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Buccleuch family #2
A Most Intriguing Lady
INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER From Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, a sweeping, romantic compulsively readable historical saga about a Duke’s daughter—the perfect Victorian lady—who secretly moonlights as an amateur sleuth for high society’s inner circle. Victorian London was notorious for its pickpockets. But in the country houses of the elite, gentleman burglars, art thieves and con men preyed on the rich and titled. Wealthy victims—with their pride and reputation at stake—would never go to the police. What they needed was a society insider, one of their own, a person of discretion and finely tuned powers of observation, adept at navigating intrigue. That person was Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott, the youngest child of Queen Victoria’s close friends the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch. Bookish, fiercely intelligent, and a keen observer, Mary has deliberately cultivated a mousey persona that allows her to remain overlooked and significantly underestimated by all. It’s the perfect cover for a sleuth, a role she stumbles into when trying to assist a close friend during a house party hosted by her parents at their stately Scottish home, Drumlanrig Castle. It is at this party where Lady Mary also meets Colonel Walter Trefusis, a distinguished and extremely handsome war veteran. Tortured by memories of combat, Walter, like Mary, lives a double life, with a desk job in Whitehall providing a front for his role in the British Intelligence Service. The two form an unlikely alliance to solve a series of audacious crimes—and indulge in a highly charged on-off romance. Pacy, romantic, and fun, A Most Intriguing Lady documents one remarkable woman’s ability to be both the perfect lady, and a perfectly talented detective...and, of course, to find love too.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published March 7, 2023
About the author
Sarah Ferguson
107 books425 followersSarah, Duchess of York, is a British writer, charity patron, public speaker, film producer and television personality. She is the former wife of Prince Andrew, Duke of York. Sarah has two daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie of York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews
December 1, 2022
I enjoyed the more modern take on an historic period. While the time period is not necessarily known (to me) for women empowerment or feminist leanings, Lady Mary’s feelings and worries did not feel at all anachronistic, and I could readily identify with her. I liked the balance between the description of time and place, the types of mysteries, the romance, and Lady Mary’s inner thoughts and motivations. Again, not my typical book but I did quite enjoy it!
November 8, 2022
In the Victorian period, Mary feels she is the invisible quiet daughter--her parents have tried to find her a husband to no avail, but she wants do be able to do something without just being a traditional wife and mother. When she meets Tre at a house party, she is intrigued, but neither is ready to commit. Mary is able to help solve several mysteries--an allegedly stolen brooch, and some embezzled funds--and would like to continue being useful and using her talents. I liked Mary and Tre as a couple, and I enjoyed reading about a strong-minded woman living in an era were submission was expected. I don't know if the duchess wrote this book with Kaye the way Patterson "writes" with his "co-authors," but I really enjoyed it, and look forward to their further collaboration, and maybe to a series like Bridgerton based on these characters. Anyone who enjoys the Lady Darby mysteries (set earlier in the 19th century) by Anna Lee Huber might enjoy this one, too. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance copy.
February 20, 2023
Thank you Harper Collins / Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
I wish I had read the author’s historical note at the back first as it clarified the background in a combined fictional and real story.
Upon reflection it has changed my opinion somewhat and gives substance to something I thought lacked it.
Mary was not cut from the same mould as her peers in the aristocratic Victorian era. Carving a life with purpose and love even if meant defying her father.
A strong female lineage an encouraging cornerstone.
Missing jewels adds a mystery element and possibly just a thread to highlight that female detectives were operating in the period.
Not a convincing part of the plot but a diversion nonetheless.
I did enjoy when older aunts gave advice and the respect the advice was given.
I often wondered if some of the authors own personal experiences and battles influenced the emotive aspects of the plot.
Although the plot was not riveting I do get the vibe of authenticity as the Duchess of York has lived this life and it is captured in the setting’s beautifully.
It is loosely connected to her first book but can definitely be read as a standalone.
I wish I had read the author’s historical note at the back first as it clarified the background in a combined fictional and real story.
Upon reflection it has changed my opinion somewhat and gives substance to something I thought lacked it.
Mary was not cut from the same mould as her peers in the aristocratic Victorian era. Carving a life with purpose and love even if meant defying her father.
A strong female lineage an encouraging cornerstone.
Missing jewels adds a mystery element and possibly just a thread to highlight that female detectives were operating in the period.
Not a convincing part of the plot but a diversion nonetheless.
I did enjoy when older aunts gave advice and the respect the advice was given.
I often wondered if some of the authors own personal experiences and battles influenced the emotive aspects of the plot.
