Murder on Black Swan Lane

In 1810 London, the Earl of Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane form an unlikely alliance to solve a murder. When a controversial cleric is found dead in his laboratory, Wrexford becomes the prime suspect and must clear his name. Charlotte makes a living as a satirical cartoonist under a male pseudonym, wielding social commentary through her art while maintaining a network of street informants. Her unique skills and connections prove essential as she and Wrexford navigate London's dark corners and scientific circles in pursuit of the truth. The investigation draws them into a world of scientific rivalry, religious conflict, and personal vendettas in Regency-era London. The pair must decode complex chemical formulas and decipher cryptic messages while racing against time to prevent more deaths. The novel explores themes of class boundaries, the role of science in society, and the masks people wear to protect themselves. Through its historical setting, it examines how truth can be both revealed and obscured by the tools of science and art.

Readers highlight the witty banter and chemistry between the two main characters - a nobleman and an artist. Many note the detailed historical setting of Regency-era London and appreciate the scientific elements woven into the mystery plot. Readers liked: - Fast-paced dialogue - Integration of period-accurate scientific concepts - Strong female protagonist who defies conventions - Complex mystery with multiple suspects Readers disliked: - Slow start in first few chapters - Some scientific explanations felt too technical - Several reviewers found the romance subplot underdeveloped Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) Sample review: "The historical details and chemistry make this stand out from typical Regency mysteries. Charlotte's scientific knowledge feels authentic rather than anachronistic." - Goodreads reviewer "Takes too long to get going but rewards patient readers with an intricate mystery." - Amazon reviewer

A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch A gentleman detective and his doctor friend investigate murders in Victorian London while navigating social circles and scientific discoveries.

The Anatomist's Wife by Anna Lee Huber A widowed artist teams with a nobleman to solve a murder in 1830s Scotland using early forensic techniques.

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn A Victorian widow works with a private inquiry agent to investigate her husband's death through the lens of science and medicine.

What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris A viscount uses his military intelligence background to solve murders in Regency London with assistance from medical experts.

The Silver Flask by Katherine Bolger Hyde Two scholars uncover murders in Oxford while exploring historical scientific manuscripts and academic intrigue.

🔍 Author Andrea Penrose is a pseudonym for Cara Elliott, who also writes as Andrea Pickens, crafting multiple historical romance and mystery series. ⚗️ The story incorporates real scientific discoveries and debates from the Georgian era, particularly focusing on chemistry and early scientific methodology. 🏰 The book's setting in Regency London (1810s) coincides with a period of significant scientific advancement and the founding of many scholarly societies. 📚 This novel is the first in the Wrexford & Sloane Mystery series, which combines elements of both historical romance and scientific detection. 🎭 The character of Charlotte Sloane is partly inspired by real-life Georgian-era satirical artists who published under pseudonyms to protect their identities while critiquing society.