Book

A Regimental Murder

📖 Overview

Captain Gabriel Lacey investigates the murder of a regimental colonel in 1816 London. The deceased was about to marry a wealthy widow, making her a prime suspect in the eyes of the authorities. Lacey, a former cavalry officer with a troubled past, navigates both the glittering world of London society and its dangerous underbelly in his quest for truth. His investigation leads him through a maze of military rivalries, family secrets, and personal vendettas. As he pursues justice, Lacey must confront his own demons while dealing with the machinations of his nemesis, James Denis, and the complexities of his growing friendship with the mysterious Lady Breckenridge. This second installment in the Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries series explores themes of honor, loyalty, and the lasting impact of war on those who fight. The story examines how past actions echo through time, affecting both the victims and the survivors who seek resolution.

👀 Reviews

Readers appreciate the historical accuracy and period details in Regency-era London. The relationship between Captain Lacey and Lady Breckenridge draws positive comments, with several reviews noting their complex dynamic adds depth to the murder mystery. Readers liked: - Character development, especially Lacey's backstory - Authentic portrayal of life in 1816 London - Integration of historical events into the plot - Fast-paced dialogue Readers disliked: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Some found the military references confusing - A few side plots felt unresolved Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (300+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "The historical details transport you right into Regency London without overwhelming the story." - Goodreads "Lacey is a flawed but compelling protagonist." - Amazon "Military background adds authenticity but occasionally bogs down the narrative." - Amazon

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🤔 Interesting facts

🔎 "A Regimental Murder" is the second book in the Captain Lacey Regency Mystery series, following the adventures of a former cavalry officer turned amateur sleuth in Georgian London. 👑 The novel takes place in 1816, during the Regency period when Prince George served as Prince Regent due to his father King George III's illness, a time of significant social and cultural change in British history. ✍️ Ashley Gardner is a pen name for Jennifer Ashley, an award-winning author who has written more than 100 novels across multiple genres, including historical romance, paranormal romance, and historical mysteries. ⚔️ The protagonist, Captain Gabriel Lacey, suffers from a combination of battle injuries and what would today be recognized as PTSD from his service in the Peninsular War against Napoleon's forces. 🎭 The book explores the stark contrast between London's glittering upper class and its dangerous underworld, reflecting the genuine social divisions that characterized Regency-era London.