Scan barcode
carina528's review
4.0
I received a copy of this audiobook by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I have not read the first two books in the series, however the characters were so well developed, I didn’t feel that I was missing anything. This can be easily read as a standalone. Mary shines in this cozy mystery as a spy, and it was interesting to watch her tackle dilemmas that went against her strict moral code (dressing as a man, brandishing a pistol, learning to dance, kissing Mr. Withrow). The book also explores the familial dynamic between Mary and her sister Lydia. Their complicated relationship is on full display as they push through to ultimately Mary pushing aside her hurt feelings to being there for Lydia when she needs her most. All in all, I enjoyed the story of a female heroine in a historical setting playing a budding femme fatale. Mystery, romance, family angst. There’s something for everyone in Mary Bennet’s story.
frompemberleytomiltonblog's review against another edition
5.0
Review Published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/2022/09/08/a-ladys-guide-to-death-and-deception-by-katherine-cowley/
A Lady's Guide to Death and Deception by Katherine Cowley is the third installment in The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet series and I must say it just keeps getting better and better. I am completely hooked to this series, and I truly hope we will have more works to read in the future.
In this story Miss Mary Bennet travels with Mr. Withrow and Lady Trafford to Brussels where she will be at the center of the Napoleonic wars. I loved all the new secondary characters that appeared on this story and the fact that apart from the spying game, we are also privy to personal griefs and different ways of coping with them, domestic incidents and the usual feelings that come along with them and even some war scenes that will leave scars hard to forget. But above all, I love how this author continues to present Mary’s character to the reader.
Mary Bennet has been growing on many different levels throughout this series, but in this book the author gave her even more dept by forcing her to deal with feelings she had never felt before. Mary will feel what love is for the very first time, she will make new friendships and learn how to trust and confide in people, she will realize how much the love for a sibling can be conflicting, and she will have to deal with the feeling of loss, regret and guilt at the same time. I believe this is a feeling that will change and scar Mary forever, and I absolutely loved to see that the author made her a three-dimensional character, someone who has her own thoughts, concerns, beliefs, desires, traumas. backstory and ultimately someone who feels real.
When it comes to her spying, Mary is at the best of her game in this novel! I was amazed with how much Mary’s character has evolved, how much she has learned, and especially how she improved her skills, she has learned new talents and perfectioned old ones, and I believe she will no longer need the assistance of more experienced spies.
From the fist book in the series, I’ve mentioned that the lack of romance was a positive aspect but that a romantic relationship seemed to be building and I would love for it to be developed in the third novel. It appears the author answered my prayers, as Mary is finally entitled to her own love story. I loved how true to character this romance was. It was unique and completely in line with Mary’s character and experiences. I loved the fact that this would not have been a love story easily applicable to any other young lady. It was simply Mary’s story! The unique and interesting love story was also due to the romantic hero in this book who has also demonstrated a fascinating development, and whom I’ve come to love. If there is a fourth book, I want to know more about him!
Just like in previous books, Mary’s sisters play a part in the story, and I liked the fact that a different sister is explored by the author in A Lady's Guide to Death and Deception. Not only it was interesting to see a new sibling dynamic, but also to see how Lydia’s life has been since her father’s death in the first volume of the series. Her character was also very remarkable and well developed. In fact, the author’s ability to develop characters is impressive and probably my favorite characteristic in her books.
A Lady's Guide to Death and Deception is a smooth and balanced continuation of a wonderful series which I hope to continue reading. This book is incredibly well written, well thought of, engaging, and fast paced. There was so much I loved in it, and how the story is presented to the reader, that I truly hope to see another book in the bookstores soon.
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/2022/09/08/a-ladys-guide-to-death-and-deception-by-katherine-cowley/
A Lady's Guide to Death and Deception by Katherine Cowley is the third installment in The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet series and I must say it just keeps getting better and better. I am completely hooked to this series, and I truly hope we will have more works to read in the future.
