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.

Loved, loved it!

I've been escaping into British historical mysteries, and this has been one of the best. Love the main character, and the mystery was well done. Add in two possible love interests (which means it's not a cut-and-dried romance, which I'm happy about).

Keep reading!

I have to admit, after the first chapter I found myself inwardly sighing, thinking this was a book well written but lack luster. Maybe I'm getting cyncial after too many overly emotional, love struck, indecisive female characters, ( also too many over the top bada$$ ones that no longer even seem human), and too many mysteries with an over abdundance of one dimensional characters I couldn't keep straight. But I kept going and you should too. I'm starting the 4th book in the series and I came back to leave a review on the first book to encourage people.

Narrator ruins the book

This story is just ok. Perhaps could have been better if the narrator were better. I didn’t find the voices were differentiated enough. She also has a strange way of harshly whispering when narrating Rosalind’s thoughts. Her accents were also pretty bad. I would buy the next book but I don’t think I can listen to this narrator again.

Fun but not very strong cozy mystery

A Useful Woman by Darcy Wilde opens in 1812 with Rosalind Thorne's discovering that her family is left in financial disgrace and her father has run off to avoid facing his responsibilities. Her unofficial engagement to Devon Winterbourne is certain to be broken. The book then shifts to 1817, when Rosalind, no longer part of the first circle of society, serves as a sort of high class social secretary to help others still in the first circle to bring their daughters out into society.

The most important social location in London at the time was a fancy ballroom for the most elite of society called Almack's. One evening, Rosalind goes to Almack's to meet her godmother, the only woman who helped her out during her family's troubles. Tempted to check out the ballroom while waiting, she spies a pile of clothes on the far side of the room and soon realizes that it is the body of Jasper Aimesworth, an aristocrat with little to occupy him. The women of high society want to deny that anything has happened, but they take Rosalind's counsel to admit that someone died in an accident and offer their condolences. The manager of Almack's even hires the Bow Street Runners to investigate in order to show the veracity of his staff. But the detective determines that Jasper was murdered.

This book was a pleasurable read, with an enjoyable taste of early 19th century England. I liked Rosalind and her inner strength to deal with her family troubles by herself when her father ran away and her mother lost her mind. I also appreciated Rosalind's determination to get to the truth of the matter, no matter the consequences. There were hints of romance between Rosalind and Devon, now Lord Casselmain, as well as between Rosalind and the detective.

The audiobook is narrated by Sarah Nichols. Her voice suits the era of the book, and I liked the audio edition. I enjoyed listening to this book.

I had a good time listening to A Useful Woman. It had fun elements, but there was nothing particularly memorable about it. I don't expect to listen to the next book in the series. I give the book three stars.

Mystery set in the British Regency period

This is very much like the Her Royal Spyness Series but I like this one better. The author is more informed about the period than any author I have read. There is only a hint of romance, but it was enough to keep me interested in that aspect of the book. This book is the first in a series but it stands alone, except for an on-going romance. This was a light, enjoyable read and the narrator was excellent, perfectly suited to the story.

Interesting history, slow-moving plot

This book contains many details about British society in the early 19th century, particularly that of the Almacks assembly rooms, so it will appeal to readers with an interest in the London societal mores of Jane Austen's time. The plot is a slow-moving, mild mystery, building through conversation much more than through other events, though the pace picks up toward the denouement. I enjoyed it enough but won't read on in the series despite my interest in the era.

Unexpected pleasure!

This is not my usual genre and I found myself very much enjoying this novel--a historical romance, mystery, and novel of manners in one. Well written and well narrated.

Well written & narrated

As a Jane Austin fan I’ve been trying to find another similar author to read and I’m confident I’ve found the right one!
Not as good as Austin’s work imo but better than I had expected and good enough that I’ll definitely read more books by this author.
The lead character finds herself as a semi outcast in the early 1800’s of English society and is accidentally thrown into the role of sleuth. She is an honest & honorable character but more important, she is likable.
The narrator does a good job which as you all know a narrator can make or break a book and this one does a very good job.
I don’t often write reviews but felt compelled as they are lacking for this book and it did turn out to be more enjoyable than I expected.

Slow starter but

really fun listen after a moment or two into chapter one. I enjoyed too the history bits.

Fantastic

This is the first book/ audible fir me by this author and I loved it!

After getting into the characters and the backstory, it was filled with mystery, murder, angst and of course a complex love relationship.

Cannot wait to go to the next one! The narrator did an amazing job!