Although the plot was not riveting I do get the vibe of authenticity as the Duchess of York has lived this life and it is captured in the setting’s beautifully.
It is loosely connected to her first book but can definitely be read as a standalone.
January 29, 2023
Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott is the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and the youngest. She is often overlooked by her peers. She craves her own independence. Whereas her parents wished that she would get married and have children. But she wants more in life until she meets Colonel Walter Trefusis, who she calls Tre. She finds they have instant connection. With Lady Mary’s great observation skills and Tre’s connections they go on a journey solving crimes of stolen money, jewellery and documents. This story is not only deep in history but also bravery of Lady Mary trying to prove her worth in society.
Mills and Boons is not my usual type of book I read but I was intrigued in the author Sarah Ferguson, and I wasn’t disappointed. I was surprised how good this book was and really felt for Lady Mary. Torn apart by doing her duty for her parents but trying to find her ow identity. This is a great read from the author 4 stars from me.
December 3, 2022
How beautiful are the new illustrated covers of this series??
To be completely honest, I picked up the first book in this series (Her Heart for a Compass) to see what a Mills & Boon written by Sarah Ferguson would be like. For me, that one was quite meh. But this one I requested because it sounded genuinely exciting!
Lady Mary, the youngest daughter of Buccleuch family, is feeling lost and without purpose when she discovers a hidden talent - solving domestic crimes with subtlety. During her first case, she meets Colonel Walter Trefusis who is convincing her Father (the Duke) to back his new department of secret intelligence (he is a SPY!!). An unlikely friendship forms which, through each new encounter, begins to become something more...
I think you need to set your expectations correctly to enjoy this book - this isn't a true Mills & Boon, and it isn't really a romance. There is a lot of focus on the plot surrounding the hero and heroine, rather than their relationship with each other. However, I still had a really good time reading this! The crime solving was interesting, as was the plot line surrounding Mary's mother.
I liked Mary and Tre as characters, and believed they were well suited for each other. I do wish there was more of a focus on their romance. It felt a bit like we were being told they were in love rather than being shown it.
Overall though, I had a fun time reading this, and would recommend you pick it up when it is released on 30th March 2023.
Thank you to Net Galley, Mills & Boon and Sarah Ferguson (Duchess of York) for the free e-arc. All opinions are my own.
To be completely honest, I picked up the first book in this series (Her Heart for a Compass) to see what a Mills & Boon written by Sarah Ferguson would be like. For me, that one was quite meh. But this one I requested because it sounded genuinely exciting!
Lady Mary, the youngest daughter of Buccleuch family, is feeling lost and without purpose when she discovers a hidden talent - solving domestic crimes with subtlety. During her first case, she meets Colonel Walter Trefusis who is convincing her Father (the Duke) to back his new department of secret intelligence (he is a SPY!!). An unlikely friendship forms which, through each new encounter, begins to become something more...
I think you need to set your expectations correctly to enjoy this book - this isn't a true Mills & Boon, and it isn't really a romance. There is a lot of focus on the plot surrounding the hero and heroine, rather than their relationship with each other. However, I still had a really good time reading this! The crime solving was interesting, as was the plot line surrounding Mary's mother.
I liked Mary and Tre as characters, and believed they were well suited for each other. I do wish there was more of a focus on their romance. It felt a bit like we were being told they were in love rather than being shown it.
Overall though, I had a fun time reading this, and would recommend you pick it up when it is released on 30th March 2023.
Thank you to Net Galley, Mills & Boon and Sarah Ferguson (Duchess of York) for the free e-arc. All opinions are my own.
March 27, 2023
I wish I could give this 0 stars.
I hated, HATED, this book.
I hated, HATED, this book.
August 11, 2023
This sounded good and I wanted to give it a try, but I did not experience main character Lady Mary at all as she was described and ultimately that was a deal-breaker for me.
The description describes her as determined, capable and independent and I guess EVENTUALLY she gets around to finding those capabilities for herself in the various situations where she finds herself, but there was vastly too much "woe-is-me"ing about absolutely everything that she does. Admittedly most of it is inside her own head, but as the reader we have to listen to is as well. That is a major turn-off for me in a book.
I'm moving on to something else that will hopefully be a better fit for my interests and character preferences.
The description describes her as determined, capable and independent and I guess EVENTUALLY she gets around to finding those capabilities for herself in the various situations where she finds herself, but there was vastly too much "woe-is-me"ing about absolutely everything that she does. Admittedly most of it is inside her own head, but as the reader we have to listen to is as well. That is a major turn-off for me in a book.
