A review by agrippinaes
A Boldly Daring Scheme by Lynn Messina

4.0

Firstly, what a fascinating concept for a mystery novel. Readers of the other books in this series would already know from the outset that the victim Flora seeks justice for is an invention of her cousin Bea. Reading a mystery with the full knowledge that the ‘victim’ doesn’t exist was an interesting experience and I’m not sure I’ve read anything similar before.

I also really enjoyed Flora’s narration. I was unsure, at first, about the fact the story is told in the first person, but I actually really enjoyed it. She had a different way of looking at things than Bea, and I liked the insight into Flora’s funny brain. I liked her obvious admiration and affection for Bea that had developed, and that she was trying to emulate her cousin. I also liked her confidence in herself, her habit for putting her foot in it, the glimpses of her frivolousness (and the fact she admits to being so, and liking being so), and the fact that she’s not a perfect detective (talent for finding hidden compartments aside). Similarly, I liked seeing Bea through Flora’s eyes.

Holcroft was a good character and not who I had expected to be introduced

Spoiler

I don’t know why, but I had convinced myself before reading that Nuneaton would be Flora’s love interest as that made the most sense to me, but nevermind.

. He had similarities to Kesgrave in his steadiness and capability; I really liked the sensibleness of his personality in contrast with Flora’s more flighty personality, and how she knew she could rely on him at all times. However, he was a much gentler character than Kesgrave in some ways, and I thought that worked, too.

The story itself was very entertaining; the slow slide into a mystery separate from Mr. Davies leading to an exciting and satisfying denouement. As ever, Lynn Messina’s writing is very strong - warm and funny, with a lot of wit and good one-liners and some lovely bits of descriptive writing.

Spoiler

The scene where they find the first body was particularly well-written for me - Flora’s fear, her shaking hands and determination to be as brave as Bea, the description of the stickiness of the blood, really set the scene.

Another strong scene was

Spoiler

when Flora met Holcroft’s cousin - particularly when she accidentally insults him. The depiction of the awkwardness and tension between them all was very well-done.

My only real issue was the romantic element wasn’t quite as strong as I’d have liked. They worked well together and had good chemistry, I just wanted slightly more romantic interaction between them. I didn’t feel as much satisfaction with the conclusion of the romantic storyline as I did the mystery - it makes me hope we might see another Flora mystery in the future with Holcroft helping.

Also, a really tiny detail, but

Spoiler

I really could have done without the fishy breath detail regarding Holcroft. I know it was portrayed as a one-time thing, but I found it very off-putting!

Overall, I really enjoyed it and I couldn’t stop reading it. I really wish this series got more attention than it does - it’s so good and I love everything about them. I can’t wait for more and look forward to finding out what happens next!

I would recommend it if you want a funny, sweet cosy Regency mystery with some romantic elements.

Content Warnings:

Spoiler

Violence throughout, murder, blood and gore.