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bookishghoul_96's review
5.0
If I wore a wig it'd be snatched after reading this. Devlin ate and left no crumbs!
This series has to be continuous because in the ending you just to want to go to the store and buy the next one immediately. The transitions and different POVs are managed so well and aren't the least bit confusing. The characters are chef's kiss.
THRILLING AND SCANDALOUSLY Good!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This series has to be continuous because in the ending you just to want to go to the store and buy the next one immediately. The transitions and different POVs are managed so well and aren't the least bit confusing. The characters are chef's kiss.
THRILLING AND SCANDALOUSLY Good!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
helorenz's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bookish_kristina's review
5.0
The longing in this one is intense! This is supposed to be a mystery but I. Am. Here. For. It!
“I want you more than I’ve ever thought possible, but not as my secret.”
This was the best yet for this series. That is so rare in a fourth book, usually I prefer a trilogy because the fourth book starts to get stale, but this was so good. It was short, tight and packed full of action and drama. And there was so much longing and unfulfilled lust! I have serious bangiety from these two and I like that he keeps resisting her. I would never like any of that in a pure romance but for some reason it works in this.
One thing though, every single acquaintance or family member these two have will likely be murdered or framed for it by the time this series is over. The author does such a great job with building the mystery and the reason behind them that I never put on my sceptical pants as I read this. I mean, what are the odds that every noble person in England is somehow murdered and the duchess is always there to witness it? A little far fetched but I DON’T CARE! *spins around*
This was so good, now I need the next one pronto.
Thanks to BookSirens for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
“I want you more than I’ve ever thought possible, but not as my secret.”
This was the best yet for this series. That is so rare in a fourth book, usually I prefer a trilogy because the fourth book starts to get stale, but this was so good. It was short, tight and packed full of action and drama. And there was so much longing and unfulfilled lust! I have serious bangiety from these two and I like that he keeps resisting her. I would never like any of that in a pure romance but for some reason it works in this.
One thing though, every single acquaintance or family member these two have will likely be murdered or framed for it by the time this series is over. The author does such a great job with building the mystery and the reason behind them that I never put on my sceptical pants as I read this. I mean, what are the odds that every noble person in England is somehow murdered and the duchess is always there to witness it? A little far fetched but I DON’T CARE! *spins around*
This was so good, now I need the next one pronto.
Thanks to BookSirens for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
emily38's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
cricricricricricricri's review
5.0
OMG! The secret is finally out! I have been waiting since book 1 to know what really happened to cause the scandal that tainted Hugh and I have finally had my answer.
This book was really hard to put down, I had to know more and get to the bottom of the mystery.
Is it lacking a bit of Basil and Sir? I think so but aside from that I enjoyed it so much.
Can't wait for the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thanks to the author for it.
This book was really hard to put down, I had to know more and get to the bottom of the mystery.
Is it lacking a bit of Basil and Sir? I think so but aside from that I enjoyed it so much.
Can't wait for the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thanks to the author for it.
caterinaanna's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
mtndewluvr666's review
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
backshelfbooks's review
5.0
I'm kind of obsessed with this series and I'm so excited to keep diving back into this world!
This mystery gets EXTRA personal when it involves Hugh's own half-sister and half-brothers. Audrey again discovers a body and, again, gets involved. Our favorite players are back, including not-so-little-anymore Sir, and it was so fun to revisit everyone. There was definitely some steamy scenes in this book, but no real spice to note.
Also, Philip is definitely NOT my favorite. Ugh. Cassie is delightful, though. So excited for her future.
All in all, this is a twisty, steamy mystery that keeps you on your toes and leaves you both satisfied and wanting more. I received a review copy for free, but I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This mystery gets EXTRA personal when it involves Hugh's own half-sister and half-brothers. Audrey again discovers a body and, again, gets involved. Our favorite players are back, including not-so-little-anymore Sir, and it was so fun to revisit everyone. There was definitely some steamy scenes in this book, but no real spice to note.
Also, Philip is definitely NOT my favorite. Ugh. Cassie is delightful, though. So excited for her future.
