A QUICK NOTE HERE: Amazon says this is the 12th book in the series and Goodreads says it is the 13th. The difference is at the 7th book where the author wrote a mystery featuring Beatrice Hyde-Clare’s cousin Flora as the investigator. Goodreads counts that as book seven and Amazon doesn’t include it in the series listing at all. This may not matter to you, but I keep up with the series and the book number within the series and I thought others might as well.

Ahhhh – this quick, entertaining, witty mystery was just the pick-me-up I needed. Bea and the Duke are always so entertaining and fill their investigations with banter, sly observations, leaps of logic, informative friends and family, and dogged determination. This series is intertwined with the new Verity Lark series, so the last couple of books in each series have had crossover stories/appearances. BTW – if you haven’t tried Verity’s series, you should – it is as interesting and entertaining as this series. Just a quick bit of background – Verity is the sister of the Duke – but he never knew she existed until just a short while ago. I think she is his full sister, but I may not remember correctly. At any rate, his father and her mother had not married when Verity was born and she was put into an orphanage where she suffered a horrible childhood. She and her two close friends managed to live through their childhood and have gone on to create successful lives for themselves – and they’ve exacted revenge on all of those cruel, uncaring individuals who were involved with the orphanage.

While the Duke of Kesgrave has briefly met his sister, Bea has not. She very much wants to meet her, but Kesgrave isn’t sure whether he wants a relationship or not – and neither is Verity. What Bea did not want to do was meet Verity for the first time with Verity imprisoned at Newgate – accused of murder. Oh! My! With Kesgrave away until the evening, Bea knows someone has to go to the prison to see what can be done. So, Her Outrageousness, the Duchess of Kesgrave, proceeds to the prison for an interview with Verity.

Miss Agnes Wraithe, the murder victim, is one of the vilest creatures ever and she sincerely deserves the nickname – The Wraith – given to her by Verity and her friends. Did she deserve to be shot? I vote YES! But, did Verity do it? I vote NO, and so do Bea and Kesgrave – and anyone else who knows Verity. Will Bea and Kesgrave be able to find the proof they need? It definitely won’t be easy because Verity was found standing over the body with the gun in her hand. OOPS!

There are plenty of suspects and none of them are innocent victims of anything – but are they murderers? Bea and Kesgrave eliminate one red herring after the other until there are no more red herrings – just the murderer.

I enjoyed watching Bea and Kesgrave zip all over London interviewing suspects, following leads, participating in witty banter, and ultimately solving the case. I hope you will love it as well. I’ve always loved that Bea is referred to as Her Outrageousness, but she also has a new sobriquet in this book – The Murder Duchess. I don’t care for that one and I hope it doesn’t stick. I’m already anxiously awaiting the next book in the series! Happy Reading.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In A Vicious Machination, the Beatrice Hyde-Clare mysteries, continues to intertwine with the Verity Lark series. Verity Lark is the illegitimate half-sister of Damien, the Duke of Kesgrave, Bea's husband. She is also a reporter whose alter ego is the infamous Mr. Twaddle-Thum, Bea’s nemesis. Variety is accused and jailed for murder. Bea and Damien delved into the investigation to prove Verity's innocence. Although Damien and Verity have crossed paths in an earlier book, Bea encounters Verity for the first time in Newgate Prison.

The murder victim was the head of the orphanage where Verity spent her childhood. She was part of a plot to sell children into slavery along with members of the orphanage board and would eventually extort them. Verity exposed the plot, making everyone a potential suspect in the murder.

Meanwhile, Bea continues to navigate her new roles as a Duchess and expectant mother, injecting humor and warmth into the narrative. Quirky characters like Aunt Vera and Lady Abercrombie add to the intrigue.