I'm moving on to something else that will hopefully be a better fit for my interests and character preferences.
October 14, 2023
I came to be entertained and I was entertained; yet I will reiterate once again that the last time I saw this much dithering back and forth, the boys were still tallying the 2020 election results
May 4, 2023
A most intriguing lady follows Lady Mary Douglas Montagu Scott and Walter Trefusis, Colonel Trefusis (Tre). Mary and Walter meet at a party hosted by her parents, the duke and duchess of Buccleuch. They have an almost immediate connection. Walter is fascinated by Mary, while she is attracted to him. They soon find that they get along very well (she even gives him a nickname, Tre-I will call him that from now on) and that they have a lot in common. For a few days Mary and Tre spend time in each's company and they begin to value this time. He supports her when a guest at her parents home, Drumlanrig claims that her brooch was stolen (it turns out that she knew where her brooch was all along). However Tre leaves Drumlanrig, leaving Mary heartbroken. She thinks that she will never him again. But 3 years later, Mary and Tre find themselves together again when they see each other in the home of a mutual acquaintance. She is still very hurt and a bit bitter about him leaving her 3 years earlier (though they weren't really in a relationship at the time-they hadn't even kissed). However he is delighted to see her again, and she finds herself becoming close to him again. During the past three years, she has been working as a amateur detective for aristocrats who have had valuable items stolen from them. She is working on one of these cases when Tre renters her life again. He meanwhile has been working as an intelligence agent, which is part of his role as a retired colonel. Mary and Tre once again have a romance but it also again ends when this time, she leaves. But of course nothing can keep these two apart and they end up reconnecting again. This time, both Mary and Tre realise that what they have is special and that they don't want to lose each other again. But there are other things going on and Mary realises that Tre is investigating a very important intelligence case which could even affect their country itself. She eventually convinces him to let her become part of its operation, arguing that she's perfect for the role. They soon declare their love for each other and soon after everything is resolved they get engaged. I really enjoyed this book. It had been a while since I had read a historical romance novel and it was nice to be back into it. I personally think this book is more of a romance than Her heart for a compass as that one was more about Mary's sister Margaret's personal journey and experiences in life after refusing to marry the man she was supposed too. There was also much more romance in this one,even though Mary and Tre's relationship was pretty rocky. Anyway I would definitely recommend this book to any lover of romance, especially of historical romance and historical fiction.
August 27, 2023
4.7 stars
Delightfully marvellous. The writing was dreamily excellent and just sucked me in, so effortlessly, and refused to let me go. Initially, I was intrigued all at the same time by a HR book co-written by the Duchess of York, by the blurb and the beautiful cover. But I was really happily surprised by the quality of the prose and more so by the atmospheric story itself which was not only rich but pulled me in all sorts of unexpected places. In turn a sweet, heart flutteringly worth and intense romance, an ode to women and their thirst to be themselves, a knowledgeable glimpse into the Victorian era and its ways and mores, a cozy detective story, a spy adventure... *sigh* Each and every one of the characters was so well painted and each breathed life on its own (my favourite, besides Mary and Tre, is certainly Lady Rolle). When pens can do that, esp. with so much ease, I can only remain humbly in awe. It was all so deliciously done and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
This was all fiction 'loosely' inspired by history, but fiction at its finest, well researched and laced perfectly, with ageless insights into the feminine condition and a brilliantly uplifting romance at its centre. 💯 recommended, this book deserves to be read and re-read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2023
I liked this book, but felt like it was wanting to do a lot very quickly. I think for sure it is an interesting read, but a lot of the build up could have gone deeper. Overall, I liked the historical setting and a lot of the characters. Plus, the idea of a female spy in the 1800s is awesome.
December 11, 2022
Shocked, stunned and surprised this is not a totally clean read where counting every blessing makes the best of any interesting situation.
April 29, 2023
This entire book should have been her infiltrating a cutthroat women's gang and I feel robbed that it was only about 30 pages
October 9, 2023
Emanuela - per RFS
.
Sono rimasta veramente colpita da questo romance vittoriano che porta la firma di Fergie, l’ex moglie del principe Andrea d’Inghilterra.
La storia è ricca di spunti, tuttavia questi inizialmente fanno fatica a convivere tra loro. Mary, ultimogenita di un Duca molto vicino alla regina Vittoria, è cresciuta isolata in un palazzo in Scozia, a causa di una sorella maggiore fuggita di casa per non sposarsi con chi le era stato imposto; lo scandalo aveva coinvolto un po’ tutti e il padre ha preferito esiliarla in campagna, curata da domestici e governanti.
