Lord Ashford's Wager

I had to think about this book for a few days before posting a review because it was completely outside the usual Regency parameters. And, it's unlike the rest of this author's work. Although I have given this book 4 stars, it ought to be 4.5 stars.First of all, this is a book without a hero or heroine - at least in my view! All of the characters are flawed, some very deeply, and none of them behaves in an exemplary manner. There is also a thread of earthiness in the novel without it descending into overt sexual scenes. In brief, it is the story of Tony Varden, Earl of Ashford. A second son, he went into the Army and was fighting in Spain when he was recalled to England following the death of first his father and then, very soon after, his brother. The estate he has inherited is deeply encumbered and without any training (or inclination) Ashford is thrust into a role for which he is totally unprepared. Because he is not really very mature, he thinks that gambling will give him the chance to win enough to pay off his debts. He is soon a dedicated gambler and, interestingly, the author allows him to enjoy his gambling to a degree rather than castigating him for it. He meets a fabulously wealthy widow, a few years older than he and pursues her, borrowing money from her to fund his gambling and eventually the pair decide to marry. The widowed Lady Fairhaven goes into the relationship with eyes wide open, knowing Ashford for what he is but wishful for the relationship after a marriage to a man 30 years her senior.In the background is the "childhood sweetheart", Joanna Barrand, who has loved Ashford since she was a girl. Non-requited, sadly, but nonetheless her love for him causes her to support him unhesitatingly when he is accused of murder. For Lady Fairhaven is indeed murdered.In this story the reader knows the identify of the murder immediately so there is no mystery here. Instead, a Bow Street Runner named Gideon Naylor is introduced and a large part of the novel follows his investigations. We are taken into Newgate Prison where Ashford is taken after being charged with killing Lady Fairhaven. Here the author describes the "protection" rackets in the prison, the homosexual favours granted for money or survival, etc. This is all realistically described almost in a clinical fashion. She also describes the workings of a brothel in much the same way, describing "alternative" tastes and practices.Eventually the real killer is brought to justice, Lord Ashford grows up, his debts are resolved and he and Joanna are set to live happily ever after. However, this does not happen until each character in the story has had to examine closely his or her own motives and psyche. All act from less than altruistic motives or even admirable and, although one sometimes dislikes the main players, at least their behaviour is fairly realistic.This story struck me as something of a docu-drama. It was unlike anything between the covers of a Signet Reg