A perplexing murder in a renowned Oxford University library and a
suspicious fire at a famous inventor's London laboratory set Wrexford
and Lady Charlotte on two separate investigations in this masterfully
plotted, atmospheric Regency-set mystery from USA Today bestselling
author Andrea Penrose.
"[Penrose] mixes well thought out mysteries, early forensic
science, great details of the era and a slow burning attraction creating
a compulsive read." --The New York Public Library
Responding to an urgent plea from a troubled family friend, the Earl of
Wrexford journeys to Oxford only to find the reclusive university
librarian has been murdered and a rare manuscript has gone missing. The
only clue is that someone overheard an argument in which Wrexford's name
was mentioned.
At the same time, Charlotte--working under her pen name, A. J.
Quill--must determine whether a laboratory fire was arson and if it's
connected to the race between competing consortiums to build a new type
of ship--one that can cross the ocean powered by steam rather than
sails--with the potential to revolutionize military power and world
commerce. That the race involves new innovations in finance and
entrepreneurship only adds to the high stakes--especially as their good
friend Kit Sheffield may be an investor in one of the competitors.
As they delve deeper into the baffling clues, Wrexford and Charlotte
begin to realize that things are not what they seem. An evil conspiracy
is lurking in the shadows and threatens all they hold dear--unless they
can tie the loose threads together before it's too late . . .
