A Brazen Curiosity: A Regency Cozy

Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries, Book 1

De: Lynn Messina

Narrado por: Jill Smith

Twenty-six-year-old Beatrice Hyde-Clare is far too shy to investigate the suspicious death of a fellow guest in the Lake District. A spinster who lives on the sufferance of her relatives, she would certainly not presume to search the rooms of her host's son and his friend looking for evidence. Reared in the twin virtues of deference and docility, she would absolutely never think to question the imperious Duke of Kesgrave about anything, let alone how he chose to represent the incident to the local constable.

And yet when she stumbles upon the bludgeoned corpse of poor Mr. Otley in the deserted library of the Skeffingtons' country house, that's exactly what she does.

©2018 Lynn Messina (P)2018 Lynn Messina

Well-written

Great insight into the class system in England. Liked the proper sexual tension in the main characters.

Jill Smith gave a good narration. Great diction.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Charmingly written and narrated

This was a well done mystery with a hint of romance. It stays true to the period it's set in while allowing the heroine to grow into herself. It was fun, well written and narrated, and I'm really looking forward to the next book!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

A great heroine

I love this allegedly mousy timorous spinster who is able to shed her shyness and investigate a murder. I love the thoughts and humor hiding inside that she finally lets out despite her circumstances as a poor relative. And the description of the times in England is well done. Intricate plot, interesting characters. Good narrator.

Humorous conversation

I especially enjoyed the dialogue in A Brazen Curiosity. I also appreciated not being able to surmise "whodunnit" until the very end!

Truly enjoyable!

Loved the attention to detail about the time period and station. Admired the heroine 's character.

What a great start to a new series!

Miss Hyde-Clare is definitely an original! I love the witty bantering between the hero and heroine. I own every book and its Audible companion. I can't wait for the next book in the series, because they keep getting better and better. I would like to see more of the dynamics of the main characters' relationship, especially from his POV, because that's the draw of the entire series. Keep writing and I will definitely keep reading!

Lovely!

Started a little slow but so glad I kept going. The tension, the cleverness, the wit, all pulled me in and I’ve already downloaded the second in the series! This is a clean storyline, but with a romantic tension that I absolutely adored!

Entertaining historical cozy

I love a story with a plucky heroine, and this one fits the bill. After living under her family's heavy thumb, Beatrice emerges as a woman ready to finally take her life back. Good mystery elements in this one, too.

I received this free audiobook from AudioboookBook and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

A Real Delight

I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving a review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.

This is the first book in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries and what a great way to start. It is a standalone story with a complete ending [no cliffhanger]. Bea is an orphaned and has been taken in by her aunt and uncle - who tolerate her. Bea is a 26 year old spinster and is frequently reminded of her failings by her aunt. However, while at a houseparty with her cousin, aunt and uncle, Bea stumbles over a dead body in the library. She also stumbles into a very handsome Duke. When the death is declared a suicide, Bea can stay silent no more and finds her voice to demand justice. She starts an investigation and works with the Duke to uncover the perpetrator.

What I really liked about this story was Bea's wit and her change from a wallflower to a more assertive woman. There is a lot of humor in this book - from Aunt Vera's ettiquette lessons to Bea's own inward commentary about the situation. Of course there were sparks between the Duke and Bea, which leaves open the possibility for romance in the next books.

The narrator, Jill Smith, was a perfect fit for this regency cozy. She has a very charming British accent and was able to convincingly portray Bea from the timid wallflower to a woman who speaks her mind. Her interpretation of Aunt Vera was completely enjoyable.

Brilliant!

Brilliant and addicting! I was stunned by the intelligence and wit of Ms. Messina, and the sparkling and witty narration by Ms. Smith. An incredible duo, and a luscious indulgence! I can’t wait for their next outing together, and hope for a long and fruitful collaboration in this series. Brava!!! to each!!