Murder at Kensington Palace

Written by Andrea Penrose

Narrated by James Cameron Stewart

Though Charlotte Sloane's secret identity as the controversial satirical cartoonist A. J. Quill is safe with the Earl of Wrexford, she's ill prepared for the rippling effects sharing the truth about her background has cast over their relationship. She thought a bit of space might improve the situation. But when her cousin is murdered and his twin brother is accused of the gruesome crime, Charlotte immediately turns to Wrexford for help in proving the young man's innocence. Though she finds the brooding scientist just as enigmatic and intense as ever, their partnership is now marked by an unfamiliar tension that seems to complicate every encounter.

Despite this newfound complexity, Wrexford and Charlotte are determined to track down the real killer. Their investigation leads them on a dangerous chase through Mayfair's glittering ballrooms and opulent drawing rooms, where gossip and rumors swirl to confuse the facts. Was her cousin murdered over a romantic rivalry . . . or staggering gambling debts? Or could the motive be far darker and involve the clandestine scientific society that claimed both brothers as members? The more Charlotte and Wrexford try to unknot the truth, the more tangled it becomes. But they must solve the case soon, before the killer's madness seizes another victim . . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Feb 11, 2020
• ISBN: 9781541438668

Andrea Penrose

Andrea Penrose is the USA Today bestselling author of Regency-era historical fiction, including the acclaimed Wrexford & Sloane mystery series, as well as Regency romances written under the names Cara Elliott and Andrea Pickens. Published internationally in ten languages, she is a three-time RITA Award finalist and the recipient of numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery and two Gold Leaf Awards. A graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Art and an M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Andrea fell in love with Regency England after reading Pride and Prejudice and has maintained a fascination with the era’s swirling silks and radical new ideas throughout her writing career. She lives in Connecticut and blogs with a community of historical fiction authors at WordWenches.com. She also can be found at AndreaPenrose.com and on Instagram @AndreaPenroseBooks.

Reviews for Murder at Kensington Palace

[Becky · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great mystery. I love this time in British history. And the characters are great.
Definitely worth a read.

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

Murder at Kensington Palace is the third book in the series, and by now, we all know that Mrs. Sloan has a secret about her past. We also know that Lord Wrexford will protect her current secret identity. Now things come to the fore when her cousin is murdered, and his twin is accused of that murder. Will the true murderer be revealed by our intrepid amateur sleuths? I love the mix of the Regency era social life, historical science, and the cast of characters. I also like the chemistry between the sleuths. And yes, I have already gotten the next book in the series. This book is highly recommended.

[sandyamcpherson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

So far, the Sloan and Wrexford mysteries have been intriguing, certainly original, and with no taint of a re-worked trope. However in this story, the plot was a feeble use of historical aspects in early research of electricity. As an underlying basis for murder, the plot device of arcane electrical experiments was rather boring with little flair for being intriguing. The novel's main participants in the science of this murder investigation involved Wrexford and Kit Sheffield rather than Charlotte. The best characterisations are Hawk and Raven: enchanting, amusing, and mischievous by turns. The introduction of 'McClellan' into the Sloan household as a lady's maid when needed, and as the housekeeper otherwise, was an interesting development in the previous book and continued effectively here. However, I didn't exactly buy the need for “Lady Charlotte” to enter the beau monde in order to advance the investigation. Most of Charlotte’s effective involvement was in the guise of her assumed urchin-disguise, Phoenix.All along, the narrative in this series has been moving towards Charlotte Sloan assuming her rightful place in society as an earl's daughter, obviously a manoeuvre to facilitate a socially-acceptable romantic relationship with Wrexford. The pacing of this development is frustratingly glacial and the dithering has become very tedious. A.J. Quill is a valuable character, though regrettably is being lost in the greater part of the intrigue. The Quill persona is an effective alternative to the story descending into a pedestrian saga with nothing distinctive to say. Illustrated satire was a strong weapon in the society of the 17th and 18th centuries, where reading and the printed word was largely inaccessible to the masses. The role that Quill played was a unique aspect of Penrose's Sloan and Wrexford adventures, so I see 'his' participation as an important contribution in how Charlotte's independence evolves. Unfortunately, the author doesn't seem to capitalize on the cachet which Quill's character can lend to her narratives. Nevertheless, the stories apparently have enough substance to keep me returning to this series despite the poorly written dialog.

[jamespurcell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Science integration is a definite plus. Characters evolving nicely and enrich the storyline. Less Latin demonstration of their erudition would be a plus for future books.