I really enjoyed the story and the characters. This book is best read after reading the previous book in the series, A Murderous Tryst or Verity Lark's spin-off series, both of which I would recommend. I can’t wait to see what the next installment has in store as Bea and Damien prepare for the move to their country estate.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Book Whisper for an eARC of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Duchess of Kesgrave is at it again. While corpses seem to fall in Bea’s path, this murder case has special meaning. Verity Lark, the intrepid investigative reporter and recently discovered half sister of the Damian,Duke of Kesgrave has been arrested for murder and is languishing the in the dreaded Newgate prison. Verity’s sometimes partner is cases, Lord Colson, is doing everything he can to get her out of jail but Bea and Damian know her skill of finding murders and must find the real culprit to free Verity. Unfortunately, a Bow Street Runner found Verity standing over the recently shot corpse with the murder weapon on her hands…very convenient timing but damning. Who set Verity up and who of the MANY people who hated the victim is the actual murderer? Lots of red herrings, some sweet moments between Bea and Damien and a twisted plot. A great addition to both of these series’s.

Although I found the narrative a slow start with all the many introductions of the characacters' whose who, the logjam eventually began to flow. It became rather amusing to the point of outright laughter for me, and then the lure of curiostiy took over for figuring out the emeshing plethora of potential murderer culprits. Be sure to hold your breath for Miss Verity Clark.
Once again, the reader will meet Beatrice Hyde-Clare, aka, The Duchess Kesgrave, with her fine detecting skills, accompanied by her loving Duke husband, who together, work out all the intricacies. As this is Book XII in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries series, the reader will also meet other familiar personages from previous books. All-in-all, I found this mystery to be satisfactory, good clean fun.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

June 2024

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

TRIGGER WARNING: This has to come first. Don't read this book if child abuse is a trigger for you. This book contains mentions of lots and lots of disgusting abuse of privilege and power used against impoverished orphaned children. I don't even like children and found the stories Verity has uncovered and Bea discovers completely reprehensible. If you've read her books, you know some of it but not all of it.

Warning #2: One suspect uses the term "feeble-minded". The main characters use more sympathetic, modern terms. The period correct term is used twice in one scene.

Woah! This may be the twistiest mystery yet. It kept me guessing until JUST before Bea figured it out. There was a clue that gave me an inkling earlier but I thought it might be someone else. Then the clue was dropped that allowed me to realize who it must be but I didn't guess WHO exactly. It was a bit of a shocker. I didn't really like the catch a killer scene. I understand why it had to be that way - Bea is "with cherub" and needed to be safe but I think there could have been a safe way for Bea to do it herself. It's more fun and outrageous that way.

Oh gosh I love Bea. I can relate to her being an introverted book nerd and in her head all the time. Poor Bea. She hasn't known her beloved Damien that long - less than a year! (It's been a fortnight since the last murder!) He has demonstrated how much he loves her and is devoted to her. He adores her and loves her wholeheartedly. However, part of her is still that emotionally starved little girl no one wants waiting for the other shoe to drop. How cruel of her parents' lawyer to threaten her with the orphanage! The threat traumatized her and turned her into an anxious little mouse, afraid to speak up lest she get sent away. She has transferred some of that fear to Kesgrave. He's a Duke! She wonders if he's getting bored with her and her investigations now. He points out she broke a marriage vow right away. Her last investigation was on behalf of his former mistress and Bea is a notorious figure in the press, hardly Duchess material. Now she's possibly carrying the heir to the Dukedom, her behavior must be beyond reproach as Duchess of Kesgrave and mother of a future duke. All this goes through her head at rapid pace and she can't help worry about how her husband feels now. She's also feeling blue because this case involves child abuse. Her own childhood trauma was NOTHING compared to what the children of Fortescue's went through.

Fortunately Damien is the most swoonworthy of Regency romance dukes! He truly does love Bea with all his heart and soul. He knows her better than she knows him. He can read her face like a book and knows what she's thinking. Damien is very sweet and explains to Bea what she's thinking and why she shouldn't be thinking it. (In more ways than one...) I find it hilarious that she's turned on by his pedantry and he knows it and therefore, starts on one of his lists just to cheer her up. ("HMS Goliath, HMS Audacious, HMS Majestic"... ) The Duke of Kesgrave only pretends to be a Darcy. Like Darcy he was brought up to think highly of himself and his position. He has wealth and status and could be a total jerk (ahem like Darcy... don't hate me! Read the book!) but he's a kind, caring man. Deep down he too is emotionally insecure at times due to his traumatic childhood. "Whatever, I'm over it!" is what he would say now but he's not. His parents' cruelty and uncle's despicable behavior left a mark and he's determined NOT to be like them. Kesgrave is unfailingly kind and caring towards others. He knows just how to cheer people up and is intuitive about how Verity must feel.

