Review: Andrea Penrose – Murder on Black Swan Lane

Four Stars
Andrea Penrose - Murder on Black Swan Lane

A Wrexford & Sloane Mystery #1

“She is an unholy force of Nature unto herself.”

Alexander, Earl of Wrexford

While this book has the usual first book growing pains, it sets the stage for a beautiful ongoing partnership. This book offers a unique view of Regency London, and I can’t wait to return.

The characters are fun and unique, spanning the social strata of Regency London. The “weasels” Raven and Hawk were especially delightful. Charlotte has a sharp wit and sharper pen as Wrexford comes learns to his bemusement. Wrexford was the hardest to like initially as his indifference at the beginning was grating. Watching his friend and new acquaintances start to drag him out of his shell was heartwarming.

I loved how the murder mystery evolved and changed. It kept me guessing who the villain was until later than most mystery novels. Weaving character’s history into the crimes was a great way to bypass the standalone explanatory interludes that plague some series.

There was at least one leap in logic that was hard for me to follow, but for the most part, watching these amateurs sleuth it out while dodging the Bow Street Runner was entertaining. By the end, I was thoroughly rooting for this gang and enjoying the interactions that even made me giggle.

Wrexford is coldly analytical, and Sloan is artistically expressive. Together, they make a great team. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

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