The Hanover Square Affair

Where and when will the next Capt. Lacey installment show up? Ashley Gardiner's series is excellent. Her characters are fully-realized, complex and compelling. The plots are intricate and challenging - I've found myself finishing a chapter before bed, only to lie awake trying to decide how I hope the story will unfold. Bookstores in Washington DC aren't stocking this series -- which is too bad since many of us stumble on new good authors while browsing in the "real" world.

I've read 3 different genres by this author and they have all been worthwhile reads. Jennifer Ashley's (her other pen name) regency mystery proved to be no exception. As someone who reads a lot of traditional regency romances and is a period film buff, I was interested in this book about an injured Peninsular Captain and the missing person mystery he unwittingly stumbles into upon coming upon a riot on Hanover street. What I most enjoyed about this story was the interplay between the various classes-the captain himself-a titled son but impoverished, his newfound ally Grenville, titled, wealthy, but bored with society, and the other characters that range from respectable, to working class and even a few underworld types thrown in. The mystery itself was well done,in fact several crimes must be solved, and are written cleverly enough that you will find yourself unable to discover who the culprit is till the Captain solves the crimes himself. I really enjoyed the way the story is written that Captain Lacey decides to look into these crimes because it's the right thing to do and not because it was an occupation or debt to a friend. Captain Lacey is written as a true brooding Regency hero-very forthright but not judgmental to those who must make their money in slightly shady ways (like a friendly young prostitute who supplies him with info). I found that highly credible from a character who'd witnessed the horrors of war. The flashbacks to things Lacey saw in those wars were well written and very evocative. All in all, a good start to a Historical mystery series and I look forward to reading the next book. 5 stars.

This is a delightful period mystery and loaded with charm. If your looking for a well-conceived little mystery that delivers a lively and amusing tale I highly recommend "The Hanover Square Affair".