Deadly Affair

A Georgian Historical Mystery: Alec Halsey Mystery, Book 2

By: Lucinda Brant

Narrated by: Alex Wyndham

Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Career diplomat Alec Halsey has been elevated to a marquessate he doesn't want. His lover has decided she won't marry him after all. What's more, the suspicion that he murdered his brother still lingers in London drawing rooms. So returning to London after seven months' seclusion may have been a mistake.

Alec's foreboding deepens when a nobody vicar drops dead at a party-political dinner, he witnesses the very public humiliation of an up-and-coming portrait painter, and his rabble-rousing uncle Plantagenet is bashed and left for dead in a laneway. When the vicar's true identity is revealed, Alec suspects the man was poisoned. But who would want a seemingly harmless man of God murdered, and why?

Lucinda Brant's Alec Halsey mysteries explore the darker side of her deliciously romantic 18th century world. Along with trademark wit and high drama there are deeper subplots and even quirkier characters that will have you shuddering and laughing in equal measure!

2012 Australian Romance Readers Awards finalist

©2013 Lucinda Brant (P)2015 Lucinda Brant

Author always entertained in the best of ways

Any additional comments?

When interested in a great descriptive setting in a well-researched period of London 1700’s, turn to author Lucinda Brant as your go-to source. In her cozy-style mystery, and the awesomeness of her smooth-talking narrator, I was carried easily into the Georgian society of luxury, experiencing the all too important social acceptability based on parentage, and social climbers who do most anything to be part of the esteemed fabric of society.

The author knows well how to build tension through the book and with her rich-textured cast, detailed description, she takes you to 1763. Her story, figuratively, leads to a garden maze so popular at the time. You think you know your way out, but no resolution is in sight. As the story takes hold she’ll weave pieces of the plot together, much like a French braid, where all becomes complete, with just a strand or two left dangling. That’s why among other reasons, I intend to read the last book of the series, Deadly Peril.

Alec, Lord Hausey, having the physique of a Greek God, handsome to a fault (women drool and their mamas work to present their daughters), has decided Selena, of noble birth, to be his. He loves her, giving her one year to mourn her previous husband. Alec, a gentleman and sometimes tediously detailed and aloof, is enamored with Selena and will win this woman for his own. Surprisingly, Selena rather be his mistress than wife. This seems oddly strange and intrigues me. A mystery within a mystery. Alec doesn't come with pure ancestry. He is, however, very intelligent, compassionate and has a mind capable of drawing a full picture with few pieces missing. He is the man of the hour, the man who takes the helm of the ship and steers it to safety.

While at a painting exhibition, he is approached by one young painter whose painting style is very much to Alec’s taste. The young painter, is none other than Selena's younger brother. He is also one of the painters being spotlighted at the exhibition. In fact, his very best work is being uncovered at the gathering. When unveiled, it is found mutilated, savagely marred with red paint. Who would do such a thing? The younger brother goes into a deep funk. Alec wants to help come to the bottom of who might have done it. Selena knows who the painting is of and remains silent. The woman and child are recluse in the country. Surprises arise giving more mystery, more hints.

Sir Charles Weir, the secretary of the present duke of Cleverly, is in a tight spot, and has asked Alec to help him in his quest. He's concerned the present duke will retire his seat in Parliament, thereby creating a domino affect for many, changing opportunities of livelihood. Ever the gentleman, Alec, complies.

Tam, the self-appointed valet to Alec is on the verge of losing his station. Alec wants him to be certified by the apothecary society. He sends him off to study and subsequently Tam overhears words at a coffee-house, adding more information and mystery to this ever enlarging situation. Tam, though young, has seen a lot in his life, has experienced medical necessities with his mentor and vicar, Mr. Blackwell, who recently died at Sir Charles's home. Another who dun it, here.

A character who reappears from book 1 is one of my favorite, Plantagenet Halsey. As before, he is a man who quickly makes up his mind about people -- he'll call them like they are. His role and character provides comic relief to a tension-building ending. Although elderly, he steps right into the quagmire of mystery and danger, willingly helping his nephew, Alec.

The woman in the painting Plantagenet likes immediately. Selena also knows this woman who has a secret. Another mystery to discover.

A more uncouth cast of the story is Lord George, step-son to Lord Cleverly, heir to the dukedom, very slovenly, whimpery, and drinks too much.

