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mllecath's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
plumpymuffin's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
acthebookworm's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
3.0
anaidelawless's review against another edition
4.0
I knew this mystery was coming since book one, because this has a big impact on the main character's backstory and I was surprised to see it happening so soon, but I enjoyed it a lot. And the love interest is the best in this book. Get me my own Kesgrave.
sarah_moynihan's review against another edition
5.0
Despite everyone's expectations to the contrary, 'plain' spinster Beatrice Hyde-Clare has secured herself an engagement with the hadsome and illustrious Duke of Kesgrave, Damien Matlock. Daunted by the changes this will bring to her life in regards to her status and responsibilities, she is more than welcomes a destraction.
Her distraction comes in the form of a shocking revelation. Not all is as she once understood it when it comes to the tragic demise of he parents. Staggered by the implications of this possibility Bea feels compelled to investigate. The investigation will teach her more about her parents than she has ever had the fortune to know before. But perhaps knowledge isn't always power and some truths are better left hidden in the past?
__________________________________
A Nefarious Engagement is the fourth book in Lynn Messina's Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries series. I suppose you could get away with reading this book as a stand alone, as the author details the relevant background information that are pertinent to this mystery. But I highly recommend that you read these books together as a series and in order. It's the best way to truly appreciate the wonder that is Miss Beatrice Hyde-Clare.
I adored meeting Mrs. Palmer's character and I hope we get to see more of a friendship between her and Bea as the series continues. Bea needs some females around her that also go against the grain of society and are as witty and educated as her. Plus she needs some females in her life that she doesn't have such a complex relationship with, like members of her family that took her in after her parents died or a woman who was close friends with her deceased mother and feels guilty for not reaching out sooner. As happy as I was to meet Mrs. Palmer, I was even more so to see Kesgrave's grandmother again. I adore that woman.
My respect for Damien really increased in this book. Sure he's not in this book as much as the others, but that's because he's giving Bea the space she needs to adjust to the engagement and her new status as the future Duchess of Kesgrave. This was actually one of my favorite aspcects of the book.
Without giving any spoilers, I knew who our villain was as soon as a certain glint in the sunlight was mentioned in passing. And it NEARLY killed me as I waited anxiously for Bea to put the information together as well. I knew it would be worth it when it clicked for her, but I was having the hardest time being patient.
And now I somehow have to find the strength to wait until November 15th to continue onto the fifth book in the series, A Treacherous Performance. But I'll be strong, I suppose three weeks won't kill me. While I wait, I plan to check out Lynn Messina's other Regency series, Love Takes Root.
Her distraction comes in the form of a shocking revelation. Not all is as she once understood it when it comes to the tragic demise of he parents. Staggered by the implications of this possibility Bea feels compelled to investigate. The investigation will teach her more about her parents than she has ever had the fortune to know before. But perhaps knowledge isn't always power and some truths are better left hidden in the past?
__________________________________
A Nefarious Engagement is the fourth book in Lynn Messina's Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries series. I suppose you could get away with reading this book as a stand alone, as the author details the relevant background information that are pertinent to this mystery. But I highly recommend that you read these books together as a series and in order. It's the best way to truly appreciate the wonder that is Miss Beatrice Hyde-Clare.
I adored meeting Mrs. Palmer's character and I hope we get to see more of a friendship between her and Bea as the series continues. Bea needs some females around her that also go against the grain of society and are as witty and educated as her. Plus she needs some females in her life that she doesn't have such a complex relationship with, like members of her family that took her in after her parents died or a woman who was close friends with her deceased mother and feels guilty for not reaching out sooner. As happy as I was to meet Mrs. Palmer, I was even more so to see Kesgrave's grandmother again. I adore that woman.
My respect for Damien really increased in this book. Sure he's not in this book as much as the others, but that's because he's giving Bea the space she needs to adjust to the engagement and her new status as the future Duchess of Kesgrave. This was actually one of my favorite aspcects of the book.
Without giving any spoilers, I knew who our villain was as soon as a certain glint in the sunlight was mentioned in passing. And it NEARLY killed me as I waited anxiously for Bea to put the information together as well. I knew it would be worth it when it clicked for her, but I was having the hardest time being patient.
And now I somehow have to find the strength to wait until November 15th to continue onto the fifth book in the series, A Treacherous Performance. But I'll be strong, I suppose three weeks won't kill me. While I wait, I plan to check out Lynn Messina's other Regency series, Love Takes Root.
dawn_marie's review against another edition
3.0
Another enjoyable volume from Lynn Messina's Beatrice Hyde-Clare series. In this offering, the mystery seemed secondary to Beatrice coming to terms with her engagement to Kesgrave and her finally learning to trust him and herself. I'm glad she was able to to so because it was getting to be a wee bit tedious to hear Beatrice constantly berate herself (we get enough of that from Aunt Vera).
The writing style is still enjoyable, making it for a fun easy read. The plot wasn't complex, you should be able to figure out the ending as Ms. Messina leaves a trail of clues for the reader to follow.
Beatrice's aunt and uncle are still vapid and self-absorbed, and at times, cruel; and her cousins petty. Aunt Vera and Uncle Horace's rationale for mistreating her for years is rubbish and shows how small minded they are - but I suppose that is the point. No wonder Beatrice wants to marry Kesgrave as soon as possible and get out of the house. Kesgrave, who had a diminished role in this volume (which is fine as he is NOT he main character of this series), was understanding, loving, and supportive of Beatrice - - a very new experience for her, and one which she (understandably) had some difficulty dealing with.
Nothing earth shattering or new in this offering, still an enjoyable and fun read.
The writing style is still enjoyable, making it for a fun easy read. The plot wasn't complex, you should be able to figure out the ending as Ms. Messina leaves a trail of clues for the reader to follow.
Beatrice's aunt and uncle are still vapid and self-absorbed, and at times, cruel; and her cousins petty. Aunt Vera and Uncle Horace's rationale for mistreating her for years is rubbish and shows how small minded they are - but I suppose that is the point. No wonder Beatrice wants to marry Kesgrave as soon as possible and get out of the house. Kesgrave, who had a diminished role in this volume (which is fine as he is NOT he main character of this series), was understanding, loving, and supportive of Beatrice - - a very new experience for her, and one which she (understandably) had some difficulty dealing with.
Nothing earth shattering or new in this offering, still an enjoyable and fun read.
emilybordelovewrites's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
everdene's review against another edition
3.0
While I did love the past 3 books it took me over a year to pick up this next installment. The only reason being I was annoyed that the author quite obviously trying to reach her word count by describing in detail the plotlines from the previous books. Of course it also happened in this one. I understand how memories work but come on..
Not only that, but the events that are unfolding are described over and over again in Bea's thoughts. I'm not so forgetful that I need summaries not only of every last book and also inside one short book.
I like the interactions between Kesgrave and Bea and they, along with some mystery should be the focal point. The other characters are quite obviously caricatures for comic relieve. Which would work better if they are not overshadowing the main characters. Kesgrave was barely in this book and I really don't know what he sees in Bea at this point.
Not only that, but the events that are unfolding are described over and over again in Bea's thoughts. I'm not so forgetful that I need summaries not only of every last book and also inside one short book.
I like the interactions between Kesgrave and Bea and they, along with some mystery should be the focal point. The other characters are quite obviously caricatures for comic relieve. Which would work better if they are not overshadowing the main characters. Kesgrave was barely in this book and I really don't know what he sees in Bea at this point.