey start to wonder is Delia really the victim or the perpetrator? I love this historical mystery series and without doubt it is my absolute favorite one I cannot get enough of Audrey and Hugh and OMG if they didn’t get even more romantic in book 3 I just wish these were made into audiobooks as I think they would be awesome I love these books the characters the storyline that keeps moving along in the authors writing style it all makes for one great book and I can’t wait for the next one. I received this book from Book Sirens but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
April 22, 2023
While Audrey’s gift has helped her solve cases alongside the captivating Bow Street officer Hugh Marsden, she longs to forget her previous committal to an asylum. But now, a blackmailer with a taste for violence is threatening former patients of Shadewell Sanatorium. Since their last inquiry together, distance and distraction have helped Hugh restrain his forbidden attraction to the untouchable Audrey Sinclair. However, when a woman’s body clothed in one of Audrey's gowns, and bearing her calling cards, is fished out of the Thames, staying away from the stubborn duchess proves impossible.
The third book in this riveting series & each one just gets better. Audrey’s past comes back to haunt her but she manages to face her demons, which shows what a strong woman she’s become. A well written page turner which I found very hard to put down. I love the dynamics of Hugh & Audrey’s relationship, their feelings are deepening but neither is prepared to betray Philip & I love them for that as I really like Philip. The murder mystery is intriguing & I was kept guessing for quite a while. Poor Sir was caught up in the action & wounded. A well written, engrossing read & I’m eagerly awaiting book four
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The third book in this riveting series & each one just gets better. Audrey’s past comes back to haunt her but she manages to face her demons, which shows what a strong woman she’s become. A well written page turner which I found very hard to put down. I love the dynamics of Hugh & Audrey’s relationship, their feelings are deepening but neither is prepared to betray Philip & I love them for that as I really like Philip. The murder mystery is intriguing & I was kept guessing for quite a while. Poor Sir was caught up in the action & wounded. A well written, engrossing read & I’m eagerly awaiting book four
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
April 16, 2024
This is a new author for me. I just finished book 1 and 2 and it was so intriguing and so damn good. I was surprised how much depth she got in the story. The funny thing is all the books I read have sex in them and I researched her and thought she had sex in her books but so far, nothing. Still such a great read it really didn't matter.
I usually read light ton stories but I do have a few authors that have a bit more intrigue and daring. But this series is really suspenseful with murder and secrets. So unusual for me. I have never read a series like this. Not just so heavy with the suspense and intrigue but it's the same main characters across the whole series. Like I said about book 1 and 2, it doesn't really end in a cliffhanger, but you just know there is more to come from Audrey and Hugh.
On to Book 4.
I usually read light ton stories but I do have a few authors that have a bit more intrigue and daring. But this series is really suspenseful with murder and secrets. So unusual for me. I have never read a series like this. Not just so heavy with the suspense and intrigue but it's the same main characters across the whole series. Like I said about book 1 and 2, it doesn't really end in a cliffhanger, but you just know there is more to come from Audrey and Hugh.
On to Book 4.
March 7, 2024
Book three is another great mystery featuring the stubborn dutchess, her husband, and her partner Hugh. He is an officer investigating murders. His relationship to the Dutchess has gone beyond just trying to keep her safe, and out of his murder investigations. Her husband can only ever be her friend, even though he tries to care deeply for her. They are all hiding some scandal, that could ruin their lives, and now a blackmailer is threatening them. When murder of ladies start adding up, it will be up to the dutchess, and the head officer to once again give chase. The Dutchess'es rare gift comes in handy, in seeing into the past. I really like the boy Sir, and those loyal to the dutchess. Great mystery five stars I'm about to start the next one very soon.
June 26, 2024
London, England. November 1819. Cara Devlin’s Silence of Deceit (Bow Street Duchess Mysteries, #3) finds the Duchess of Fournier and Principal Officer of Bow Street, Hugh Mardsen, joining forces again to stop a ‘revenge plot’. The Duchess of Fournier has this ability to read objects. Her uncaring mother and her spiteful uncle committed Audrey to an insane asylum as a young woman because of her ‘ability’.Those memories terrify Audrey, the Duchess, but now when Sir, the young street youth that Hugh has taken under his wing, is brutally attacked, Audrey with Hugh’s help must face her demons as the investigation appears to be tied to that horrifying place. Poor Sir! I could not read quickly enough to discover if Sir would live. A great addition to this series. 5 stars.
March 1, 2024
3.5 stars.
The forbidden passion between Audrey and Hugh goes up a notch in this instalment . It feels to me the author is coming to a resolution soon regarding Audrey's husband with the revelation of the nature of his illness.
