Caffeinated Reviewer

Narrated by James Cameron Stewart, Murder at the Merton Library by Andrea Penrose was one of my most anticipated releases. With its wonderful characters and well plotted murder-mysteries, the Wrexford & Sloane series is one of my favorites.

Responding to an urgent plea from a troubled family friend, the Earl of Wrexford journeys to Oxford only to find the reclusive university librarian has been murdered and a rare manuscript has gone missing. The only clue is that someone overheard an argument in which Wrexford’s name was mentioned.

At the same time, Charlotte—working under her pen name, A. J. Quill—must determine whether a laboratory fire was arson and if it’s connected to the race between competing consortiums to build a new type of ship—one that can cross the ocean powered by steam rather than sails—with the potential to revolutionize military power and world commerce. That the race involves new innovations in finance and entrepreneurship only adds to the high stakes—especially as their good friend Kit Sheffield may be an investor in one of the competitors.

As they delve deeper into the baffling clues, Wrexford and Charlotte begin to realize that things are not what they seem. An evil conspiracy is lurking in the shadows and threatens all they hold dear—unless they can tie the loose threads together before it’s too late . . .

Andrea Penrose has created magic with this series. She blends strong complex characters with engaging storylines. Each novel shares the complexities of their daily life, romance and family, all against the backdrop of historical London. She does so while delivering fresh murder-mysteries that keep me guessing. I highly recommend the series.

In Murder at the Merton Library, the Earl of Wrexford received an urgent missive from the Oxford librarian. When he arrived at the library, he discovered that someone had murdered the man and stolen a rare manuscript. Charlotte has her own investigation and is trying to determine if a laboratory fire was arson. She is curious to know if it’s related to the race to develop the first steam powered oceanic ship.

The tale that unfolds delivered a suspenseful murder-mystery. Why was Neville Greeley murdered and what was so important about the Latin manuscript? Who is responsible for the arsons? With Kit investing, Charlotte is determined to find answers. Wrexford & Sloane soon come together as pieces to the puzzle click. The historical tidbits on steam-powered ships proved fascinating.

With Peregrine off to Eton, the Weasels have a new friend. A young midshipman, and the great nephew of the Dowager Duchess Alison, Countess of Peake. Naturally, the boys give him a bird name. Osbrey. I enjoy these young folks and how Wrexford and Charlotte dote on them.

Penrose blends history, beloved characters, mystery and intrigue to create a story that transports the listener. James Cameron Stewart narrates the story and does a brilliant job with these characters and enhances the story.

Perfect for fans of the Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas.

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About 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.

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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.

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

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