All in all, this is a twisty, steamy mystery that keeps you on your toes and leaves you both satisfied and wanting more. I received a review copy for free, but I am leaving this review voluntarily.
overflowingshelf's review
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
CW: Murder; incest; death; gun violence; abandonment; forced institutionalization
I don’t know how Cara Devlin does it, but she somehow raises the stakes in each book of the Bow Street Duchess Mystery series. If Silence of Deceit dug up Audrey’s ghosts, Penance for the Dead does the same for Hugh’s. And what a wild, delicious ride this is as the murder of Hugh’s half-sister brings to light family secrets that were long buried.
OH MY GOD THE ROMANCE! Four books in, and we finally, FINALLY, get some significant movement. I was literally screaming with excitement as it felt like things had been building to this moment for a while, and it was so delicious and perfect! The tension and angst are still there, but we also get the emotional tenderness that I adore. Audrey and Hugh care for each other so much, and the love they have for each other is expressed so beautifully in every way, except through words at the point. Those quiet little moments – a tender hug, a subtle caress of a hand, a kiss of palm – speak volumes. Given the nature of this mystery, Hugh and Audrey are also often forced together in private, just the two of them alone, and the story leads to a beautiful progression of their relationship.
Like all the other books in this series, I loved how complex and layered the mysteries are. One thing that felt different about this book was it wasn’t just a murder mystery but a mystery so deeply entwined with Hugh’s family and his birth. I loved the complicated family and societal dynamics that came into play in this book, as there were a lot of different secrets to uncover and threads to untangle. Unlike with the other books, I did predict the murderer fairly quickly, but the other dimensions of the mystery are what kept me on edge. I did love the use of the dual timelines in the beginning, with Hugh and Audrey’s POV meeting and converging. That really helped to up the stakes and the tension in the beginning. Also, as an avid Veronica Speedwell series fan, this mystery felt very adjacent to A Curious Beginning, and I LOVED that.
Hugh’s put in a very complicated position in this book as everyone thinks he murdered his half-sister. Hugh’s always had a very complicated relationship with his family, and society has always thought the worst of Hugh after a duel with his brother, Lord Neatham, over a scandal involving his half-sister. No one knows the truth of what caused that duel, but it finally comes to light in this book, and man, I admire Hugh’s restraint in that situation! Hugh’s whole world gets flipped upside down in this book as he’s forced to confront some very difficult realities. All things considered, he handles all the revelations incredibly well, even though he wants nothing to do with the new position it puts him in. And wow, what a messed up family he comes from!
Meanwhile, Audrey finally gets to step into the role of lead investigator in this book since Hugh’s been relegated to the sidelines as the main suspect. I also loved that she finally gets the recognition she deserves for her investigation prowess in this book – it’s about time! Audrey has a tiny circle of people she cares about, but when something happens to them, she’ll do anything and everything to protect them. Audrey’s fiercely loyal in that regard and cannot stand idly by the sidelines. She cares deeply, and I loved watching her express her feelings for Hugh via her actions. Even when it comes to Philip, she still cares deeply for him, even if he hurts her with his actions.
Speaking of Philip, I have so many feelings about this man. I was cursing him out at one point, even if he was also giving Audrey an option that I wanted her to have. While they don’t love each other romantically, they still have love as friends. I hurt for Audrey as it was sad to see their relationship reach the stage it has.
Now, the ending of this book feels like we’re at a significant turning point in the series. So many things have changed! Hugh and Audrey’s relationship feels like it’s at a completely different stage, and circumstances in their life may be right for them to be together soon. However, Devlin is such a tease as there is still much yet to explore, and the ending still leaves things open. I was so sad that the next book wasn’t out yet, as I NEEDED to know what happened next after the end of this one!
I’m fully OBSESSED with the Bow Street Duchess Mystery series. Cara Devlin has written such a captivating historical mystery series with the perfect air of the supernatural that contains richly nuanced characters and a gorgeous romance. I have loved every book in the series, and I hope you will, too! Definitely pick this up if you’re a fan of book series like Veronica Speedwell or Lady Sherlock or shows like Miss Scarlet and the Duke.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Gun violence, Abandonment, and Death
Moderate: Incest
Minor: Forced institutionalization