Verity doesn't appear much in the book but she is the focus and the center of the investigation. I agree that she preferred to make Agnes Wraithe's life miserable and ruin the lives of the Forestcue's Orphan Asylum board members. They all deserved it and she enjoyed making them miserable. Murder isn't her style and why now? She's too smart to succumb to blackmail and she even had a plan in mind. She would willingly out herself as Robert Lark rather than pay one cent of blackmail, especially to the woman who made her childhood miserable. What does she have to lose? She still has Twaddle-Thumb, although she promised to stop writing about the Duchess, and she has other identities she can use and create more. Verity is holding her own in Newgate and trying not to let her fear and worry show. Bea notes Verity is without means or protection. An unmarried, middle class woman will never be saved from the gallows. Indeed, as Lord Colson discovers, Lord Sidmouth, the Home Secretary, won't lift a finger to help, not even in thanks for all Lord Colson has done. (Apparently, Courtesans are not in danger of being hanged but nosy, meddling spinsters are fair game?!)

Lord Colson Hardwicke, the disgraced second son of a Marquess, is impressed by Verity's intelligence and determination. Bea can see Colson is utterly besotted with Verity and thinks he must be a better person than his reputation because Verity is a good judge of character. Bea guesses what everyone who read A Lark's Conceit knows already but only some of it! Bea's not as clever as Verity. The Dowager Duchess of Kesgrave is back in her grandson's good books. She is trying hard to make amends to "the child" Mary Price, La Reina's illegitimate daughter who now calls herself Verity Lark. It took too long for her to share the story of how she met Verity. It was a bit frustrating for me because I knew the story and didn't know why she didn't lead with it! Unfortunately for the Dowager, every attempt she makes to help Verity ends up making the situation worse. No good deed goes unpunished!

Agnes Wraithe was an unimaginative, punitive, small-minded, evil woman. She has come down in the world since her days of running an orphans asylum, thanks to Verity. She didn't have the brains to figure out Robert Lark's true identity, let alone to come up with a plan to frame Verity for murder. She doesn't even really know who Verity IS exactly - her worst enemy. Was she working with someone or did someone use her for their own evil purposes? It's odd that a Runner should just happen to appear on the scene to find Verity holding the murder weapon. Cyrus Thimble had to be a part of the vicious machinations behind Verity's arrest. Was Thimble coerced? Did he owe money to the killer? He claims he was responding to a summons but who in that neighborhood can afford to hire a Runner?

Did Miss Wraithe still have dealings with Lord Condon, Fortescue's disgraced patron? Could he be the killer. I think he is. He lost the most and has the most to gain. While he's living large on his estate in Ireland, he's in exile and cannot return to London and life among the ton. I hope he is the killer. He needs to be punished for what he did to those children. I don't even like children and what he did made my stomach turn. The girls had the worst of it. It's sick how men do not see females as beings with thoughts, feelings and emotions.

Even though Lord Condon is supposedly in Ireland, he has the means to return to London or hire a hit man to do the dirty deed for him. I think Lord Condon hired Cyrus Thimble to kill Agnes Wraithe and frame Verity. At the very least, I think he's the one who came across Robert Lark's identity. He must have had a letter from someone who figured it out or had so much time to think and stew, he figured it out on his own. That makes him a dangerous enemy! His representative in London, Edmund Ellis, is a sycophant and a fool. He has ethics which is normally good but in this case he won't give up information needed to solve a murder without getting something in return. Bea figures out a way around Ellis's ethical concerns. I admit that scene is funny even if I don't like the character.

