I am back once again with another Wrexford & Sloane historical mystery narrated by James Cameron Stewart. Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens by Andrea Penrose delivered from dress fittings to murder. Come see why this series delights me.
by Andrea Penrose
Series: Wrexford & Sloane #5
Narrator: James Cameron Stewart
Length: 12 hours
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
The latest novel in bestselling author Andrea Penrose’s popular Regency-set Wrexford & Sloane historical mystery series is a brilliant blend of intrigue and romance, complete with the excitement of an upcoming wedding—and the inconvenience of a murder. Perfect for fans of Amanda Quick, Tasha Alexander, and Deanna Raybourn.
One advantage of being caught up in a whirl of dress fittings and decisions about flower arrangements and breakfast menus is that Charlotte Sloane has little time for any pre-wedding qualms. Her love for Wrexford isn’t in question. But will being a wife—and a Countess—make it difficult for her to maintain her independence—not to mention, her secret identity as famed satirical artist A.J. Quill?
Despite those concerns, there are soon even more urgent matters to attend to during Charlotte and Wrexford’s first public outing as an engaged couple. At a symposium at the Royal Botanic Gardens, a visiting botanist suffers a fatal collapse. The traces of white powder near his mouth reveal the dark truth—he was murdered. Drawn into the investigation, Charlotte and the Earl learn of the victim’s involvement in a momentous medical discovery. With fame and immense fortune at stake, there’s no shortage of suspects, including some whose ruthlessness is already known. But neither Charlotte nor her husband-to-be can realize how close the danger is about to get—or to what lengths this villain is prepared to go . . .
Despite being worried about maintaining her secret identity as the famed satirical artist A.J. Quill, Charlotte Sloane is excited about marrying Wrexford. Wedding dress fittings and their first outing as an engaged couple at the Royal Botanic Gardens, are soon complicated when a botanist suffers a fatal collapse. Was it murder?
The tale that unfolds offered an engaging murder-mystery. When they learn the botanist was on the verge of a significant medical discovery, they soon deal with a long list of suspects. I love watching Wrexford & Sloane work their way through them as they used their skills of deduction.
Of course they have Raven, Hawk and Henning along with Griffin, the bow street runner, to aid them. As well as Sheffield and Cordelia, whom I would really like to get to know more. This motley crew of misfits delight me.
The mystery had darker tones and quickly pulled me in. Penrose touched on social injustices while we skirted the ton and had a few moments with our couple. The romance despite the upcoming nuptials took a backseat to the demanding mystery, but I delighted in their conversations.
The Wrexford & Sloan mysteries have quickly become a favorite. The audiobooks narrated by James Cameron Stewart are wonderful. He captures the tone wonderfully and has become the voices of these characters. I highly recommend listening.
Fans of historical murder-mysteries with romance and strong characters will delight in these tales. The mysteries are well honed and will keep you engaged, but it’s the characters themselves that will have you devouring the series.
Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens by Andrea Penrose provided an engaging murder-mystery and more time with beloved characters as they work to find the killer. #audiobook #audiobookreview #favseries Share on XAbout Andrea Penrose
Andrea Penrose is the USA Today bestselling author of Regency-era historical fiction, including the acclaimed Wrexford & Sloane mystery series, as well as Regency romances written under the names Cara Elliott and Andrea Pickens. Published internationally in ten languages, she is a three-time RITA Award finalist and the recipient of numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery and two Gold Leaf Awards. A graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Art and an M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Andrea fell in love with Regency England after reading Pride and Prejudice and has maintained a fascination with the era’s swirling silks and radical new ideas throughout her writing career. She lives in Connecticut and blogs with a community of historical fiction authors at WordWenches.com.
About James Cameron Stewart
James Cameron Stewart trained at Hull University and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Some theater highlights of his thirty-six-year career include Frank-n-Furter (The Rocky Horror Show), Thénadier (Les Misérables), the poet Philip Larkin in Larkin with Women (Best Actor nominee, MEN Awards 2005), and originating the part of Hamish in Sir Alan Ayckbourn's Things We Do for Love. In 2008 he published his grandfather's World War I memoirs and toured his one-man show based on them from 2008 to 2011. His television/film credits include Outlander, Jericho, Flying Blind, Golden Years, Emmerdale, London's Burning, Eastenders, Coronation Street, Holby City, and Taggart. He often appears on Radio 4, and is a regular presenter on the weekly The Economist podcast. James loves recording audiobooks and is delighted to have had the opportunity to narrate such a variety of magnificent authors, from Seneca through Max Hastings and Antony Beevor, to superlative fiction by J. M. Coetzee, Michael Dibdin, Stuart MacBride, and more.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Katherine
I just got the first book in this series on audio and am so excited. This looks like such a good read!
Kimberly
I am so excited!
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I do enjoy historical mysteries with romance and strong characters. I’ve seen your love for this series and I’d like to give it a shot at some point.
Kimberly
I hope that you do Rachel!
Anne - Books of My Heart
Great review! LOVE LOVE LOVE this series and these characters.
Kimberly
I cannot wait for the new release!
Sophia Rose
I have a feeling this series will be a re-read for me at some point after I get all caught up so I’m glad to know the narrator is a good match.
Kimberly
I am all caught up and cannot wait for the next release.
Ethan
I’m so into this series! The setting reminds me of my vacation in the UK back in 2019. Traversing the various castles and gardens really gave me a sense of the vast history. Add in a murder mystery, and I’m sold!
Kimberly
First 3 audiobooks are free in Audible Plus Ethan!
Nadene
I am glad to see that this was another solid addition to the series.
Kimberly
Thanks Nadene!