A Useful Woman

A Rosalind Thorne Mystery, Book 1

By: Darcie Wilde

Narrated by: Sarah Nichols

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.