[murderbydeath · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoy this series so far, but this plot setup stretched the boundaries of plausibility a bit thin. It was still good, and the outing of Charlotte Sloane was inevitable and handled well, but the murder setup involving her cousin was played too strongly for nail biting suspense, in my opinion (as was the denouement). The rest was good though, and while I can't remember whodunnit, I do remember not guessing it too early in the book. Overall a good read and I'll be on the lookout for #4.

[vesper1931 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Charlotte Sloane's life is put into disarrange when she discovers that her cousin Lord Cedric Chittenden has been killed, and his twin brother accused of the murder. Secrets must be revealed as she investigates with not just the help of Wrexford but also the group of friends that have arrived in her life over the last few years.
Although this is the third in the series it can easily be read as a standalone story.
A very enjoyable and interesting mystery, this is a well-written series, and the cast of characters are varied and a delight to read about.
A NetGalley Book

[maggieflo_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lead characters are amateur sleuths Lady Charlotte Sloan’s and her sidekick the Earl of Wrexford. The time period is during the reign of George III, the Regency. Two aristocrats have been murdered and lady Charlotte’s twin cousins are involved in the deaths as a victim and the accused. Upper crust scientists belonging to the Royal Society are mentioned for their work in electricity and batteries. Fairly good story

[kathy89_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This time Charlotte's cousin has been accused of murder and of course asks Wrexford for help in clearing him. Meanwhile, Charlotte has revealed her old life and is no longer Mrs. Sloan but now Lady Charlotte. When she was 17 she eloped with her art tutor and ran away to Italy. While working to find the murderer Charlotte and Wrexford are beginning to realize their true feelings for one another and deeper than just a working relationship.

[vintage1series1lisa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book!A very complex, detailed story plot with excellent character development. The author made me feel as if I was present in the story. Much detail was given to the time period and where the story took place. The story had a very complex development, which was hard for me to figure out who the killer was. The revelation of who it was came very unexpected to me. This book reminded me so much of a Sherlock Holmes mystery. I received this book from Goodreads giveaways for my honest review.

[eyes92c · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Tense times with this engaging duo!It didn't take long for me to be up to my eyebrows in this the third Wrexford and Sloane mystery. A particularly gruesome murder has Charlotte reaching back into her past and going to a place she'd resolutely put behind her. Wrexford as always is an immense support in such a very Wrexford way that I've come to love.Just to recap, usually the Earl of Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane and their small circle of unlikely and very likeable characters are drawn into the depths of the rookeries and dark places of London when pursuing a crime. This time however the pursuit will lead into the tonnish limelight.Wrexford comes across to those outside his circle as the epitome a man of Science and logic. Charlotte entertains a double life as the leading satirical caricaturist A.J. Quill. She harbours her own deeply held secrets, always struggling for anonymity and keeping to the shadows. Then there's the weasels, Raven and Hawk, the unlikely guttersnipes that have captured my heart just like they've won Charlotte's, and dare I say Wrexford's if he'd own to having one. Let me not forget Wrexford's valet Turvel,and Charlotte's maid, McClellan. Both treasures in their own way. And there's more!The murder of a peer, Lord Chittenden, under disturbing circumstances in Kensington Palace Gardens after a Royal Society soirée ("which, along with the Royal Institution, was the leading bastion of London’s scientific minds.") occurs" Naturally Wrexford is a member!An arrest is quickly forthcoming. The culprit is Lord Chittenden's twin brother, Nicholas. He's carted of to Newgate. Charlotte has strong doubts about this, given her childhood acquaintance with the brothers. There have been a string of recent alike murders. Is Nicholas really the 'Bloody Butcher?'Of course Wrexford becomes involved as does Kit Sheffield and the weasels. I love the way the boys are developing their distinctive talents. Raven is mathematically inclined and Hawk is engaged by the study of natural history and drawing.Charlotte's in her role as Pheonix, an elusive underbelly inhabitant comes into play, but in this situation a new persona will be called for. One that gives Charlotte second and even third thoughts. One she doesn't want to adopt.But as her maid McClellan counsels, “You’ve undergone transformations before.""Perhaps you should stop thinking of this transformation as the death of your old self...the essence of who you are isn’t changing a whit. You’re merely taking on new plumage...After all, one of your street monikers is Phoenix, a bird who rises from the ashes with bold, beautiful new feathers with which to fly into the future."This new transformation will bring Charlotte out of the safety of the shadows and into contact with people she had firmly relegated to her past.Then there's the unspoken side of the relationship between Charlotte and Wrexford. At times the air between them fairly burns the page up. It's so full of meaning, of promise, and unresolved tension. Then those poignant, illusive moments slide away and we're left wondering! Talk about leaving me breathless! Resolution is quite dramatically reached with several red herrings and some interesting twists.As always Penrose's research on emergent technology during the Regency days is solid and fascinating.A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley

[jetangen4571 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

murder-investigation, historical-fiction, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-researchApplying the scientific method to murder investigation is simply a slight twist on due diligence for the Regency era. It begins with the second murder that resembles the work of the Ripper except that the victims are males of the peerage. The Bow Street Runner is intelligent but, like today, he is bound by what stands up to legal scrutiny. However several scientific minded individuals of varying social status and gender have good reason to do their very best to prove that the man in Newgate accused of being the murderer is not only innocent, but was set up. Very well done tricky plot with extremely interesting characters! Great read!I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

[lindapanzo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Murder at Kensington Palace is the third book in the Wrexford and Sloane series but was the first one I'd read. Nonetheless, I quickly got up to speed and loved this Regency Era London book from the start.This historical mystery, which, though it had an Anne Perry-like feel, felt fresher. I enjoyed the interaction between Wrexford, an earl, and Lady Charlotte, as well as their friends and the two weasels (the boys who are Charlotte's wards) who all play roles in the solving of the mystery. Beyond the terrific cast of characters, the plot was creative and the book gave me a good sense of the historic era, in particular, the scientific thought of the time.Highly recommended!! I've already picked up the first two books in the series so I can go back to the beginning.(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

[thequietreader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When Charlotte Sloane's cousin is murdered, and her other cousin accused of the terrible crime, she turns to Lord Wrexford for help. She also makes the decision to come out of the shadows, to take her place in society. Together, they follow the clues into the glittering ballrooms of society. Can they find the killer before more men are found dead?Oh, how I love this pair! Their attraction to each other does not overshadow the mystery. They both bring something to the investigation that the other lacks. Together, they are stronger and I love whenever they have scenes together!As always, the accompanying cast is a delight. From "the weasels", Hawk and Raven (who are finding their own skills and talents) to Tyler, Wrexford's valet/assistant, each one brings something to the story. I would have a hard time to pick a favorite from among them.So I rated it only four stars for one specific reason: I didn't much care for the ending. Oh, the villain made sense and was well-written. I just didn't like how she went out. Just a personal disappointment.I received a free copy from NetGalley for reviewing purposes, and all opinions expressed are my own.

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

Yet another book in the Wrexford & Soane series that I couldn’t put down once I’d started reading. I mean, really, when you have science, art, murder, and romance all in one lively, compelling, intricately woven story you just absolutely cannot put it down. You COULD read this as a stand-alone, but I wouldn’t recommend it simply because the first two books lay the groundwork for the relationship between the main characters and the secondary characters – besides, they are just darned good reads!Charlotte’s life is about to change – totally – not from her desire, but from a need to save the life of her closest childhood friend, her cousin Nicholas. Charlotte will sacrifice most anything, even her hard-won independence, to free her cousin, but the decision fills her with trepidations. Can she do it? What if she makes the sacrifice and she’s still not successful?The romance between Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane is a tenuous one. Well – perhaps tenuous isn’t the right word – they are each denying it to themselves, but it comes out in the actions they take, in their thoughts and their terror when the other is in danger. They are about to get on my last nerve! They need to get on with it already! I’m ready for them to be a real team – living and working together.The weasels (Hawk and Raven) are as entertaining as ever – and dressing them up in fancy clothes doesn’t change them one whit. They have been my favorite secondary characters (shux – they are almost primary characters) from the beginning. We also get to spend time with Kit Sheffield and Basil Henning and I love that. Maybe we have a love interest for Sheffield – I’d really like that. Aunt Alison, the Dowager Marchioness of Peake, was a delightful addition to the cast and I hope we see more of her in future books.Most of the villains get their just desserts, but one was left standing. Granted, he wasn’t hands-on, but he definitely knew what was going on and enabled its happening – so – I wanted to see him go down in some way or another.The gist of the story – and it is a really good one – is that Cedric and Nicholas were Charlotte’s best friends (and cousins) as they were growing up and she loved them like brothers. They encouraged her to be the independent, strong woman that she is. However, she hasn’t seen them for several years and when she finally hears something about them, it is to learn that Cedric has been murdered and Nicholas has been arrested for it. Charlotte knows, in her heart, that there is no way Nicholas would murder his twin brother. However, knowing something in your heart and being able to find evidence to prove it are two entirely different things. Charlotte and Wrexford are up against some very sly and devious murderers – with not a hint of who they might be or why they did it. Charlotte and the weasels engage their extensive network of informants, but information is still scarce. Time is running out. Can Charlotte and Wrexford save the day? Can Wrexford save Charlotte?I absolutely love how the author weaves details of the science of the times into these tales. That time was such an important one for the science and achievements we have today and all of that is seamlessly woven into the story.This author is a master storyteller and I highly recommend this story and this series in total.I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.