In this story Miss Mary Bennet travels with Mr. Withrow and Lady Trafford to Brussels where she will be at the center of the Napoleonic wars. I loved all the new secondary characters that appeared on this story and the fact that apart from the spying game, we are also privy to personal griefs and different ways of coping with them, domestic incidents and the usual feelings that come along with them and even some war scenes that will leave scars hard to forget. But above all, I love how this author continues to present Mary’s character to the reader.
Mary Bennet has been growing on many different levels throughout this series, but in this book the author gave her even more dept by forcing her to deal with feelings she had never felt before. Mary will feel what love is for the very first time, she will make new friendships and learn how to trust and confide in people, she will realize how much the love for a sibling can be conflicting, and she will have to deal with the feeling of loss, regret and guilt at the same time. I believe this is a feeling that will change and scar Mary forever, and I absolutely loved to see that the author made her a three-dimensional character, someone who has her own thoughts, concerns, beliefs, desires, traumas. backstory and ultimately someone who feels real.
When it comes to her spying, Mary is at the best of her game in this novel! I was amazed with how much Mary’s character has evolved, how much she has learned, and especially how she improved her skills, she has learned new talents and perfectioned old ones, and I believe she will no longer need the assistance of more experienced spies.
From the fist book in the series, I’ve mentioned that the lack of romance was a positive aspect but that a romantic relationship seemed to be building and I would love for it to be developed in the third novel. It appears the author answered my prayers, as Mary is finally entitled to her own love story. I loved how true to character this romance was. It was unique and completely in line with Mary’s character and experiences. I loved the fact that this would not have been a love story easily applicable to any other young lady. It was simply Mary’s story! The unique and interesting love story was also due to the romantic hero in this book who has also demonstrated a fascinating development, and whom I’ve come to love. If there is a fourth book, I want to know more about him!
Just like in previous books, Mary’s sisters play a part in the story, and I liked the fact that a different sister is explored by the author in A Lady's Guide to Death and Deception. Not only it was interesting to see a new sibling dynamic, but also to see how Lydia’s life has been since her father’s death in the first volume of the series. Her character was also very remarkable and well developed. In fact, the author’s ability to develop characters is impressive and probably my favorite characteristic in her books.
A Lady's Guide to Death and Deception is a smooth and balanced continuation of a wonderful series which I hope to continue reading. This book is incredibly well written, well thought of, engaging, and fast paced. There was so much I loved in it, and how the story is presented to the reader, that I truly hope to see another book in the bookstores soon.
rosannelortz's review against another edition
4.0
Napoleon has escaped his island prison, and England’s best spies have been sent to Brussels to gather intelligence as the continent sits on the brink of battle. Mary Bennet, in company with Lady Trafford and Mr. Withrow, are called upon to investigate the death of one of the Duke of Wellington’s officers. As the threat of Napoleon’s offensive advances ever closer, they must determine whether gambling debts, old rivalries, or French intrigue is at play in the murder. Along the way, they must overcome their prickly sensibility to each other’s company and perhaps discover that there could be more to their relationship than an uneasy truce.
This story of Mary Bennet’s growth in spycraft is the third in a series. In preparation for this blog tour, I read the opening installment. There, plain spinster Mary Bennet was invited to stay with Lady Trafford (a distant relation?) to learn more accomplishments as she prepares to become a governess…or is it really to become something else? I struggled to suspend disbelief in this initial book. (Why on earth would Mary’s family, including Elizabeth, let her stay with strangers without inquiring who they were? Why would anyone ever want Mary Bennet to be a spy with her total inability to read people or understand nuance?) In the opening novel, Mary’s character was as obtuse and ungraceful as might be expected, but I did not like the character as Jane Austen’s Mary Bennet and I did not understand the reasoning behind her selection or metamorphosis.