Cyrus Thimble doesn't seem very smart. I think he was hired by the shadowy figure but is not the shadowy figure. He doesn't have a motive to be the shadowy figure. Why would he kill Miss Wraithe? He's an officer of the law and it is his duty to follow the law and bring lawbreakers to Bow Street to start the justice process. Not much of what he says makes sense, practically speaking. He's no match for the Duchess and Duke of Kesgrave though. He provides a number of new suspects though, besides himself. It's a longshot but could one of the neighbors have been so fed up with Miss Wraithe's terrorizing their children they decided to put a stop to it, permanently? I HIGHLY doubt that. Perhaps Miranda Jones's father wanted Miss Wraithe to suffer the way little Miranda did and therefore I would guess he would manufacture a story to have her arrested and thrown in prison but not actually resort to murder. That simply doesn't make sense. Who do those in power accuse first? The ones without power. No, this case surely involves a plot to frame Verity so why would the neighbors do that when their beef was with Miss Wraithe after she was fired from Fortescue's?

The investigation turns to the disgraced board members of Fortescue's at the time of Miss Wraithe's tenure. Not only did they turn a blind eye to her abuse, they perpetuated abuse of their own upon the children. Stop reading the book here if you started but can't stand to read about children being harmed! Charles Wigsworth claims to be a man of science but he is a man of science much in the way Victor Frankenstein is a scientist. Wigsworth is playing around with laughing gas and other gasses to try to invent anesthesia decades before the actual discovery. All he wants is glory and fame, recognition from actual men of science. That's not too much to ask is it? Of course it is when one becomes obsessed to the point of ignoring his family and everything else. Of course it's too much when personal gain overrides ethics! I wasn't as horrified by what he did as Bea is but the man is NOT a man of science. The children didn't understand the risks vs. the reward! They had no one to study the issue and decide if the risk was worth it to assist with a major medical breakthrough. No, Wigsworth took advantage of the children who had no protectors and used them as human guinea pigs until something went wrong. I'm sure he's understating the situation too. Wigsworth simply didn't care who he tested his gas on.

Another board member, Alicia Beveridge, lives near Mayfair with her husband and children. She's a feather wit, a ninny, a shallow woman who cares more for fripperies that enhance her own comfort than for orphaned children. Her husband is a cheapskate who keeps her on a short leash and it sounds like she needs it. If she had credit cards, they would be maxed out. There was no reason for her to steal money from poor children so she wouldn't have to do without things these children never had. She tries to make herself out to be the victim. She sounds like a child. Mrs. Beveridge is typical of the ultra wealthy who don't want to give up their own comforts so someone else can have basic necessities. Still, she was the only one who befriended Miss Wraithe, tried to listen sympathetically and learn what made Miss Wraithe tick. Given this knowledge, perhaps Mrs. Beveridge is the shadowy figure? I don't think she has the brains to do it but perhaps her husband murdered Miss Wraithe to put an end to his wife's misery and to protect his reputation? After all, it's his money he's withholding that caused his wife to steal from the orphans in the first place.

Alicia confides in her dearest friend, Harriet "Feathers" Featherstone-Haughton. She confided private information to Feathers. Did Alicia learn of Robert Lark's true identity? Did she tell Feathers? Did Feathers leak the news to someone else? Her husband, maybe? He sounds like a slimy worm. Caroline Knowles has a secret but I don't think she's the murderer. Her secret isn't so bad in proportion to the others. She feels proper remorse for what happened and understands why what she did was bad. She's a lonely young widow who made a mistake that ended in tragedy. She doesn't seem to be suffering too much but her secret mistake did cause her to break her engagement. I don't see why she would murder Miss Wraithe and frame Verity NOW. It doesn't seem logical.

Pritchard Dibin is the most interesting board member. One report says he's a doddering old man who fell asleep and drooled through board meetings. Our intrepid sleuths think otherwise. Perhaps he has a medical condition? There are signs though that he had a motive for murder and the brains to put a dastardly scheme into place. Of all the board members, he's the one with a current motive. He doesn't have a solid alibi and his story seems a little fishy to me. I don't want him to be the murderer because he's a family man and seems like a caring father and grandfather.

One final suspect is a man named Hottenroth who is worse than even Lord Condon. That man was truly evil. Trigger warning again! Giles Hottenroth was truly evil. He deserved a fate worse than death. His family didn't deserve to suffer though. Now HIS crime makes me sick to my stomach and I was shocked that it came up in a series that's usually fairly light. Someone could be out to avenge his downfall and the family's come down in the world.