As for the murder mystery, it goes all the way back to the time when Audrey was incarcerated in an asylum by her mother and uncle. I quite enjoyed the twists and turns in this one. Also, I hope the author comes up with something good for the plucky urchin Sir, he's such a colorful and fun character.
The forbidden passion between Audrey and Hugh goes up a notch in this instalment . It feels to me the author is coming to a resolution soon regarding Audrey's husband with the revelation of the nature of his illness.
As for the murder mystery, it goes all the way back to the time when Audrey was incarcerated in an asylum by her mother and uncle. I quite enjoyed the twists and turns in this one. Also, I hope the author comes up with something good for the plucky urchin Sir, he's such a colorful and fun character.
June 4, 2024
Silence of Deceit
A Bow Street Duchess Mystery, Book 3
Cara Devlin, author
I have fallen in love with these mesmerizing characters. Phillip, the Duke of Fournier, his Dutchess, Audrey, the Bow Street investigator, Hugh Marsden, and his side kick, Sir. Sir is a darling little boy that Hugh has taken under his wing.
This installment brings more strife and danger to both Audrey, Hugh and little Sir. Will they all survive for another story? Read this amazing novel to find your answers.
This series is simply exciting and engrossing. I'm loving it.
I listened to the audio version of the story. The narrator was expressive and held my interest.
A Bow Street Duchess Mystery, Book 3
Cara Devlin, author
I have fallen in love with these mesmerizing characters. Phillip, the Duke of Fournier, his Dutchess, Audrey, the Bow Street investigator, Hugh Marsden, and his side kick, Sir. Sir is a darling little boy that Hugh has taken under his wing.
This installment brings more strife and danger to both Audrey, Hugh and little Sir. Will they all survive for another story? Read this amazing novel to find your answers.
This series is simply exciting and engrossing. I'm loving it.
I listened to the audio version of the story. The narrator was expressive and held my interest.
April 22, 2023
Shot🔫 Through The Heart💕
ADULT Regency Murder Mystery💀🗡🔫 with Romantic💕 and Paranormal Elements👻.
Bow Street Detective Hugh🐺🔫, and the Duchess Audrey💃, are involved in another murder💀🗡🔫 mystery, this time involving women who were patients at Shadewell Sanitorium when Audrey was also forced to stay there.
This is the third book in the series📚. It ends in sort of a cliffhanger, leading to the reason for the next novel.
I liked this mesmerizing tale of blackmail💰 and murder💀🗡🔫 the best so far!
ARC provided by Book📚 Sirens💃
I also got this ebook from Amazon with Kindle Unlimited
ADULT Regency Murder Mystery💀🗡🔫 with Romantic💕 and Paranormal Elements👻.
Bow Street Detective Hugh🐺🔫, and the Duchess Audrey💃, are involved in another murder💀🗡🔫 mystery, this time involving women who were patients at Shadewell Sanitorium when Audrey was also forced to stay there.
This is the third book in the series📚. It ends in sort of a cliffhanger, leading to the reason for the next novel.
I liked this mesmerizing tale of blackmail💰 and murder💀🗡🔫 the best so far!
ARC provided by Book📚 Sirens💃
I also got this ebook from Amazon with Kindle Unlimited
February 16, 2024
The plot thickens, and we are still flying at a steady altitude of 3,5 stars.
Just one thing, please, for the love of all that’s good and holy, someone wrestle ‘newel post’ out of the author’s vocabulary and forbid her from ever using the term in this series ever again. And maybe not limit it to this series. So far there were enough newel posts mentioned to build a second city of Venice somewhere. Not sure where that obsession comes from, or if I even wanna know.
Just one thing, please, for the love of all that’s good and holy, someone wrestle ‘newel post’ out of the author’s vocabulary and forbid her from ever using the term in this series ever again. And maybe not limit it to this series. So far there were enough newel posts mentioned to build a second city of Venice somewhere. Not sure where that obsession comes from, or if I even wanna know.
April 5, 2024
It's not very often I get wrapped up in a series and have to read the books one right after the other. The relationship between the Duchess of Fournier and the Principal Bow Street Officer is intense, not only from their resolve to solve a crime, but their forbidden attraction to each other. A secret from the Duchess' past involves murder and blackmail. As they work together, it becomes more complex with unexpected surprises.
January 12, 2024
I am surprised to say that I am SO loving this series, as I wasn’t sure I would after the first book. I am so glad that I continued. The mysteries are very satisfying and the relationships are getting better and better!
Very nicely narrated too.
Very nicely narrated too.
November 10, 2023
I’m livingggggg for the tension.
January 27, 2024
Less magicky. Less Duke. A good installment. Looking forward to the next!