However, I discovered upon reading the third installment of this series, that I really did like the character as Katherine Cowley’s Mary Bennet. With some distance now from her “origin story,” the highly literal Mary is a unique character in Regency spy fiction, and even semi-believable as a burgeoning femme fatale. Whenever she needs to assume a new role, she thinks: what would Jane (or Elizabeth, or Kitty, or Lydia) do? And then goes and does likewise… Lady Trafford’s nephew, Mr. Withrow, who is a cold and standoffish character in the first book, comes alive in the third book. As spy heroes ought to be, he is a keen strategist, a sturdy pugilist, and an excellent kisser. All in all, this book was an enjoyable exploration of a unique woman who has now deviated far enough from Jane Austen’s Mary Bennet to be the heroine of her own tale.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via BookFunnel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This story of Mary Bennet’s growth in spycraft is the third in a series. In preparation for this blog tour, I read the opening installment. There, plain spinster Mary Bennet was invited to stay with Lady Trafford (a distant relation?) to learn more accomplishments as she prepares to become a governess…or is it really to become something else? I struggled to suspend disbelief in this initial book. (Why on earth would Mary’s family, including Elizabeth, let her stay with strangers without inquiring who they were? Why would anyone ever want Mary Bennet to be a spy with her total inability to read people or understand nuance?) In the opening novel, Mary’s character was as obtuse and ungraceful as might be expected, but I did not like the character as Jane Austen’s Mary Bennet and I did not understand the reasoning behind her selection or metamorphosis.
However, I discovered upon reading the third installment of this series, that I really did like the character as Katherine Cowley’s Mary Bennet. With some distance now from her “origin story,” the highly literal Mary is a unique character in Regency spy fiction, and even semi-believable as a burgeoning femme fatale. Whenever she needs to assume a new role, she thinks: what would Jane (or Elizabeth, or Kitty, or Lydia) do? And then goes and does likewise… Lady Trafford’s nephew, Mr. Withrow, who is a cold and standoffish character in the first book, comes alive in the third book. As spy heroes ought to be, he is a keen strategist, a sturdy pugilist, and an excellent kisser. All in all, this book was an enjoyable exploration of a unique woman who has now deviated far enough from Jane Austen’s Mary Bennet to be the heroine of her own tale.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via BookFunnel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
bonniereads777's review against another edition
4.0
This is a wonderful Jane Austen tribute and cozy mystery series. Although it's the third book, I easily read it as a standalone. Jane Austen's characters are reimagined in a clever way. Mary Bennett is a spy, helping Mr. Withrow gather intelligence after Napoleon escapes, and ultimately investigating a murder. Meanwhile, Lydia is married to Mr. Wickham and hiding a terrible secret. Can Mary help her? And how is Mary coping with her growing feelings for Mr. Withrow?
This is a compelling combination of thriller, romance, and family drama. Mary is a fantastic protagonist who can go undercover as a man one moment and fight off a wicked husband the next. The attraction between Mary and Mr. Withrow is very well done and progresses naturally. Mary and Lydia's relationship as sisters is explored as well. The story is captivating, satisfying, and enjoyable, and Mary shines in her role of spy. Fans of Jane Austen will delight in this new adventure with beloved characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
This is a compelling combination of thriller, romance, and family drama. Mary is a fantastic protagonist who can go undercover as a man one moment and fight off a wicked husband the next. The attraction between Mary and Mr. Withrow is very well done and progresses naturally. Mary and Lydia's relationship as sisters is explored as well. The story is captivating, satisfying, and enjoyable, and Mary shines in her role of spy. Fans of Jane Austen will delight in this new adventure with beloved characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
bonniereads777's review
4.0
This is a wonderful Jane Austen cozy series. Although it's the third book, I easily read it as a standalone. Jane Austen's characters are reimagined in a clever way. Mary Bennett is a spy, helping Mr. Witherow gather intelligence after Napoleon escapes. Meanwhile, Lydia is married to Mr. Wickham and hiding a terrible secret. Can Mary help her? And how is Mary coping with her growing feelings for Mr. Witherow?
