Reviews tagging 'Murder'

Nature of the Crime by Cara Devlin

1 review

overflowingshelf's review

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense 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? Yes

5.0

CW: Murder; kidnapping; sexism; references to trafficking

Nature of the Crime was another FANTASTIC entry in the Bow Street Duchess Mystery series, and I loved every second of reading it. I truly couldn’t read it fast enough, as I’m obsessed with this series and its characters. 

I will keep this review as spoiler-free as possible for previous books in the series, so apologies in advance if some of the language is purposefully vague and high-level.

Nearly two years since Audrey and Hugh met in Murder at the Seven Dials, and oh my god, how far these characters have come! Their happily ever after is so close I can taste it after a fantastically sustained slowburn throughout the series. But, of course, there must be a murder mystery that puts them in a tricky situation. This time, it’s Audrey who stands accused of murder, and Hugh immediately rushes to her side.

I adored the central mystery in this, even though I was also cursing Philip for continuing to cause problems for Audrey. Philip, Philip, Philip…sigh, I’ll always have complicated feelings towards you. But I loved how this book was so interconnected with earlier books in the series – it felt like a full circle moment as we draw closer to the end of the series (I’m in denial about that, BTW). I adored all the twists and turns in the mystery, as there were plenty of red herrings. I liked that the culprit was revealed a tad earlier than usual, as it kept me on the seat for what would happen next. They knew who their suspect was; they just had to find them. The last act of this book made me anxious, and I’ve learned, thanks to the Veronica Speedwell series, never to get in boats in a historical lady detective series. 

Now that Audrey and Hugh have expressed their feelings for one another, I was worried the romance would lose its luster a bit. But Devlin manages to keep the romantic tension burning strong. The book opens up with Hugh and Audrey’s relationship in a tough spot, as they both believe the other didn’t write to them over the last six months while Audrey was traveling the continent. They fear the other has lost interest, but of course, someone has been intercepting their letter (a trope I love!). But I appreciated that they addressed the letter issue and potential other issues early on instead of letting it stew and ruining their relationship. It ends up making them stronger and their reunion even more emotional. My god, how much these two love each other! They’re truly made for each other.  And I love watching them in love! They truly see the best in each other and let the other play to their strengths. And the ending! Their happily ever after is so close you can taste it and I’m all ooey-gooey inside about it.

Also, I love all the little side romances going on in this! I continue to love watching Thornton and Cassie interact – I want their story so badly as it’s clearly hinted at that there is something there. Both Cassie and Thornton have some scars from previous relationships, but I feel they’ll be so good together! I also loved seeing Audrey’s lady’s maid, Greer, getting cozy with Audrey’s coachman, Carrigan. Carrigan and Greer have had Audrey’s back since day one, and I love them getting their own little happily ever after!  

I adore how much Audrey has grown throughout the series! Audrey is more confident in herself and her abilities, and I love seeing her flourish. She’s steadfast, driven, and intelligent. She trusts her gut, which always seems to lead her in the right direction, even if it also puts her in danger. Her moral compass is always pointing in the right direction, as she’s even willing to sacrifice her own happiness if it means justice can be served. One of my favorite things about Audrey in this book is that she saves herself. When she’s been in danger in the past, Hugh always comes in to save the day, but Audrey had to take matters into her own hands this time. I was cheering for her, as she had the strength to do it. 

I feel we’ve also seen a huge change in Hugh. His circumstances have changed wildly over the course of the series, but he’s still an investigator at heart and will do anything to protect Audrey. He was in a bit of a rough state at the beginning of the book – I don’t think we’ve ever seen him such a mess, but when Audrey needs him, he immediately comes running. He’ll do anything for those he loves. I also love that Hugh has learned to let Audrey be who she is, and he’s so dang proud of her for it. This man – swoon! I love him, as he loves Audrey so much and will do anything to be with her and keep her happy and safe.

I’m currently in deep denial that only one more book is left in the Bow Street Duchess Mystery series! I want the final book in my hands right now, but I also want to savor it as I don’t want to say goodbye to these characters as I adore them so much!

It’s not every day that a book series so quickly captures my heart, but this series is truly something special. Cara Devlin has truly written a deeply engaging, romantic series filled with characters with a lot of heart. I implore everyone to pick this series up, especially if you like the Veronica Speedwell or Lady Sherlock series or the Miss Scarlet and the DukeTV show! If you want a master class in the slowburn romance, this series is it! 

Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC. All thoughts, ideas, and opinions expressed in this review are my own. 

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