This was an intense whodunnit that drew you into its plot the more you read. I found it hard to identify with characters to start, but the book grew on me and ended up being a thoroughly enjoyable read. There are some well established characters as this is the latest in a series of books focusing on a duchess nicknamed ‘her outrageousness’ as she bucks social trends to satisfy her urge to investigate a crime. The plot is intricate and well worked with a few red herrings thrown in, making this an absorbing novel.

A new Bea installment! I must say, I was unprepared to receive an arc, but I did! And although I am an excellent reader who reads readily, everyone says so, I had to prepare myself to start this reading feast and it was oh so worth the effort!
The mystery was excellent. The pace of the investigation was similar to the “Murderous Tryst”, so a lot of door-to-door information collection, but being experienced blitz-investigators, the two graces completed the task within few days. The final chapter had me on the edge of my seat. Althoug, I have to side with Dazzling Damien on this one: his concern was warranted, since it wasn’t a harmless stunt to throw.
Nevertheless, at this rate their extended group of acquaintances will be extinguished before the house party can even start (and I am not talking about the corpses of the Incomparables!). Of course, someone has to die for the mystery to be solved, but what about unassuming neighbors or their staff? (chefs excluded, because not again, obviously)
This installment glitters with linguistic delights, a gripping mystery, unexpected fan fodder, drop-ins from some of the characters that were missed in the previous books and genius business ideas. Also, a plot thread from the last Verity book. An enticing gobelin of stories, thoughts and developments!
I am already queuing at the first ever “Her Outrageousness’s Rout Cake House”, which (in my mind) naturally will open on July 10th, the international rout cake day, and the entrance will only be granted upon the utterance of the right code word (“lemon drop”). Although, I am more interested in those asparagus tartelettes (in March no less! This hothouse is good for more than pineapples) which will be available for members only, obviously.
Just to put it out there, because those are so delightful! :
Muses will muse, brawlers will brawl and overlords of the underworlds will manage (but probably without keeping in mind the fundamental humanity of their subjects). And now I have to think about a way to causally drop “I am such an excellent muse” into conversations.
Thanks to netgally for the arc. The opinions are my own, some of the linguistic gems are borrowed from “A Pernicious Fabrication”, because they are so good, they need to be in constant use.

Part of a series featuring the Duke and Duchess Kesgrave who solve murders together. A bit slow to get started but soon perked up. A good read.