This is a compelling combination of thriller, romance, and family drama. Mary is a fantastic protagonist who can go undercover as a man one moment and fight off a wicked husband the next The attraction between Mary and Mr. Witherow is very well done and progresses naturally. Mary and Lydia's relationship as sisters is explored as well. The story is captivating, satisfying, and enjoyable, and Mary shines in her role of spy.. Fans of Jane Austen will delight in this new adventure with beloved characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
This is a compelling combination of thriller, romance, and family drama. Mary is a fantastic protagonist who can go undercover as a man one moment and fight off a wicked husband the next The attraction between Mary and Mr. Witherow is very well done and progresses naturally. Mary and Lydia's relationship as sisters is explored as well. The story is captivating, satisfying, and enjoyable, and Mary shines in her role of spy.. Fans of Jane Austen will delight in this new adventure with beloved characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
melissadegraffbooks's review against another edition
5.0
It was fun to read about Mary as a full-fledged spy during the events of the Napoleonic Wars. She has grown so much! A satisfying conclusion to the series. This book does feel a bit heavier than the previous books in the series as it addresses some tough topics. TW: abuse, war
chelle493's review against another edition
2.75
Although I still like the writing style of this author, this one did not pull me in as much as the first two. It seemed almost as if the author did a ton of research and felt the need to cram it all into this book. The battles and war seem to take away from the actual mystery. It just seemed disjointed.
clockworkbee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, War, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
meezcarrie's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect when I picked up The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception by Katherine Cowley. This is, after all, my first book by the author, and it’s usually not a good idea to jump into a series on the 3rd book. However, that’s exactly what I did in this case – and my reading experience did not suffer in the least. While I do have the first two books, I haven’t yet had time to read them, but it did not affect my enjoyment or understanding of this book at all. I found the plot to be easily followed, delightful to read, and engaging in every way. In fact, the romance only really comes into play in this third book so, although I’m definitely going back to read the whole trilogy in order, I’m also kinda glad I started with the romantic book. Because…. #kissingbooks
Mary Bennet is often the most overlooked character in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. She’s awkward and bookish and overly prim. However, in the hands of Katherine Cowley’s creative imaginings, Mary blossoms into an endearing character with a heart of gold and a courageous spirit. Because – wait for it – Mary Bennet is now a spy for the Crown. Isn’t that just perfect?!? I thoroughly enjoyed watching how the author incorporated Mary’s quirks – which some might perceive as flaws – into assets and even into qualities that capture her partner Mr. Withrow’s heart. Readers get the sense that he has fallen in love with her because of these eccentricities (and what they show of her heart), not in spite of them. He also definitely brings out a new, bolder, side of her, as her feelings for him increase. I love this summary of Mary’s feelings toward one of their kisses:
“It was as if someone had managed to capture a year of happiness, put it in a jar, and then dispensed it all at once.”
Shortly after this book opens, Napoleon has escaped Elba and retaken France and is mounting an army, bringing the work that Mary, Mr. Withrow, Lady Trafford (and others) are doing all the more important. Brussels provides the stage for their drama to unfold – and there is definitely drama! Murders of high-ranking officials and rumors of war nip at their heels, causing Mary & Henry (Mr. Withrow) to employ whatever means necessary to root out critical information … and a killer. I especially loved the scenes where they go undercover as detectives Fothergill and Pike (both male – it was super fun to watch Mary deal with a mustache and male mannerisms), and I would love more books to that effect. Amid the intrigue swirling around them, Mary is also reacquainted with her sister Lydia – which brings about an entirely different kind of drama, one that will engage a wide range of emotions for readers.
