Murder on Black Swan Lane

By: Andrea Penrose

Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart

The Earl of Wrexford possesses a brilliant scientific mind, but boredom and pride lead him to reckless behavior. He does not suffer fools gladly. So when pompous, pious Reverend Josiah Holworthy publicly condemns him for debauchery, Wrexford unsheathes his rapier-sharp wit and strikes back. As their war of words escalates, London's most popular satirical cartoonist, A. J. Quill, skewers them both. But then the clergyman is found slain in a church - his face burned by chemicals, his throat slashed ear to ear - and Wrexford finds himself the chief suspect.

An artist in her own right, Charlotte Sloane has secretly slipped into the persona of her late husband, using his nom de plume, A. J. Quill. When Wrexford discovers her true identity, she fears it will be her undoing. But he has a proposal - use her sources to unveil the clergyman's clandestine involvement in questionable scientific practices and unmask the real murderer. Soon Lord Wrexford and the mysterious Mrs. Sloane plunge into a dangerous shadow world hidden among London's intellectual enclaves to trap a cunning adversary - before they fall victim to the next experiment in villainy.

©2017 Andrea DaRif (P)2017 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

A good listen for the historical details but ...

the story itself, although slightly mysterious was generic enough that any character could have been speaking adding information to the plot and it would not have mattered. The plot with it's shadowy intro and hints of alchemy had potential to be a thrilling ride for readers. Instead the author simply made it obvious that she knows no more about the acient art then her readers.
The main character is the story's saving grace. A wealthy gentleman who is hard and tough on the outside and sweet and thoughtful with progressive ideas about class and status. Also generic as murder mystery hero's but this one finds his uniqueness in his wit.
As a whole the book was a series of instances of climbing the hill in a rollercoaster to find a merry go round instead of a steep heart pounding decent.

19th Century Science Makes for an Exciting Mystery

I thoroughly enjoyed the first Wrexford and Sloane mystery. The protagonists are engaging and not stereotypical and the supporting cast is truly likeable (love the street urchins, the Weasels). Plus, Stewart's narration is outstanding. I'll listen to any others in the series.

Hokey cliched overwrought

This book might've been good if it weren't so formulaic and clichéd. Cut and paste characters. This was a Disney movie of a regency mystery.

Thoroughly engaging

My wife and I read and listen to many books in a variety of genres. We happily discovered book three and quickly decided to stop and go to book one. We are glad we did and are quite hooked on the rich characters and story. We eagerly anticipate book two and beyond!

Worth your time

Definitely a good way to pass the hours. Good narration and decent plot. What's not to like?