Lynn Messina Books

Having solved the two murders that somehow fell in her path, Beatrice Hyde-Clare is on the lookout for a third. Through a absurd quirk of stupid fate, the shy spinster has fallen in love with the thoroughly unattainable Duke of Kesgrave and is desperate for something, anything, to occupy her mind. A dead body would do nicely. Fortunately for her, a fellow guest from a Lake District house party appears on her doorstep with exactly that: the lover of his fiancée's mother expired after a wretchedly painful episode just that morning in an apparent poisoning. As unorthodox as it is, he would like Bea to investigate rather than calling the authorities. Bea begins her inquiry into Mr. Wilson's death at once and almost immediately finds herself in the company of Kesgrave, who is as determined as ever to assist her. 'Twas patently unfair, for the whole point of the investigation was to get away from the handsome lord. Now Bea is faced with the daunting challenge of exposing the villain without revealing her heart. A Regency Cozy.

As much as Beatrice Hyde-Clare relished the challenge of figuring out who murdered a fellow guest during a house party in the Lake District, she certainly does not consider herself an amateur investigator. So when a London dandy falls dead at her feet in the entryway of a London Daily Gazette, she feels no compulsion to investigate. It was a newspaper office, after all, and reporters are already on the case as are the authorities. She has her own problems to deal with anyway-such as extricating herself from a seemingly harmless little fib that has somehow grown in into a ridiculously large fiction. Truly, she has no interest at all. Except the dagger that killed the poor earl seemed disconcertingly familiar... And so Bea is off to the British Museum because she cannot rest until she confirms her suspicion, while trying to allay her family's concerns and comprehend the Duke of Kesgrave's compulsion. For the handsome lord has no reason to waste his time solving a mystery alongside a shy spinster. And yet he turns up everywhere she goes.

Set in a world of intrigue and mystery, the story follows Verity Lark, a skilled investigator grappling with her own dark past. As she delves into a series of complex deceptions, Verity must navigate a web of lies that threatens to unravel her life and the lives of those she cares about. Themes of trust, betrayal, and the quest for truth intertwine as she confronts both external challenges and her inner demons, leading to a gripping climax that tests her resolve and ingenuity.

The story unfolds with Beatrice, Duchess of Kesgrave, who is excited yet apprehensive about meeting her husband's newly discovered illegitimate half-sister. The unexpected setting of the encounter—inside the keeper's house at Newgate—adds an element of tension and intrigue, hinting at the complexities of family dynamics and societal expectations. The narrative explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the challenges of navigating unexpected relationships.

Exploring themes of nostalgia and the impact of history, the narrative delves into how the past influences the present. Characters grapple with memories and relationships, revealing the complexities of their emotional landscapes. The story intricately weaves personal and collective histories, showcasing how unresolved issues can shape identities and futures. Through vivid imagery and rich storytelling, it invites readers to reflect on their own connections to the past and the beauty and pain it can bring.

Verity Lark finds herself in a whirlwind of chaos and excitement. As she navigates through a series of unexpected events, her resourcefulness and determination are put to the test. The story promises a blend of humor and drama, showcasing Verity's unique personality as she faces challenges that push her to her limits. With engaging characters and a lively plot, this tale captures the essence of adventure and self-discovery.

Verity Lark possesses an extraordinary ability to know everything, which sets her apart in a world filled with secrets and lies. As she navigates complex relationships and societal expectations, her gift becomes both a blessing and a curse. The story delves into themes of truth, deception, and the weight of knowledge, exploring how Verity's insights impact her life and those around her. Through her journey, readers are invited to question the nature of truth and the consequences of knowing too much.

Twenty-six-year-old Beatrice Hyde-Clare is far too shy to investigate the suspicious death of a fellow guest in the Lake District. A spinster who lives on the sufferance of her relatives, she would certainly not presume to search the rooms of her host's son and his friend looking for evidence. Reared in the twin virtues of deference and docility, she would absolutely never think to question the imperious Duke of Kesgrave about anything, let alone how he chose to represent the incident to the local constable. And yet when she stumbles upon the bludgeoned corpse of poor Mr. Otley in the deserted library of the Skeffingtons' country house, that's exactly what she does.

The story follows Beatrice Hyde-Clare, who, despite her comfortable marriage to the Duke of Kesgrave, is distracted by the unexpected news of her pregnancy. This distraction leads her to overlook key evidence regarding the murder of Roger Dugmore. Summoned by Dugmore's ambitious grandson, a viscount eager to gain social standing, Beatrice navigates a web of intrigue, suspecting that the young man is merely seeking the attention of a notorious gossip. The plot intertwines themes of motherhood, societal ambition, and the complexities of crime.

