A Useful Woman

A Rosalind Thorne Mystery, Book 1

By: Darcie Wilde

Narrated by: Sarah Nichols

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's Summary

Inspired by the novels of Jane Austen, this new mystery series set in 19th-century London introduces the charming and resourceful Rosalind Thorne, a woman privy to the secrets of high society - including who among them is capable of murder.

The daughter of a baronet and minor heiress, Rosalind Thorne was nearly ruined after her father abandoned the family. To survive in the only world she knew, she began to manage the affairs of some of London society's most influential women, who rely on her wit and discretion. So when artistocratic wastrel Jasper Aimesworth is found dead in London's most exclusive ballroom, Almack's, Rosalind must use her skills and connections to uncover the killer from a list of suspects that includes Almack's powerful patronesses and her former suitor Devon Winterbourne, now Lord Casselmain.

Torn between her old love and a growing attraction to a compelling Bow Street runner, Rosalind must unravel the mysteries surrounding Jasper's death, and the mysteries of her own heart as well.

©2016 Darcie Wilde (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Give this a chance

I admit I had a little trouble getting into this story. Lots of characters from the aristocracy and figuring out everyone's place was a bit tedious. However, once the foundation of the story was laid out, I found the plot interesting and the characters enjoyable. In particular, I really enjoyed our heroine who is gently raised and carries herself with the utmost self-respect , but is also quite the little scrapper. .....do not underestimate her. Take a chance on this one. A good start to a promising series.

I was looking for an entertaining read. I found that, and more.

What a relief to listen to a great book when it rains. Well developed story and excellent execution by the narrator. I couldn't quite guess the end, which is unusual. Refreshingly upbeat and sufficiently suspenseful, this book is the first of many I hope to find waiting for me. My compliments to the author.

Well done.

Good mystery, okay narration.

Any additional comments?

Good mystery, sometimes hard to follow b/c the narrator wasn't consistent with the voices, i.e. sometimes the females sounded like males and viceversa, so pay close attention to names. Was a good story though and I am going to try to find others by this author.

Excellent story

The storyline was excellent with continual action and new clues in every chapter. I liked Rosiland and supporting cast. I would have liked a bit more insight to both Devin and Harkness. The weakest part of the Audible book was the narrator. She was very good with inflection and her voice was pleasant to listen to. The one weakness was a lack of varied voices for the various characters. At times it was hard to tell who was speaking. Overall that is the reason for only four stars.

Ingenious beginning

To a promising new series. The author's application of quotations from the Regency periods is charming. The story is a period mystery with promises of romantic dilemmas to come.

Unexpected Delight

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This was an unexpected delight. I was truly sad when the story concluded and know that I will have to wait months for another book. The book started slow so do don't give up; the stage needs to be set. I like that the plot has twists and turns and that I did not figure out the ending in advance. The narrator definitely added to the story with a variety of voices making it easy to follow. All in all, a very entertaining book.

A well-researched and compelling new find

There is so much mediocre, poorly-researched, amateurish writing by Jane Austen wannabes out there that it is really gratifying to read something that is a cut above. While Ms. Wilder is not quite Austen, she knows her period and makes none of the gaffes so common in others' efforts. I especially appreciated that she seems to understand the high stakes faced by an unmarried woman trying to carve out an independent life for herself. The only difficulty I found was in that she often writes her character's inner monologue and when the narrator reads it, it is difficult sometimes to know when it is supposed to be part of her interior thoughts rather than something she's saying aloud. That said, I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Ok story, terrible narration

This story took quite a while to get interesting. But the narrator could not do different voices so it was hard to tell who was talking. The story was tedious and unlikely in the details.

Can't wait for volume 2!

Thoroughly enjoyed the book! We were traveling home from vacation and I was listening on the plane. Our plane was landing as I neared the end and I speeded things up to find out how it ended!

Not your usual cozy or historical romance

This book hews more closely to the reality of the time than any other period mystery or romance that I've read. It reminds me of the seamier novels written by Ms. Perry. However, this novel is not seamy or gory. The main character is believable and likable, with a good supporting cast. The narrator has the crisp, clear voice that I particularly like. The voice also closely matches our heroine's personality, which is presented in both her words and whispered thoughts. In fact, the mystery progresses primarily in her thoughts, which I found to be a clever device.

I'm torn about the rating, as this is clearly a well-written, well-researched work. It also has a believable premise or mystery. However, it does not have the lightness or humor that I crave. In fact, given the realistic portrayal of the time period, it's rather a disheartening read for me. Our heroine has backbone and intelligence and the book has a satisfying end. However, I'm more in the mood right now for an Emma Peele or Jane Yellowrock. She is an interesting heroine though, and the premise was not only believable and original but, in it's way, amusing. I may go on to read the next in the series when it's not the middle of winter.

I should highlight the originality of the mystery. It's not often that a mystery treads new ground, especially since Agatha Christie managed to cover so much of that ground.