Part of Wrexford & Sloane
First published 2021
Charlotte Sloane juggles dress fittings and flower arrangements as her wedding to the Earl of Wrexford approaches. The satirical artist who secretly publishes under the name A.J. Quill worries that becoming a countess might threaten her independence and hidden career. At their first public appearance as an engaged couple, Charlotte and Wrexford attend a botanical symposium at the Royal Botanic Gardens. A visiting botanist suddenly collapses and dies during the event. White powder traces around his mouth confirm poison as the cause. The victim had participated in a significant medical breakthrough that promises both scientific recognition and enormous wealth. Charlotte and Wrexford investigate a circle of suspects that includes individuals already known for their dangerous methods. The couple discovers that someone will kill repeatedly to claim credit for the medical discovery. As they dig deeper into the conspiracy, Charlotte and her future husband face escalating threats from a murderer willing to eliminate anyone who stands between them and fame. The investigation tests whether Charlotte can balance her desire for independence with the demands of marriage and aristocratic life.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, mystery, crime, adult, thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, elegant, fast-paced, intricate, suspenseful, witty
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, engaged-couple, investigation-partnership, secret-identity, slow-burn-romance
Setting: Royal Botanic Gardens, London
Period: 19th-century, Regency era
368 pages · Hardcover · Kensington
Content warnings: murder