The Lord Julian Mysteries book #3
by Grace Burrowes
GENRE: Regency era cozy mystery
My rating: ★★★★☆
This is a very enjoyable cozy mystery set in the Regency era.
It's not a fast-paced story, but the intense and well-developed investigation is worthy of Hercule Poirot (the famous detective created by Agatha Christie).
________ PLOT IN A NUTSHELL ________
Set in England during the Regency era, the story follows Lord Julian Caldicott, younger brother of the Duke of Waltham. Julian is a young war veteran still struggling with the physical and emotional wounds he suffered as a prisoner of the French.
During the war, Julian lost not only a part of himself but also his older brother, Harry.
Harry, known in London society for his charm and social life, served as a scout and spy (like Julian). Consequently, Harry's death is shrouded in mystery, and his life proves to be an intricate web of secrets and false appearances.
Now, Julian and Waltham unexpectedly find themselves caring for Harry's young son... but is he truly Harry's son? And which of the women in Harry's life is the child's real mother?
__________ * * * ___________
The MYSTERIES IN THIS SERIES are not murder mysteries, yet they are convoluted enough to require a classic, detailed investigation. This involves identifying everyone possibly connected to the case, even superficially, and questioning them one by one, piecing together the clues.
WHAT ALWAYS CAPTIVATES ME in Julian's mysteries is not only the investigation and the solution, but also the personal lives of the characters.
Despite being connected by family or long-standing friendships, they seem to truly begin to know each other only now, after emerging from the dramatic and painful experiences of the war and the human losses it caused.
The reader is completely drawn in by the emotional depth, which flows from Julian's first-person narration and his dialogues with loved ones.
Waltham, too, hides a secret from the world, one he only recently confessed to his younger brother. However, this secret continues to significantly impact both of their lives. In fact, until Julian finds peace within himself ( and so his "male humor" too, as he use to call it ), neither of them can have children.
Harry's possible son seems to be the only solution for providing an heir to the Dukedom (and all that it entailed at that time: lands, possessions, management, and the survival of an entire village), which makes the search even more emotionally fraught.
Discovering the truth could bring resolution or devastation... and what about the child's life? An innocent being who cannot and must not pay for the sins of others.
Even in this book, the CHARACTERS are all well-developed. With just a few lines and short scenes, the author enables us to understand their inner selves and judge their traits.
----> The clean language and in-depth investigation may appeal to lovers of classic Golden Age mysteries.
The pace is slow and without much action, but always filled with new developments and unexpected surprises.
----> WARNING : The book is readable as a standalone, but it is more enjoyable and easier to understand if you start with book #1.
----> Though Goodreads tags it as "historical romance," those seeking romance will be disappointed. It's almost nonexistent and certainly doesn't offer the sweetness and emotional outpouring that readers of Regency romance (even clean ones) usually expect.
Read it only if you enjoy cozy historical mysteries (don't look for a love story).
If you want to know more about PREVIOUS BOOKS, READ ALSO MY REVIEWS about "Lord Julian Mysteries BOOK 1 and BOOK 2" :
BOOK #1 "A Gentleman Fallen on Hard Times"
BOOK #2 "A Gentleman of Dubious Reputation"
Thanks you all for stopping by and reading my opinion :-)
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