I just adore this series and am still hoping Bea and Verity will team up for the next investigation before the Season ends and the Kesgraves go off to the country. The Duke of Kesgrave and Lord Colson won't be able to keep up LOL!

I hope there are many more adventures to come for Bea and Kesgrave, Verity and Colson too!

I enjoyed the murder mystery and the way it was sorted out. It kept me guessing till the end. The twists and turns made it hard to put down. The characters are well written, but as this is the 13th book in the series it would be good to have read a few more from the past. Even though I have read the last two books, I found the first chapter a little confusing as it really was just a continuation of the last book. But in saying that, once I got into the murder the past didn’t really matter. I will look forward to the next in the series. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion...

This is book 13 of the Beatrice Hyde-Clare series, a cozy historical series that I quite enjoy. I love the relationship of Beatrice and her husband, the Duke of Kesgrave. It is definitely a light read, cozy series, and there is warmth and familiarity to the characters and stories. I am not reading these for the comfort, fun, and coziness of it - not for high drama, angst, or dark twisty emotions. Let's be clear about that.

In this series, Kesgrave and Beatrice are loving husband and wife, coming to grips with impending parenthood. Kesgrave however is caught in a bit of personal drama as he has recently discovered the existence of an older sister born out of wedlock, Verity Lark, and has been involved one of her adventures. Unfortunately this means the coming together of two series, as this is presumed to be told in the separate series about Verity Lark (gnashes teeth as I find this a bit frustrating since I was not wanting to read another series... but now I may be forced to as these two worlds now co-mix). This also causes some familial turmoil between Kesgrave and his grandmother, the Dowager Duchess as he confronts her about her knowledge about his sister's existence and her childhood.

Beatrice, being the curious soul that she is, wants to know more about Verity Lark and inveigle an introduction, especially thinking that she is involved someone in the cessation of the printed gossip about Bea's involvement in murder investigations. But she is also cautious, being aware of Kesgrave's sensitive feelings about the situation, and his own fears about the dangers Bea has faced, and not wanting to upset him excessively. However, she ends up being entangled in another murder mystery, now involving Kesgrave's sister, Verity Lark.

Lark has been accused of the murder of a former childhood nemesis, after being found literally over the body, holding the murder weapon, and has been incarcerated in Newgate prison. Beatrice and Kesgrave join forces with Lark's friends to exonerate her, uncovering more about the misdeeds of those who were charged to care for unwanted children and orphans like Lark.

This is not a true melding of the two stories as Bea, Kesgrave, and Verity do not work together and it does not end in a cozy family relationship. But this does reveal more about Verity and her friend's childhood and what they may have suffered through the misdeeds of the board that ran the orphanage, which reveals a number of villains - though the murderer in the end is not expected.

Cozy, sweet, and comforting, with an underlying mystery that is refreshed by new relationships - even though I am a bit annoyed by the co-mixing of two story worlds. But really, at least it makes sense. I just did not intend on continuing with the Verity Lark series after reading the first book - but now I feel I have to because of it mixing with Bea and Kesgrave's world....

Kind of how I feel about Grey's Anatomy and Station 19 - love Grey's.... not into firefighters... but forced at times to watch the spin off because it overlaps Grey's.... so mildly interested, but still a bit irked, kwim?

3.75 stars out of 5

Unfortunately, I think I need to read the other books in order to understand enough of the plot to give a full review. However, this story is a very intriguing one and I wish I could give my full thoughts. Seeing as I can’t give a full review based on my lack of knowledge I would like to give one on behalf of the bits and pieces I do know. This plot seems well pieced together and detailed in a perfect way. The characters are greatly portrayed and match their personalities. Not only that but this story is intriguing and the writing is a style I greatly enjoy reading.

"As eager as Beatrice, Duchess of Kesgrave, is to meet her husband's newly discovered illegitimate half sister, she does not want it to happen like this: in the keeper's house at Newgate.