July 3, 2024
Good story. I like the series.
July 25, 2024
7/25/24: 4 stars!
Ooof this was a tough one! 😭😭😭
Ooof this was a tough one! 😭😭😭
May 27, 2023
4.5 stars that I couldn't quite round up to 5 this time. I still really enjoy this series, though; the writing is excellent overall, with a nice balance of suspense and effectively eerie scenes. And yes, if you're wondering, Hugh and Audrey's relationship does advance (a bit).
I do have some caveats. Keep in mind that I'm being picky here.
--I feel like certain aspects of the series have become slightly formulaic. Audrey always ends up striking out on her own, after Hugh warns her repeatedly not to, and she ends up in jep after he's pieced together most of the clues. So her bravery looks more like foolishness. Plus, their ongoing arguments about her leaving off cases and going home get rather repetitive. I'm hoping that in the next book Hugh and Audrey use more teamwork and confront the baddie(s) together.
--Maybe it's me, but Audrey seems to be getting more priggish and I feel it detracts from her character as well as tension in key scenes. During a harrowing experience toward the end, she's more concerned about being humiliated? (Hugh's teasing conversation with her right afterward seemed off, considering her feelings about being in such a place.) And for someone who has a progressive marriage (for the era) and is bullheaded about helping out with crimes, why is Audrey so hung up on the idea that Hugh wouldn't be a suitable lover? Maybe it just speaks to the hypocrisy of the time, and Audrey does need to protect her reputation, but people have already seen her with Hugh; better to let them assume that they're lovers than think she's actually helping him on cases.
--I still don't think Philip is a fully developed character. He and Audrey are supposed to have a marriage based on friendship but I just don't see it. He has a couple moments when he seems human (when bringing up adoption and then later related to his health) but his apology toward the end is rather weak.
--Delia is a cipher. We learn about her awful past, enough to feel bad for her, but I feel like there was a scene missing at the beginning between her and Audrey (should have been in a prologue). I didn't buy Audrey's relationship--you couldn't call it a friendship--with her. If Audrey is such a stickler about social class/image, why was she associating with her?
--Finally, I have to mention Audrey's abilities. For the first time, when she touches someone's hand (Hugh's) her powers kick in. This sort of comes out of nowhere and is never explained sufficiently. How long has she been able to read people by touch? Nothing happens when she touches Philip's hand.
Again, I'm just being picky here, based on my high expectations for this series. I'm very much looking forward to the next book!
I do have some caveats. Keep in mind that I'm being picky here.
--I feel like certain aspects of the series have become slightly formulaic. Audrey always ends up striking out on her own, after Hugh warns her repeatedly not to, and she ends up in jep after he's pieced together most of the clues. So her bravery looks more like foolishness. Plus, their ongoing arguments about her leaving off cases and going home get rather repetitive. I'm hoping that in the next book Hugh and Audrey use more teamwork and confront the baddie(s) together.
--Maybe it's me, but Audrey seems to be getting more priggish and I feel it detracts from her character as well as tension in key scenes. During a harrowing experience toward the end, she's more concerned about being humiliated? (Hugh's teasing conversation with her right afterward seemed off, considering her feelings about being in such a place.) And for someone who has a progressive marriage (for the era) and is bullheaded about helping out with crimes, why is Audrey so hung up on the idea that Hugh wouldn't be a suitable lover? Maybe it just speaks to the hypocrisy of the time, and Audrey does need to protect her reputation, but people have already seen her with Hugh; better to let them assume that they're lovers than think she's actually helping him on cases.
--I still don't think Philip is a fully developed character. He and Audrey are supposed to have a marriage based on friendship but I just don't see it. He has a couple moments when he seems human (when bringing up adoption and then later related to his health) but his apology toward the end is rather weak.
--Delia is a cipher. We learn about her awful past, enough to feel bad for her, but I feel like there was a scene missing at the beginning between her and Audrey (should have been in a prologue). I didn't buy Audrey's relationship--you couldn't call it a friendship--with her. If Audrey is such a stickler about social class/image, why was she associating with her?
--Finally, I have to mention Audrey's abilities. For the first time, when she touches someone's hand (Hugh's) her powers kick in. This sort of comes out of nowhere and is never explained sufficiently. How long has she been able to read people by touch? Nothing happens when she touches Philip's hand.
Again, I'm just being picky here, based on my high expectations for this series. I'm very much looking forward to the next book!
April 9, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up to 5. Don't get me wrong there are a few things that could be improved - like the editing in this ARC, and I hope the errors get fixed before publication on April 22 - but the ending is simply AMAZING - rife with angst and longing! And I love Hugh and Audrey so much!
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