Bottom Line: If you enjoy your historical setting of mysteries brimming with depth, read this series. Better yet, listen to the series. The narrator is simply marvelous in his sarcasm and dry tone of this society, and extremely believable in his depiction of character for the many cast members of this read.

oh shucks

I am enjoying this story: narration good as is the story. The thing keeping me from the five star is that so far these 1st two books read like very long chapters. Good ones. But the story only progresses very little. Absolutely no HEAs in this series. Not even a clue. A shame. Love the characters. Really like the storyline. But I can only afford so many purchases; and at this rate, by the time Alex finds or doesconvince his soulmate to be truly his
..well, I will be well out of credits!

Another Great Story!

Any additional comments?

Another great story & multiple plots from Lucinda Brant & expertly narrated by Alex Wyndham...he really is Alec Halsey. So many twists & turns & multiple emotional upheavals...this book has everything you could want...part romance & part mystery...I just loved it & am anxiously looking forward to the next in the series!

Deadly Affair, Book 2 Alex Halsey mystery series

I must give Alex Wyndham 5 stars for his brilliant narration of another of Lucinda Brandt's 5 star creative novels. Alex Halsey has been a favored character of mine for quite some time so naturally, I thoroughly enjoyed the continuation of his riveting adventures in book two of this mystery series. The characters are so well thought out and written, that you easily become pulled into the story and feel like you are but a spectator watching their lives unfold from the sidelines. Mr. Wyndham's exceptional talents bring each individual character to life for the listener's pleasure. Since such an awesome partnership exists between Mr. Wyndham and Lucinda Brandt, the reader/listener really reaps the rewards of their combined efforts. I would easily recommend any of Lucinda Brandt's books, however, my personal favorite is to listen to the audio version of her books whenever possible.

Intriguing , a great mystery

Lucinda Brant seamlessly combines romance and mystery in this second of the Alex Halsey's series. Suspense and surprise abound and I love the passionate relationship between Alex and Serena. All of his characters are complex, with flaws and strengths brought to light as the story continues. The concept of being open to new ideas and the necessity to know the facts before making a decision, espoused by both Alex and his uncle is clear throughout the series. Alex is loyal to friends but able to expand his understanding of less than friendly characters like Lord Cleverly and even change his attitude towards him. The narration is amazing, clearly separating and making unique each character.

I Recommend this series

I love historical mysteries, and this is one of the best series. I hope it never ends.

Really enjoying Alec Halsey's story

This series has been fun to listen to. Enjoying the narrative, he brings the book to life.

What a plot! !!!!!!

Book number two, what can I say? This one had me hooked from beginning to end. The storyline was brilliant. The author has me salivating for more of Alex, Tam, Uncle Plantagenant and Selina. This was a really good book. Bring on books three and four!!!

Excellent.

Really enjoying this trilogy, looking forward to the final book. The narrators voice is great.

Deadly Smart and Sexy to Boot!

I read this book when it first came out and what I said then still holds true. While Lucinda Brant is a modern author her writing is fresh and always well researched, but she writes with shades and shadows of historical romantic fiction of a generation or two ago. Minus the purple prose, thank God! She doesn't shy away from those facts of 18th century life which as modern readers we wince at. She stays true to the social morays of that period, and explains without info dumping about the politics of the time, and that is why I enjoy and respect her work so much.
I love the Alec Halsey mysteries, and the great cast of supporting characters. They are all here from Selina the love of his life and their complicated long time love for one another, to his irrepressible Uncle Plantagenet, with his unrepentant Republican view point. Of course his Godmother the indomitable Duchess Romney-St.Neots, who always makes me laugh and who I want to be like when I am a woman of a certain age. Please let’s not forget Tam his loyal young valet and brilliant young Apothecary student. But with the returning characters, you also have new characters some so loathsome you want to slap them, and others who you root for, and in this one the mysterious young woman at the heart of the matter.
While I love all Ms. Brant’s novels the Halsey series has a special place in my heart, Alec is one of my book boyfriends and I love spending time with him. The 18th century is such an opulent time and Georgian London and Bath had it all, from all that glitters to grinding poverty and Ms. Brant portrays this brilliantly.
As for Mr. Alex Wyndham’s performance. He’s wonderful, and I just think that he adds so much to the story. As most anyone that listens to books regularly, as I do, you know how important that is. It can’t be easy to nail not only the regional accents, but make female voices sound feminine without sounding ridiculous. So BRAVO Mr. Wyndham I can’t wait for Deadly Peril!