A captivating historical mystery set in Regency London and a great start to a new series. There is a great supporting cast of characters but some may have a murky past. The writing is atmospheric and rich in detail and the plot has a few twists. It is a great read with a strong female protagonist.
Many thanks to The Book Whisperer and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a captivating read that held my attention from start to finish. The story was well-paced, and the characters felt real and engaging. I’m grateful to the publisher for providing an early copy—it was a pleasure to read!

Zoe Demas and her mother escaped from France during the French Revolution. Several years laterZoe's mother marries a leading London barrister. While growing up Zoe spends a lot of time observing and effectively studying with him. Early on her maid is murdered and Zoe uses her legal knowledge and related contacts to assemble helpers and solve the murder. Along the way Zoe learns to understand herself.

When Lucy, maid to Lady Zoe Demas, goes missing and is later found dead, Lady Demas determines to discover what happened to her. She becomes involved with a group of people who help her, including a private investigator, a "resurrectionist," street urchins, and some rather unsavory and questionable characters.

This novel reminded me of a Dickens novel, with its rather dark atmosphere and plethora of street people and scenes. Some parts of the novel seemed unlikely, such as the likelihood of a fine lady running about in London with only her ladies' maid to accompany her. This is a complex novel that includes quite a few characters and hidden secrets.

My main dislike is the cliffhanger ending. I wish the novel had just ended without tacking that on at the finish.

I received this novel from NetGalley and from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

I liked this book a lot, but it didn’t feel particularly “historical.” The dialogue seemed too modern, and the characters did too- especially the female main character, who had way too much freedom & independence for an upper class lady of the time. The mystery was interesting but the best part for me were the intriguing characters and the interesting relationships between them.

This is a first in a series (the Q & Z Regency Mysteries) by a debut mother-daughter writing team. As a huge fan of mystery series, I learned long ago that the first book in a series is rarely the best of the series because much time is spent with establishing the characters, setting, and the overall feel and tone of what the series will be. So I didn't have the highest of expectations going into this one, but I was pleasantly surprised.
The titular Q&Z here are Quinton Huxley and Zoe Demas. Zoe is a young Frenchwoman who came to London after her widowed mother married an Englishman. She feels a bit adrift, and as if she's never truly fit in. She's outspoken, willful and headstrong, and when she learns that her enigmatic lady's maid Lucy was found dead in the streets of Whitechapel, she's can't accept the ruling that it was a tragic accident and is convinced Lucy was murdered. She enlists the help of Quinton and, by extension, his motley crew of long-time friends who sometimes straddle the fine line of legalities. As she learns more and more about Lucy, her guilt over never pushing to learn more about her when Lucy was alive feeds her obsession to learn the truth about her death. Quinton's friends and connections prove invaluable. The characters are diverse and interesting, the mystery is a good one, and by the end I found myself interested in seeing where the series goes next, and in getting to know the various characters better in future books.
Thanks to Netgalley and Book Whisperer for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.

The Ties That Divide by Sandra Preisler, Taylor Preisler
A Q&Z Regency Mystery #1

Great introduction to a new series written by a mother-daughter writing team ~ Eager to read what happens next!

What I liked:
* Lady Zoe Demas: French, escaped with her mother from the French Revolution, an artist, learned about law from her stepfather, curious, somewhat spoiled, looking for purpose, stubborn, wants more than what her mother wants for her
* Quinton Huxley: works as a bit of a fixer and private investigator, spent time on the streets after his actress mother died, never knew who his father was, bright, good friend to Charlie & John, protective, intriguing
* John Smith: Bow Street Runner, Mary’s cousin, has worked with Zoe’s father on cases, good friend
* Mary Fletcher: John’s cousin who becomes maid-companion to Zoe, strong, independent, outspoken
* Charles Modi: good friend of Quinton and John, a bit of a criminal, brother of Savita, his mother is a midwife and helped John and Quinton when they had rough times
* Rory: resurrectionist, intriguing, would like to learn more about him
* Zoe’s parents – opposites, love match, parents of Phoebe and Walter who are Zoe’s half-siblings
* Theodora: wealthy widow, Zoe’s aunt and supports Zoe’s independent streak
* Gwen, Ezra & Brutus – all had parts that were important – hope to see more of them in the future
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* Being able to read the first book in a new series