Yes, that Newgate, the abject prison filled with squalor and misery to which Verity Lark has been consigned for murder. Found standing over the slain corpse of an old tormentor with a still-warm pistol in her hand, she is obviously guilty.

It is an open-and-shut case with little for an unduly curious duchess to investigate.

Except it all seems a little too simple and straightforward. The Runner, for example, who apprehended Miss Lark at the scene of the crime - it's awfully convenient that he just happened to be in the neighborhood at the very moment the gun discharged. Something else has to be at work here, such as a sinister figure lurking in the shadows to direct the action. Convinced of Miss Lark's innocence, Bea can conceive of no other explanation."

But here's the thing, you can't pick your relatives, and some of them might be killers...

This is the twelfth book in the series. It is interesting, has lots of humor and very entertaining characters.
It will keep your interest and guessing who did it until the very end.
Bea and her husband the duke have a wonderful relationship and work well together.
I can't wait for the next in the series.

This novel has a carefull6 written, intricate plot. It starts with a person framed for murder and then the lea£ character methodically and analytically questions possible suspects before reaching a conclusion, the book follows a classic whodunnit format. The lead characters are interesting and family politics make their job more difficult. Set in regency London it opens a window on the exploitation of orphans at this t8me. Plenty here to mak3 this a satisfying read.

I started to read Beatrice Hyde-Clare mysteries Series a few weeks ago and I was hooked. I loved the MCs so much, Bea, the shy spinster, who finds her backbone when investigating murders and Damian, the arrogant Duke, who finally finds his match.
I read all the books back to back and couldn’t stop till the latest book of theirs amazing series: A Vicious Machination.
Lynn Messina writes twisty murder mysteries with lots and lots of red herrings that keep you guessing until the very end. While tackling serious subjects, the author always manages to slip in plenty of wit and humor along with side stories to make the darker topic more tolerable.
The writing is easy to read and get into. Bea and her Duke are engaging and fun characters. I love the way Bea and Kesgrave's relationship has evolved through the series and it's so fun to read their interactions and their witty banter. The secondary characters add to the fabric of the story ( aunt Vera, lady Abercrombie, Fiona…)

The plot is super interesting. The world of BHC collide with the world of Verity Lark, another wonderful series by Lynn Messina. Verity Lark is accused of murder and it’s up to her outrageousness to save her with her amazing investigative skills !!!

I absolutely love this series but now my Beatrice binge is at an end and I can’t wait to read her next adventure.
I highly recommend Beatrice Hyde-Clare mysteries series to readers who enjoy a cozy, charming, light-hearted and entertaining murder investigation.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another great mystery in the ongoing series. I would think by this point, the plot and characters would feel tired when reading it, but no! I continue to enjoy the exploits and the mystery surrounding the Duke and his "Lady Runner". This was another fun read and I will continue to read every one that's published!

Another romp through London for the Duke & Duchess of Kesgrave, tracking down a murderer. This time there is no pity for the deceased but for the accused murderer, the Duke’s half-sister, Verity Lark. The Duchess and Miss Lark finally get to meet and begin their own relationship as two strong-minded women driven by the need for justice. This book needs to be read alongside the spin-off series “The Verity Lark Mysteries” to understand the alternate names for characters and their histories. It is still a new development for the Duchess to have to solve a mystery while acknowledging the need to protect her pregnancy by not throwing herself into danger. The Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries continue to amuse and confound, trying to solve the mystery before all is revealed.

Historical drama featuring some familiar characters. A twisted tale of blackmail and revenge. I would have given this book four stars of there as been less time spent on Bea's contemplations.

I continue to be a fan of the Beatrice Hyde-Clare and the Verity Lark mystery series and in this newest instalment, which sees Beatrice and Verity come face to face, consequently, really uniting both series.

In this book, Verity has been arrested and charged with the murder of the woman who ran the orphanage where she grew up. Locked up. in the infamous Newgate Prison, Beatrice goes to visit Verity there after learning about the arrest in order to help exonerate Verity. What commences is an investigation that exposes blackmail, corruption, and some awful medical experiments. Of course, Beatrice being Beatrice slowly unravels the truth and the murderer is revealed.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book but any recommendation to read this book comes with the caveat that the previous books in the series, along with the Verity Lark series, should be read. The level of detail in the book, the requirement to know the background of the characters, and the references to events in previous books ensures that A Vicious Machination is not a standalone and could present a challenge to anyone for whom this book is the first introduction to the Hyde-Clare/Lark universe.

