Penance for the Dead

A Bow Street Duchess Mystery, Book 4

By: Cara Devlin

Narrated by: Allie Rose

Principal Bow Street Officer Hugh Marsden is used to living in the shadow of disgrace. First, as the illegitimate son of the late Viscount Neatham, and second, as the man who permanently maimed his half-brother in a duel six years ago. Reviled by the posh ton, Hugh happily severed ties to polite society—until the enigmatic Duchess of Fournier, Audrey Sinclair entered his world and turned it upside down.

Now, Hugh's half-sister Eloisa has done the same. Just days after returning to London and hiring him to find a missing person—someone Eloisa claims holds a destructive family secret—she is murdered on a ballroom floor. The prime suspect? Hugh Marsden.

When Audrey learns the Bow Street officer she's come to cherish is on the run and being hunted for the crime, she vows to clear his name, no matter what it takes. Restricted to clandestine meetings, Audrey and Hugh's investigation to find Eloisa's true killer peels back years of Neatham family secrecy and a diabolical scheme to conceal the circumstances surrounding Hugh's birth.

The killer will stop at nothing to prevent Audrey and Hugh from unearthing the rest of the wicked truth—even if it means sending them both to an early grave.

©2023 Cara Devlin (P)2024 Tantor

Fantastic

I love these series! Another great mystery with murder and finding out a lot more about Hugh. Great characters and storyline

Wow!

This is an explosive book for the series. Old scandals are resurrected; corresponding questions are answered; and new questions arise from unexpected quarters. The lives of all concerned are irrevocably changed. Faithful readers of the series will be relieved to know that through it all, Audrey Sinclair, Duchess of Fournier, remains steadfast in her belief in and support of Bow Street Officer Hugh Marsden, but the changes they face going forward may be more challenging than ever. This one kept me on the edge of my seat and wondering what literary magic Ms. Devlin has in store for these characters.

Allie Rose does a masterful job of voicing these characters and bringing each one to life for the reader/listener.

I like the little bit of romance with the mystery!

I enjoy the characters! And it has a good mystery! I would recommend it. This is a good series.

Secrets Exposed

This is a well-written cozy mystery with engaging characters and an intriguing plot. I enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next book.

So Good

The mystery was less twisting than previous books but it will satisfy many anticipatory emotions and story lines. Very good book.