The Scandal in Honor is the second book of the Lord Trevelin Mysteries. Lord Trevelin, whose mouth is scarred from an earlier duel over a married woman, has had his reputation damaged in the eyes of the ton several times. In the first book, the murder of a neighbor's son results in sleuthing and the discovery of a gruesome plot. In the current book, the now-engaged Trevelin feels compelled to help a penniless young woman (not his fiancé, Jane), whose father is deceased, so she can have a season. Unfortunately, her mother is murdered and Trevelin's sleuthing skills are called upon.
I particularly enjoy Trevelin's character. He has many strengths, but his flaws offer layers of insight into his personality. In TSIH Trevelin repeatedly sees Willy, the ghost of a deceased friend, and the reader is left to wonder if it's real or if it is a mental breakdown. I have an opinion on this, but since Heidi doesn't reveal the truth (at least not yet), I am waiting for the third book in this series to know for sure.
I
love Heidi's ability to keep me guessing until the very end. Lord Trevelin is a
great character--multifaceted, smart, empathic, and definitely heroic. And the
supporting cast of characters have unique voices, making the plot all the more
interesting. I experienced a wide range of emotions reading this book (laughed
at Mrs. S., swooned at Trev's romance, and was so sad when his reputation was
again demolished). Ashworth writes regency era better than 9 in 10
authors out there. Her style is reminiscent of Georgette Heyer. If you are a
fan of regency era books or mysteries, I highly recommend the Lord Trevelin
Mysteries.
From the back of the book:
"What is the price one must
pay to protect ones honor? Or that of another? It has been two years since the
duel that changed Julian "Trev" Silvester's life. He is now happily
betrothed to Miss Jane Leavitt whose influence has helped to restore his
reputation among Society. Her father, however, has not allowed the connection
to be made public. He is not happy about Trev's penchant for looking into
unsavory matters such as missing diamond necklaces and dead downstairs maids.
He will allow the couple to set a date for their wedding when he is satisfied
that Trev will look to his own reputation with the same care as does Jane. Meanwhile,
Trev is taken with the tale of a young lady new to Town. Her military father
was said to have done away with himself in order to escape censure over his
decision to flee a battle with his wife and child. Trev can't resist attempting
to set the man's reputation to rights. He is helped by a "ghostly"
Willy and the boot boy cum valet, Jack. When several more "accidents"
occur, Trev's list of suspects grows. And then his cousin Eve threatens him
with ruin if he does not release Jane to his clutches. The Scandal in Honor is
book two in The Lord Trevelin Mysteries. Be sure to read the first book in this
captivating Regency-era mystery series about one man's journey to redemption,
told through the eyes of the one whose absolution he longs for the most: his own."
Goodreads link
Amazon link
Heidi's Blog, Dunhaven Place
Thank you so much for your lovely and thoughtful review!
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