Flora Hyde-Clare takes center stage as she embarks on a gripping murder mystery, shifting the focus from Beatrice. Her determination to uncover the truth leads her through unexpected twists and turns, showcasing her resourcefulness and tenacity. This narrative shift promises a fresh perspective and an engaging exploration of intrigue and suspense.

Adjusting to her new circumstances proves challenging for Beatrice Hyde-Clare, who must navigate her transformed life. As she grapples with her identity and the expectations placed upon her, she encounters various obstacles that test her resilience. The narrative delves into her personal growth and the complexities of her relationships, offering a rich exploration of self-discovery and adaptation in the face of change.

Set in a world filled with secrets and intrigue, Verity Lark embarks on a thrilling journey to uncover hidden truths. As she navigates through deception and betrayal, Verity must rely on her wit and resilience to confront powerful adversaries. The story explores themes of trust, identity, and the quest for justice, all while weaving a captivating narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With richly developed characters and unexpected twists, this tale promises to engage and surprise at every turn.

Determined and unconventional, twenty-six-year-old Beatrice Hyde-Clare seizes an unexpected opportunity to secure a marriage with the Duke of Kesgrave. Her bold pursuit challenges societal norms and explores themes of love, ambition, and the quest for personal happiness in a world that often limits women's choices.

Beatrice Hyde-Clare, at twenty-six, is surprised by her unexpected engagement to the Duke of Kesgrave, a situation she never anticipated. As she navigates the complexities of her new relationship, the story explores her feelings of overwhelm and the societal pressures surrounding marriage. The narrative delves into themes of love, self-discovery, and the challenges of fitting into an aristocratic world, offering a fresh perspective on romance and personal growth.

Beatrice, Duchess of Kesgrave, navigates the bustling city of London, where she remains skeptical of the notion that every death is part of a grand conspiracy. While she acknowledges the tragic accident that claimed Peter Huzza, a victim of a steam engine explosion, she recognizes that not all fatalities stem from foul play. The story explores themes of skepticism and the dangers of industrial progress, set against the backdrop of a city filled with both intrigue and the mundane realities of life and death.

Lange Zeit galt Beatrice Hyde-Clare als schwer vermittelbares Mauerblümchen auf dem Heiratsmarkt der High Society. Doch dann stolperte die aufgeweckte junge Frau über ihre erste Leiche und entdeckte ihr Talent als scharfsinnige Detektivin – an der Seite des attraktiven und absolut nervtötenden Dukes of Kesgrave, der ihr stets auf wundersame Weise bei ihren Ermittlungen in die Quere kam. Als dieser begehrteste Junggeselle Londons Beatrice überraschend einen Heiratsantrag macht, steht die Welt Kopf – nicht nur für die zukünftige Duchess, die sich mit einem Mal nicht mehr vor Einladungen in exklusive Tee-Salons retten kann, sondern auch für ihre Tante Vera, die sofort anfängt, ihren Hausstand zu planen. Das ist selbst für eine unerschrockene Hobby-Detektivin zu viel, und Beatrice flüchtet sich in den Salon ihrer Vertrauten, der Countess von Abercrombie. Lady Abercrombie hat ihr vor kurzem einen neuen Fall in Aussicht gestellt – ein mysteriöser Todesfall, der offenbar schon viele Jahre zurückliegt. Doch nun gibt sich die ältere Dame plötzlich zögerlich. Es dauert eine Weile, bis Beatrice begreift, dass es in dem neuen Fall um ihre eigenen Eltern geht, die bei einem tragischen Bootsunfall ums Leben kamen, als sie ein Kind war. War es ein Unfall? Als Beatrice beginnt, in der Vergangenheit zu graben, erkennt sie mit zunehmendem Entsetzen, dass nichts in ihrer Familie so ist, wie es scheint …

