Widow's Blush

Widows and Shadows, Book 1

By: Michelle Bennington

Narrated by: Courtney Patterson

In the spring of 1803, England's foreign secretary is dead, and his widow, Lady Violette Hawkestone, insists that Ravenna help discover the killer. Ravenna, only nine months a widow, doesn't want to get involved, but when an investigator, Mr. Chadwick, appears to suspect her, Ravenna fears he's going to uncover a past she'd rather forget. In an effort to protect her own secrets and to protect her stepson, who's in line for the foreign secretary position, she can lose no time in discovering the killer's identity.

However, the seductive Lord Braedon stands in her way. Despite her efforts to thwart him, his charm and persistence draw her near. Though he's entangled with another woman, he injects himself into Ravenna's investigation. At last, she relents, and together they uncover an international plot to destroy England—and the killer is much closer to home than she ever imagined.

©2023 Michelle Bennington (P)2023 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

excellent drama, great characters

I love how the author, Bennington, p access her stories, never a dull moment.

Wonderful Addition to the Genre

As an avid reader of historical mysteries, both cozy and traditional, I am always on the lookout for a new series. This one has it all - a beautiful young widow with a scandalous past, a potential romance fraught with complications, murder and intrigue, new and old friends and enemies, and plenty of plot twists set against the backdrop of London society and the continued threat of Napoleon across the Channel. The characters are well developed with much more to learn about each of them. Although more traditional than cozy, it will appeal to readers in both genres. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series and hope for some positive developments amidst what is bound to be more upheaval.