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.

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.

If only the narrator was as good as the heroine!

As others have noted, the narrator sometimes doesn't always keep her voices straight, and her affected accent (dewaauhr for door) got increasingly annoying... but good period details, and appealingly independent heroine...

Absolutely delightful and entertaining!

I agree with previous reviewers, Ms. Nichols is great with 2-3 characters but unless you listen carefully and keep track of who is supposed be talking, it can get confusing. It doesn't detract from the story one bit.
So relieved to have been born in the mid 20th century and not before. How horrible to have no say in your own life, if you're a woman!
On to the next in this wonderful series.

Slow start but worth reading!

I wasn’t sure when I first began listening to this book that I would like it, but now I can’t wait to read the next one. Rosalind Thorne is everything you want in a heroine - brave but humble, pretty yet seeming unaware, and very insightful and useful stumbling upon a murder mystery while having her own romantic interest.

not bad

when reader read certain parts it creepy. I will try the 2nd book in series.

Excellent Beginning

This is a historical fiction novel that EARNS the “Austen” comparison. Rosalind is a refreshing breath of fresh air in a market glutted with “Austen-like” books. I could immediately tell this book was very well researched by the world-building, character development, realistic backstories, expectations, the prose and descriptions of the Victorian England society.

Rosalind is a well educated woman who was raised to make her debut into society, marry and then run a household. The winds of fortune are subject to change and not all that inherit wealth are capable of managing it. Rosalind’s father abandons his family when he loses the family fortune.

Rosalind transforms herself into a “Useful Woman”—a personal confidential assistant to the more “respectable wealthy women”. In this role she has found herself protecting others from scandals as simple as blackmail to as complex as murder. There are fantastic supporting characters that include close friends also attempting to make their way in this society. In spite of the tragic losses there are some witticisms including a few winks and nods at the ridiculous rules.

I highly recommend this book (actually the entire series). The mystery is very well woven and layered.

Summary

i totally loved this book. It was very entertaining and engaging. The narrator was amazing.

Glad I read reviews!!

Started this book & thought I wouldn't keep going after first chapter. SO GLAD I checked reviews before deleting. It was EXCELLENT!!!

Very captivating book

I enjoyed the characters and the insights into that time and place. The plot was interesting. All in all, a good read!

on to the next one!!!!

I don't usually read or listen to mysteries but I will definitely listen to the next one. I love the main character. The writer did an amazing job on all the characters and the storyline was fun to follow along with.
As for the narrator, bravo, 😊 she did an awesome job. I think I only laughed at her once and that was towards the end.
All around good.