I continue to enjoy the growing relationship between Beatrice and her husband, the Duke of Kesgrave, along with their banter. We continue to see Beatrice growing into her role of Duchess, albeit with some apprehension about being able to manage the country estate that they will be heading to in the near future (and possibly the location of some future murders for Beatrice to solve??).

Very enjoyable book for fans of the series and I'm excited to see what comes next!

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of the book. All opinions are my own.

I was intrigued by the premise of this book, bringing together two strong female characters from separate series, but I think I was expecting them to spend a bit more time together. I was prepared for them to form an uneasy alliance that ends up terrifying everyone around them, and I think that would have been really fun. However, this is an investigation run by Bea as usual, with Verity at the center of it but also very much off-stage for the majority of the book. Will we in future see them operating together? Maybe so, but this volume isn't where it happens.
There were some chuckle-worthy moments, and the book was fairly fast-paced. If you are a Beatrice Hyde-Clare fan you will enjoy this latest volume. A knowledge of prior books in the series is vital.

"A Vicious Machination" is the twelfth book in Beatrice Hyde-Clare series by Lynn Messina. Set in Regency England, it features former spinster Beatrice Hyde-Clare, now the Duchess of Kesgrave, her husband Damien, the Duke, and Verity Lark, recently discovered to be Damien's illegitimate half-sister. Verity is a newspaper reporter who was raised in an orphanage and has recently published an expose of the cruelty of the headmistress, Agnes Wraithe, and the corruption of the orphanage's board members. When Wraithe is murdered, Verity is accused and ends up in Newgate prison. Beatrice and Damien work to free her with the help of Damien's grandmother, the Dowager Duchess and Verity's good friend, Lord Colton.. There are a number of twists and turns on the way to a solution.

I really enjoyed the plot and characters. The book is best read after either the previous book in the series, "A Murderous Tryst," or books in the separate spinoff series of Verity Lark books, all of which I recommend.

The book is scheduled for publication on June 28, 2024. My review is based on an advance review copy received through NetGalley and BookFunnel.

“A Vicious Machination “ was a pleasure to read. It has plenty of twists and turns and the final denouement was thrilling. It has wit, romance and a great supporting cast. Bea, The heroine/protagonist, is still feeling her way in her new life as a Duchess, and a pregnant one at that. After months of being lampooned as Her Outrageousness, there has been a lull, and Bea believes it is due to the intercession of Verity Lark, a newly discovered half-sister of her beloved husband.
She, and her husband’s grandmother, the Dowager Duchess, decide to visit Verity to thank her. Upon arriving, the household is in an uproar as Verity has been arrested for murder. Bea has come by her title of Her Outrageousness due to her penchant for discovering dead bodies and/or being involved in solving murders. Verity’s staff appeal to her to prove her innocent.
And so it begins with a visit to Newgate to visit Verity and gather info. The murder victim was the former headmistress of an orphanage who had been exposed for nefarious deeds and corruption and was now living in disgrace, as were other members of the orphanage board of directors. And that board appears to be the place to start. The Duke, is as involved in solving the crimes as she is.

Bea is not a cardboard character. The suffering of the orphans hits her hard as that could have been her lot, if not for family taking her in after her parents were murdered, She struggles with imposter syndrome-she was a plain spinster who had a perfect specimen of a duke fall in love with her. Her husband is wealthy and has large estates that she overwhelm her.

While I have read previous installments, I am not up to date so it took me a while to figure out the most recent backstory..

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

I am a HUGE Lynn Messina fan. She is great.

I have been reading this series since the beginning and have thoroughly enjoyed it.

I’m highly recommend starting with the first book and working your way to this book.

Very well written.

I just reviewed A Vicious Machination by Lynn Messina. #AViciousMachination #NetGalley