Die 26-jährige Beatrice Hyde-Clare gilt als Restposten auf dem Heiratsmarkt. Als mittellose Waise, die von ihrer Familie nur geduldet wird, sorgt ihre Verbindung mit dem attraktivsten Junggesellen der Stadt für Empörung in der Londoner High Society. Doch Beatrice, die ihren Hang zur Hobby-Detektivin entdeckt hat, kreuzt immer wieder die Wege des gutaussehenden und arroganten Duke of Kesgrave. Nach einer gefährlichen Situation, in der er ihr das Leben rettet, macht er ihr einen Antrag, was sie entschlossen annehmen möchte, trotz der besorgten Stimmen aus ihrer Familie und der Gesellschaft. Ihre Tante ist besonders besorgt über Beatrices skandalöse Neigung, Mörder während gesellschaftlicher Ereignisse zu entlarven. Als Miss Brougham, eine boshafte Erbin, auftaucht und Beatrice um Hilfe bei einem Geheimnis bittet, sieht sie die Chance, ihre Erzfeindin zu beeindrucken. Ein toter Großvater, verschwundene Juwelen und ein geheimnisvoller Brief scheinen zunächst nicht allzu schwierig zu sein. Doch während sie sich in den Fall vertieft, läuft alles furchtbar schief und bringt Beatrice in unerwartete Schwierigkeiten.

Héritière, moi ? Quelle poisse ! Oui, je sais, je suis la fille de la star mondiale du design. Et mes copines pensent que je n'ai qu'à lever le petit doigt pour avoir ce que je veux : un job, un dressing plein à craquer et un carnet d'adresses bien rempli. Mais pour moi, c'est tout sauf un cadeau Surtout depuis que je suis en froid avec mon père... Alors je me suis juré de réussir sans lui. Et personne, même Hannah, ma coloc venue tenter sa chance à Broadway, même Nick, mon meilleur ami, (que j'aime en secret depuis des lustres), ne me fera changer d'avis : je veux gravir seule les marches du succès. Et quoi de mieux pour y arriver qu'un cadeau du destin ?

Moi, une Fashion Victim ?Vous avez vu le look du mannequin-star de la couverture ? Vous ne croyez quand même pas que je vais me déhancher dans une robe rouge ultra-moulante qui franchement ne cache rien, uniquement pour être in ? De toute façon, les potins de stars et les conseils bidon, ce n’est pas mon truc…Et il ne faut surtout pas croire ce que raconte ce magazine, je suis bien placée pour le savoir, puisque je suis l’auteur de certains de ses articles !Moi qui rêvais de gloire littéraire, me voilà réduite, pour faire mon trou dans cette boîte, à me battre bec et ongles avec des folles furieuses que le mot « complot » rend hystériques !Et croyez-moi, sur la planète People, tous les coups sont permis !

Welkom in Vigs waanzinnige wereld. Nieuwe ideeën? Nergens voor nodig. Informatie? Onbelangrijk. Het gehalte aan beroemdheden en de mate van hipheid - dat is het enige wat telt als je werkt bij modeglossy Fashionista. En opperste nederigheid tegenover superbitch Jane McNeill, de hoofdredactrice, natuurlijk. Ja, om een fashionista te worden, moet je heel wat doorstaan... Vig Morgan is het gelukt het vijf jaar uit te houden; ze is opgeklommen van redactieassistent tot bureauredacteur. Maar om eerlijk te zijn: zo langzamerhand begint ze er aardig genoeg van te krijgen haar leven te vullen met onbenulligheden. Ze wil meer! Dan, precies op het juiste moment, wordt ze door enkele collega's betrokken bij een waanzinnig complot. En je weet wat ze zeggen: alles is geoorloofd in mode en oorlog...

Gdy bohaterka Jane Austen spotyka świat kryminalnych zagadek Agathy Christie Dwudziestosześcioletnia Beatrice dawno porzuciła nadzieję na znalezienie męża. Żyjąc na utrzymaniu bogatych krewnych, ma tylko jedno zadanie: być uprzejmą, miłą i posłuszną jak każda dobrze wychowana młoda dama. Panna Beatrice stara się trzymać tego planu (chociaż różnie jej to wychodzi). Zwłaszcza gdy spotyka nadętego księcia Damiena. Ten arystokratyczny bufon samą swoją obecnością sprawia, że Bea ma ochotę cisnąć w niego pieczonymi kiełbaskami! Sprawy znacznie się komplikują, gdy po wieczornym przyjęciu w posiadłości Lakeview Hall wścibska panna Beatrice w bibliotece znajduje zwłoki, a obok nich dostrzega księcia. Każde z nich zaczyna prowadzić własne dochodzenie, jednak szybko okazuje się, że jedyną szansą na rozwiązanie zagadki jest współpraca. Czym zakończy się wspólne śledztwo? Kto stoi za tajemniczą intrygą? I jaką rolę w tym całym bałaganie odegra irytujący arystokrata? Czas złamać konwenanse, przeprowadzić nieeleganckie śledztwo i rozwiązać zagadkę!