A Ghastly Spectacle: A Regency Cozy

Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries, Book 8

By: Lynn Messina

Narrated by: Jill Smith

Since the new Duchess of Kesgrave cannot be swayed from her unfortunate interest in dead bodies, Lady Abercrombie decides to confront the matter head-on by hosting a murder mystery dinner party. Gathering together several of society’s most influential members, she concocts an amusing puzzle-play, assigns roles, and stands back to allow Bea to impress them all with her ingenuity.

The former spinster will be the height of fashion in no time. Huzzah!

No, she won’t, Bea thinks. Her status has increased with her marriage, yes, but so have the insecurities that bedeviled her first season. Far from charming everyone with her wit, she will appall them with her inability to form coherent or interesting sentences.

’Tis a three-act tragedy in the making.

But then, one of the guests is killed in the same manner as her ladyship’s victim, and the evening turns genuinely tragic. Horrified, the august company scurry for the exits, and Bea, determined to detain all her lovely suspects, throws herself bodily against the door. Intimidated or not, she will identify the murderer - even if it guarantees her social ruin.

©2021 Lynn Messina (P)2021 Lynn Messina

Wonderful

So glad to get back to the Duke and Bea! Another delightful mystery and so glad to see Bea get her due in a little more acceptance.

Storyline and narration perfect as usual! Thank you Lynn!

Can’t wait for the next book!

Another skillfully crafted story, with all the requirements and surprises I have come to love about this series.

My favorite yet! Outright laughing

I love the wit in this story especially the unraveling of Countess Abercrombie party plans. Glad to see the focus return to the mystery and less on the romance.

Narrator is great, excellent distinguish between characters and genders.

Beatrice got it right in the end…

This one ran the gamut of emotions and every time I thought I had figured out who did it I turned out to be wrong. I absolutely adore it when the author fools me. Enjoy!

Lack of support for Bea

The beginning of the tale comes with a murder - no surprise. However, during the story, where was Kesgrave's intolerance of how the Ton spoke to and about Bea, especially while in his presence? In other books he got angry when she was insulted. Or at least check with her to see if he needed to take action. Our heroine, of course would take it in stride and deal with it.
The mystery was good and did keep me guessing, and I adored the narration, but this one wasn't my favorite of the series. It kind of lacked the spark in my mind.