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the killer and what would create someone like that
* The big divide between the haves and the have-nots

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 Stars

How do you have someone around you all day and have no clue who they are? Why be so invested in finding out what happened? But that is the mystery. Who was she and what was her story? Zoe finally has something that interests her as she searches for answers. Actually a pretty good story. Often I wanted to smack the sass off her but she is still young. The hunt is on to find answers.

The mystery of Lucy's murder is good. It's hinted at early on, but there's quite a wrinkle in the denouement. However, in my opinion, it's secondary to setting up the main cast.
The authors did an excellent job of developing Zoe, Quinton, Hugh, Simone, etc. It's a large cast, but each is introduced in a way that shows their relationship to Zoe or Quinton.
I enjoyed the chemistry and growing attraction between Zoe and Quinton. Their being able to begin a courtship, should that be chosen, is set in motion at the very end. Also like the growing friendship between Zoe and Mary.
I would read more books featuring these characters.
Highly recommend this title.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sandra & Taylor Preisler for an advance copy.
#TheTiesThatDivide#NetGalley

The writing was good, but it just didn't keep my attention. Some of it felt repetitive. I felt that Zoe in particular was annoying. I know she's supposed to show growth throughout the book, but I was thinking it would be better for a younger person to read than for a seasoned woman who has read a lot.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of the book. #sponsored

Exciting new Regency mystery series!

Zoe Demas is a usual young woman, a French aristocrat’s daughter. As a young child, she and her mother Simone escaped the Terror, fleeing to England as emigres. Simone met and married a barrister Lord Hugh Dovefield. Zoe was a precocious and intelligent child. Hugh used to take Zoe with him to court, discussing points of law with her. Now older, painting and law remain her two focuses. She is a skilled sketch artist. Now older, Zoe doesn’t ever forget her time as a child when the streets ran with blood.
Zoe’s background of violence and her questioning mind meant she did not take kindly to leading the life of a genteel lady. If anything she’s careless of herself and of others around her.
That all changes the day Zoe’s maid Lucy goes missing, to be found dead on a street in Whitechapel. It’s ruled an accidental death. Zoe is shocked, the puzzled. What was her maid, who was even scared about walking walking in Hyde Park in broad daylight, doing in that part of town at night? Not satisfied with the coroners verdict she hires an inquiry agent, Quinton Huxley to investigate. Quinton grew up hustling on the very streets, where he now plies his craft.
The sparks fly between Zoe and Quinton. Zoe is stubborn and insists on going into unsuitable places. Quinton tries to hold her back from such surroundings. No luck! She insists on joining him even when he visits a bull baiting pit. Now there’s a scene!
Sure there’s some familiar tropes. A detective who’s a step away from being a Bow Street runner investigates with lady of quality, albeit a rebel. A mysterious background surrounds said detective. Baby farms, orphans preferring the streets to other alternatives, friends on both sides of the law, multiculturalism of the time—all grist for the mill!
An exciting new Regency mystery, with a cast of interesting and strong supporting characters—some on the wrong side of the law. How they develop will be something to watch.
A great start to a new series, I’m looking forward to what follows.

