Part of Wrexford & Sloane
First published 2023
The Earl of Wrexford travels to Oxford after a family friend asks for help. He discovers the university librarian has been killed and a valuable manuscript stolen. The only lead connects to an overheard argument that mentioned Wrexford's name. Meanwhile, Charlotte writes under the pseudonym A. J. Quill and investigates a suspicious laboratory fire. She must determine if someone set the blaze deliberately and whether it connects to a fierce competition between business groups. These consortiums race to construct a new steam-powered ship that could cross oceans without sails. The technology promises to transform both military strength and global trade. The contest involves cutting-edge financial methods and business practices that raise the stakes even higher. Their friend Kit Sheffield may have invested money in one of the competing companies. As Wrexford and Charlotte examine the puzzling evidence, they uncover a dangerous plot. A hidden conspiracy threatens everything they value. They must connect the scattered clues quickly or risk losing what matters most to them.
Genres: historical-fiction, mystery, adult-fiction, thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, clever, fast-paced, intricate, suspenseful
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, dual-investigation, hidden-conspiracy, partnership
Setting: Oxford, Merton Library
Period: 19th century
361 pages · Hardcover · Kensington Books
Content warnings: murder