Bottom Line: Oh, Mary Bennet – who knew you could be such a delight? I absolutely adored the way this author brought Austen’s underrated character to life on the pages of The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception – with dignity, quirkiness, lots of heart, and incredibly plausible what-ifs. Before reading this novel I would never have said I could see Mary Bennet as a spy for the Crown; now, I can’t imagine her having any other future in the years after Pride & Prejudice. Warmth, wit, and a dash of swoony romance (those kisses!!) merge fabulously with the high-stakes intrigue in which she and Mr. Withrow (a lovely mix of Darcy & Knightley, with layers all his own) must engage. Fans of Jane Austen, Regency romance, and historical mysteries should not miss this book!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Mary Bennet is often the most overlooked character in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. She’s awkward and bookish and overly prim. However, in the hands of Katherine Cowley’s creative imaginings, Mary blossoms into an endearing character with a heart of gold and a courageous spirit. Because – wait for it – Mary Bennet is now a spy for the Crown. Isn’t that just perfect?!? I thoroughly enjoyed watching how the author incorporated Mary’s quirks – which some might perceive as flaws – into assets and even into qualities that capture her partner Mr. Withrow’s heart. Readers get the sense that he has fallen in love with her because of these eccentricities (and what they show of her heart), not in spite of them. He also definitely brings out a new, bolder, side of her, as her feelings for him increase. I love this summary of Mary’s feelings toward one of their kisses:
“It was as if someone had managed to capture a year of happiness, put it in a jar, and then dispensed it all at once.”
Shortly after this book opens, Napoleon has escaped Elba and retaken France and is mounting an army, bringing the work that Mary, Mr. Withrow, Lady Trafford (and others) are doing all the more important. Brussels provides the stage for their drama to unfold – and there is definitely drama! Murders of high-ranking officials and rumors of war nip at their heels, causing Mary & Henry (Mr. Withrow) to employ whatever means necessary to root out critical information … and a killer. I especially loved the scenes where they go undercover as detectives Fothergill and Pike (both male – it was super fun to watch Mary deal with a mustache and male mannerisms), and I would love more books to that effect. Amid the intrigue swirling around them, Mary is also reacquainted with her sister Lydia – which brings about an entirely different kind of drama, one that will engage a wide range of emotions for readers.
Bottom Line: Oh, Mary Bennet – who knew you could be such a delight? I absolutely adored the way this author brought Austen’s underrated character to life on the pages of The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception – with dignity, quirkiness, lots of heart, and incredibly plausible what-ifs. Before reading this novel I would never have said I could see Mary Bennet as a spy for the Crown; now, I can’t imagine her having any other future in the years after Pride & Prejudice. Warmth, wit, and a dash of swoony romance (those kisses!!) merge fabulously with the high-stakes intrigue in which she and Mr. Withrow (a lovely mix of Darcy & Knightley, with layers all his own) must engage. Fans of Jane Austen, Regency romance, and historical mysteries should not miss this book!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
lene_kretzsch's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
What a delightful and unexpectedly strong entry in this series!
After a relatively poor second volume, I was hesitant to read this third installment but am so glad I did as everything that plagued the second book (awkward integration of historical elements, poor character development, and lackluster pacing) is gone here. The history and historical characters are well rendered and beautifully integrated into Mary's ongoing story, Mary herself is better drawn and more interesting, and the plot moves along nicely, providing a few moments of real tension and suspense. Cowley seems altogether more confident in her voice and there are some exceptionally lovely bits of prose and some somber themes that are sensitively handled. I also loved the romance here-I've been anticipating it since the first book and was not disappointed. It was sweet, heartwarming, and touchingly awkward at times-all the things one would expect given this particular couple.
Other reviewers seem to feel this is the conclusion to this series and I will be satisfied if it is, but given how confident and strong this recent volume is I would be pleased to follow Mary's adventures further.
After a relatively poor second volume, I was hesitant to read this third installment but am so glad I did as everything that plagued the second book (awkward integration of historical elements, poor character development, and lackluster pacing) is gone here. The history and historical characters are well rendered and beautifully integrated into Mary's ongoing story, Mary herself is better drawn and more interesting, and the plot moves along nicely, providing a few moments of real tension and suspense. Cowley seems altogether more confident in her voice and there are some exceptionally lovely bits of prose and some somber themes that are sensitively handled. I also loved the romance here-I've been anticipating it since the first book and was not disappointed. It was sweet, heartwarming, and touchingly awkward at times-all the things one would expect given this particular couple.
Other reviewers seem to feel this is the conclusion to this series and I will be satisfied if it is, but given how confident and strong this recent volume is I would be pleased to follow Mary's adventures further.