A Book Whisperer ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

The Ties That divide by Taylor & Sandra Preisler is a mystery novel set in the Regency time period. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book that I received on NetGalley and I always review every book that I read. This one will keep you turning pages and trying to figure out who committed the murder - and why. I enjoyed Zoe's unconventional methods that were so contrary to the customs of that period. I felt that the plot and characters were well developed. This book will keep you wanting more with these characters. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley. These are new authors and I hope this is the beginning of a series. Zoe's maid has been murdered and she realizes she knows very little about her personally. After her acquaintance, the Bow Street Runner takes her to Quinton the investigator to help find out what has happened to Lucy and was it something from her past that brought it about. Zoe learns a great deal about the city she never thought about or people she would come in contact with before. With the help of her stepfather who has taught her about the law and some who stay close to the line of the law also a unofficial coroner, they are able to solve the crime. I look forward to the next book.

Courtesy of Netgalley and The Book Whisperer, I received the ARC of The Ties That Divide, a debut novel by the mother-daughter team, Taylor and Sandra Preisler. This well written Regency era mystery was compelling, the characters engaging and interesting. Exploring the complexities of London's class system while investigating a surprising murder, Lady Zoe Demas proves a complex and strong leader! Highly recommend!

This was a good start to a new historical series from author's that are new to me. The character's are interesting and engaging and the mystery is full of twists and turns. It does end on a note that suggests there is much more to come. The only negative is that modern language has found it's way where it doesn't belong (Ms and lighten up wouldn't be used in this era) Apart from this it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to the next. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

The Tie That divide is an engaging romp that will leave you satisfied both historically, setting you perfectly in its time , and emotionally, with well-drawn characters and tantilizing romance. The class system is well covered, and well handled for the Regency period. There are a few comments that seemed contemporary to our time, though, but, most likely are edited out of the final product. None of it was enough, to keep me from enjoying the book thoroughly, a lighthearted mystery with complex characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and The Book Whisperer for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I always love the first book in what looks to be a series. The author.....in this case, authors........must build a community of characters and their stories while building this first book around central characters and completing an entire story while still leaving threads that will come to be volumes of the series. This must all be accomplished while still giving readers enough depth and mystery to keep their curiousity bringing them back and building loyalty to the series. Taylor and Sandra Preisler, a mother and daughter team, have done this well enough to earn their stars and set the stage for the next story line.

After trying to read a couple of heavy historical mysteries, this one was such a delight to read. The characters were well-written with a lot of character and the storyline flowed beautifully, with twists, turns and humour. I also found the budding romance something I will enjoy seeing develop over the series I am hoping will come. It was an easy read and I am now waiting to see if this will turn into a series. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.

A Historical Drama Full of Diverse and Interesting Characters.

The Ties That Divide authors are a mother daughter team Sandra and Taylor Preisler. For their first book they have done an excellent job on this Regency-era mystery. The book is a historical drama full of diverse and interesting characters. Zoe and her mother Simone escape from France and move to London England. Simone then meets and marries a London Barrister called Hugh. As they grow closer Hugh and Zoe spend a lot of time together. Zoe spends her time observing and studying Hugh in court. Zoe is very smart and quickly finds that she absorbs and retains the knowledge she listens to. When Zoe’s maid Lucy is found dead in Whitechapel Zoe does not believe it was an accident but murder.
Zoe uses her legal knowledge and hires a private investigator Quinton Huxley to help solve Lucy's murder. I immediately fell in love with Zoe and Mary and found Quinton Huxley to be very captivating. Quinton and Zoe make a good team, investigating their suspects among the upper-class and in some of the poorest parts of the city. Along the way Zoe learns to understand a lot about herself. The characters bring the book to life and the authors have left the ending on a mysterious note of more books on this unlikely duo who make a talented team and the dialogue between them is well-written. If you like mysteries and suspense you will enjoy this book. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.



20-21st

What is better than an historical fiction set in Regency London where there is a mystery surrounding the death of a lady's maid which puts Zoe Demas, a young French woman, in the spotlight!

Well this is a story that has some great characters as well as a wonderful storyline. It is a quick and easy read that will keep you guessing and keep you intrigued. There was a bit of fun in the story as well and clues to help you along on solving of the mystery. A great start to what sounds like it may be a series. I hope so.

Thank You NetGalley and Book Whisperer for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.