Last updated on 09/08/2025
A fake marriage. A supernatural secret. A deadly game of deception.
Private investigator Matilda Wren is posing as the wife of Inspector William Maxwell from the City of London Police to infiltrate a burial club scheme. Maxwell is a skilled detective, but he isn’t Hadrian—her usual ally and the man she trusts most. When the club’s administrator is murdered, Tilda needs Hadrian’s expertise, notably his uncanny ability to glimpse others’ memories.
Disgruntled that he’s been cast aside as Tilda’s partner, Hadrian Becket, Earl of Ravenhurst, finds a way to involve himself, which is fortuitous because Tilda would like his help. However, working the case under Maxwell’s watchful eye is a challenge, especially when he must conceal his supernatural gift. Worse, Maxwell’s growing interest in Tilda stirs something unexpected in jealousy.
When danger strikes far too close, Hadrian will do everything it takes to keep Tilda safe, even if it means revealing the secrets he’s kept hidden in the shadows.
From USA Today Bestselling Author Darcy Burke comes an immersive Victorian mystery series featuring a strong, determined investigator, Miss Matilda Wren, and her partner in solving crimes, Hadrian Becket, the Earl of Ravenhurst who, after a near death experience, suffers visions that make him question his sanity. From the meanest streets of London’s east end to the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair, join Tilda and Hadrian as they work together to answer unending questions and secure justice.
Review:
Another fabulous mystery from the Raven and Wren duo!
This time Tilda has been approached by a police inspector to do a (paid!) job for the London police–to pose as his wife and help him investigate a potentially fraudulent neighborhood friendly society. Hadrian’s a bit miffed that she’s working without him this time–and less than thrilled that she’s working so closely with another man (especially one who clearly appreciates her skills as an investigator)–and I’m not going to lie, I literally laughed out loud when he figured out a way to insert himself into the investigation as well.
AS IF he’d let her be in danger all on her own! Or, you know, with another man to protect her…not that she needs a man to protect her, of course. But just in case… 😉
Once again the mystery was very well written–I had trouble narrowing down the list of suspects myself–and everybody was put in *just* the right amount of danger to keep us all invested (as well as slightly concerned). Hadrian is continuing to struggle with his growing feelings for Tilda, and I love that for him, and even she had some pretty strong reactions here, so I continue to have hope.
Though the situation(s) that Ms Burke left us in at the end of this one? I need the next book ASAP!
As an aside: what I really appreciate from the Victorian mysteries I’ve been reading lately (this series as well as the one from Lana Williams)–besides the fabulous stories–is all the interesting(and, frankly, sometimes really sad and/or horrifying) things we end up learning about life in England during that time period. This time it was the “friendly” and “burial” societies–make sure you don’t skip reading before you get to the author’s note at the end, because the extra info is always fascinating!
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.