Where The Heart Leads

Written by Stephanie Laurens

Narrated by Charlotte Parry

Wealthy Cynster connection Penelope Ashford has devoted herself not to making a perfect society match, but to rescuing young orphans from London's streets. But when her charges start disappearing, she turns to attractive Barnaby Adair for help. A deadly avenger in an elegant guise, Barnaby has solved crimes before, and can go where few others in society can.

Barnaby finds Penelope's combination of beauty and brains irresistible. Together, they work to unravel the mystery of the missing children, uncovering a trail that leads them to the upper echelons of society. Soon, they face an enemy all too ready to destroy all they hold dear, including their newfound understanding of love . . . and the intrigues of the human heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Feb 5, 2008
• ISBN: 9780061629518

Stephanie Laurens

#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens began writing as an escape from the dry world of professional science, a hobby that quickly became a career. Her novels set in Regency England have captivated readers around the globe, making her one of the romance world's most beloved and popular authors.

Reviews for Where The Heart Leads

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Where the Heart Leads
3 Stars

When Penelope Ashford requests his aid in investigating the disappearance of several young boys from the slums of the East End, Barnaby Adair, who has a reputation for helping the newly formed Metropolitan police to solve crimes involving the ton, is intrigued both by the case and the woman. Working together with Inspector Basil Stokes and Miss Griselda Martin, Penelope and Barnaby take on a nefarious criminal willing to destroy anyone who gets in his way.

Series note: This is book #1 in the Casebook of Barnaby Adair series, which is linked to the larger Cynster series. Penelope is the younger sister of Luc Ashford (book #9) and Portia Ashford Cynster (book #10). Barnaby also appears in books 12-14 as an investigator and friend to the heroes. Nevertheless, the mystery itself is standalone.

This book is a shift in style and tone for SL's writing. To begin with, it is more of a historical mystery than a romance, although there are romantic elements in the story. In addition, the pacing is tighter, and the narrative is less wordy (except for SL's signature prose for the sex scenes).

The mystery itself is quite straightforward and not as dark as expected, considering the subject matter - the kidnapping of young boys. While the resolution is satisfying overall, the final showdown is rather anti-climactic.

There are also two romantic pairings. The first between Penelope and Barnaby is typical of SL's Cynster series, with the marriage-averse hero and heroine realizing that they have met their perfect match. The second between Inspector Stokes and Miss Martin is by far the more engaging but is woefully underdeveloped. Their lower-class backgrounds, especially Griselda's, are very refreshing in a series that primarily focuses on the upper classes, and it is disappointing that they don't get as much page time.

All in all, a solid start to this spin-off. The next book in my read-through of SL's backlist returns to the Cynsters, but I will be back to Barnaby soon.

[grapeapril75-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I adore this series!! Stephanie Laurens is a master at the Alpha Rake!! I love the men pursuing their ladies!! I really enjoyed it and hope there are more to the series!

What a great story! I laughed and cried many times! Such wonderful writing and really engaging characters!! I love this authors work!!

I adore this whole series and can not wait for more mysteries in the casebook!!

It is a bit formula with the alpha male who is often chased finding a lady he wants and being forced to pursue her. But formula works that why we love it!

Each book has an add but of intrigue that draws you in. And Stephanie Laurens knows how to deliver the steam!!

I am currently on a Regency kick and this one was terrific!!

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Penelope Ashford has determined that getting married would stop her from doing what she wants to do but when some orphan boys disappear she enlists Barnaby Adair to help. Adair has a reputation for detection and crime-solving and as he puts his skills to use he finds himself attracted to Penelope. He is as determined to remain unwed as she is. You can see the plot breadcrumbs in this one but it's entertaining.

[phyllisd_5 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a good mixture of suspense and romance: exactly what one expects from Stephanie Laurens. Penelope Ashford is very intelligent and shockingly independent for a woman of that age. I would recommend it.

[amf0001 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I really loved the early Cynister books and read all of them, keeping many. I'm so disappointed with this book it feels like someone else wrote it! I read the first 20 pages and they were so unengaging and cliched I was shocked. I started skimming and then couldn't even be bothered doing that. It rates a wallbanger for me (a book I couldn't even bear to skim to the end) and I'm most sorry for it, because Stephanie Laurens used to be something really special.

[roxiereads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was an entertaining book, but the writing wasn't up to Ms. Laurens' usual standards. The sentence structure was so awkward in places that I was distracted and had to stop and re-read the sentence.