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ksanders013's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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? Yes
3.75
ssejig's review against another edition
3.5
An old enemy comes to Beatrice Hyde-Clare with a ridiculous story about someone trying to kill Beatrice's husband, the Duke. Is Lady Abercrombie still scheming or is she really trying to get back in the duke's good graces so that she can return to society?
Beatrice actually does the intelligent thing and lets her husband know about the plot (so many books rely on the protagonist keeping secrets and that causing issues.) He is unruffled. So, Beatrice decides to keep a secret that causes issues when she decides to track the uncle (and presumed murderous relative) down. But, while there is a body that shows up, it is not the one that they expect.
There are storylines that are dropped but regular readers of the series are going to enjoy this book.
Beatrice actually does the intelligent thing and lets her husband know about the plot (so many books rely on the protagonist keeping secrets and that causing issues.) He is unruffled. So, Beatrice decides to keep a secret that causes issues when she decides to track the uncle (and presumed murderous relative) down. But, while there is a body that shows up, it is not the one that they expect.
There are storylines that are dropped but regular readers of the series are going to enjoy this book.
looneytunes_ana's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty good book. Good mystery however I wish there was some more banter between Bea and Kesgrave
tita_noir's review against another edition
DNF at 30 pages.
I liked the first couple of books of this series. But the third book annoyed me. My biggest complaint was that the author used the entire first part of the book to bring everyone up to speed on what happened in the previous two books in excruciating detail. It stalled the forward momentum of that story.
So I peaced out on this series. Since I still had fond memories if the first couple of books, I decided to jump ahead -- this is book 9 -- to see if the story flowed better.
Nope. The first 20-ish pages is nothing but data dumpy exposition of all the stiff that happened in the preceding books. So. Much. Explanation. I even skipped whole passages hoping we'd get to the start of this story. But I'd land on another spot of meandery long-winded thought.
So I peaced out again.
I liked the first couple of books of this series. But the third book annoyed me. My biggest complaint was that the author used the entire first part of the book to bring everyone up to speed on what happened in the previous two books in excruciating detail. It stalled the forward momentum of that story.
So I peaced out on this series. Since I still had fond memories if the first couple of books, I decided to jump ahead -- this is book 9 -- to see if the story flowed better.
Nope. The first 20-ish pages is nothing but data dumpy exposition of all the stiff that happened in the preceding books. So. Much. Explanation. I even skipped whole passages hoping we'd get to the start of this story. But I'd land on another spot of meandery long-winded thought.
So I peaced out again.
juliesplotsandpages's review against another edition
4.0
I'm loving seeing Bea finally settling into her role as the Duchess of Kesgrave! It's great to see her feeling a bit more at home. I also love seeing the continued growth and evolution of Bea's relationship with the duke. They are delightful as always.
This book added some unexpected and unsavory characters into the mix - moreso than usual, I feel. And the danger that Bea is in was a lot more pronounced. It will be interesting to see where the next book takes us.
This book added some unexpected and unsavory characters into the mix - moreso than usual, I feel. And the danger that Bea is in was a lot more pronounced. It will be interesting to see where the next book takes us.
shankl's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to Potatoworks Press and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this novel.
A Malevolent Connection - Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries #9 was challenging to read without the context from the previous books in the series. It was incredibly drawn-out in the beginning - WOW there were a considerable amount of words to get to the point.
This novel is part historical romance and a mystery. The newly wed Duke and Duchess soon find themselves investigating a murder, pointing fingers to uncover the truth. Bea is a strong female protagonist and determinant in her ways. Hence, pineapples! Just how many ways can it be incorporated into a meal?
It was good cozy regency mystery.
A Malevolent Connection - Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries #9 was challenging to read without the context from the previous books in the series. It was incredibly drawn-out in the beginning - WOW there were a considerable amount of words to get to the point.
This novel is part historical romance and a mystery. The newly wed Duke and Duchess soon find themselves investigating a murder, pointing fingers to uncover the truth. Bea is a strong female protagonist and determinant in her ways. Hence, pineapples! Just how many ways can it be incorporated into a meal?
It was good cozy regency mystery.
lbnova's review against another edition
4.0
Always up for another adventure with Beatrice and Kesgrave, I dove into this with all the eagerness one can muster for finding yet another dead body. This time it's the malevolent uncle. The crime is committed and solved within a day or two. Overall, it is fast paced and easy to follow. There are a few hints at the quirky sexual tension between our two main characters, which is what endears them to me as a reader. Kesgrave reminds us once again that women with engaging mind (big brains) are sexy and he is so insanely insane in his restraint, allowing her to unravel the mystery, piece by piece. It can't be easy finding ways to make dead bodies appear when your heroine is such a homebody, so hats off to Messina for creativity once again.
3.5 stars
Thank you for the ARC!
3.5 stars
Thank you for the ARC!