Mary è cresciuta come una donna fuori dal comune, in cerca di una propria identità e libera di fare esperienze diverse da quelle delle sue coetanee.
Durante un evento di caccia, a cui sono presenti molti nobili invitati dai genitori, ha l’opportunità di mettere in luce le abilità deduttive e il sangue freddo che la contraddistinguono, venendo a capo di un piccolo mistero che ha come protagonista una spilla di grande valore.
Proprio durante questo evento conosce il colonnello Trefusis, un uomo singolare che nasconde molti segreti e ha uno spirito indomito, lo stesso che anima Mary cacciandola spesso nei guai.
I due si incontreranno a più riprese nel corso del romance, non riuscendo a creare una situazione stabile per un rapporto amoroso e avvicinandosi e respingendosi continuamente.
Mentre corre la storia delle vicende di Mary, che sembra sempre attratta dagli intrighi e deve convivere con la sua strana madre malata di ipocondria e con il padre che la evita per la maggior parte del tempo, i due avranno l’opportunità di far crescere il sentimento che li lega, costruendo un rapporto paritario, l’unico che la volitiva ragazza possa accettare.
Non mancheranno avventure piene di ritmo che, più di una volta, sembrano maggiormente adatte a un bel noir old England rispetto a un romance vittoriano.
Convincente, soprattutto grazie all’attenta ricostruzione storica e all’atmosfera che solo chi è vissuto in determinati ambienti può conoscere a fondo.
.
Sono rimasta veramente colpita da questo romance vittoriano che porta la firma di Fergie, l’ex moglie del principe Andrea d’Inghilterra.
La storia è ricca di spunti, tuttavia questi inizialmente fanno fatica a convivere tra loro. Mary, ultimogenita di un Duca molto vicino alla regina Vittoria, è cresciuta isolata in un palazzo in Scozia, a causa di una sorella maggiore fuggita di casa per non sposarsi con chi le era stato imposto; lo scandalo aveva coinvolto un po’ tutti e il padre ha preferito esiliarla in campagna, curata da domestici e governanti.
Mary è cresciuta come una donna fuori dal comune, in cerca di una propria identità e libera di fare esperienze diverse da quelle delle sue coetanee.
Durante un evento di caccia, a cui sono presenti molti nobili invitati dai genitori, ha l’opportunità di mettere in luce le abilità deduttive e il sangue freddo che la contraddistinguono, venendo a capo di un piccolo mistero che ha come protagonista una spilla di grande valore.
Proprio durante questo evento conosce il colonnello Trefusis, un uomo singolare che nasconde molti segreti e ha uno spirito indomito, lo stesso che anima Mary cacciandola spesso nei guai.
I due si incontreranno a più riprese nel corso del romance, non riuscendo a creare una situazione stabile per un rapporto amoroso e avvicinandosi e respingendosi continuamente.
Mentre corre la storia delle vicende di Mary, che sembra sempre attratta dagli intrighi e deve convivere con la sua strana madre malata di ipocondria e con il padre che la evita per la maggior parte del tempo, i due avranno l’opportunità di far crescere il sentimento che li lega, costruendo un rapporto paritario, l’unico che la volitiva ragazza possa accettare.
Non mancheranno avventure piene di ritmo che, più di una volta, sembrano maggiormente adatte a un bel noir old England rispetto a un romance vittoriano.
Convincente, soprattutto grazie all’attenta ricostruzione storica e all’atmosfera che solo chi è vissuto in determinati ambienti può conoscere a fondo.
November 30, 2022
A Most Intriguing Lady is Victorian romance and is the second book in the collaboration between Sarah Ferguson (the Duchess Of York) and Marguerite Kaye. Although this tale is easily a stand-alone story, it also loosely follows on from their first book.
Lady Mary is the youngest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch (pronounced 'Buck-Loo'). Beneath her quiet, well-behaved demeanour is a young woman who resists the demands of society. She’s daring and inquisitive and has qualities that make her an ideal amateur sleuth.
Colonel Trefusis is a guest of the Duke and Duchess, but when one of the other guests loses a valuable brooch he offers to help Mary solve the crime. They form a friendship, but Trefusis pushes Mary away when he suffers one of his debilitating headaches.
Their paths cross a few years later and once again they join forces to solve a different crime.
This is a gentle romance with a sub-theme of sleuthing to add interest to the tale. I liked both Mary and Trefusis from the start and I was rooting for them until the very end. There are some interesting secondary characters and the historical notes at the back of the book inform us about which of them were real as well as a few other interesting historical facts.
Although I quite liked the first book written by this duo I much preferred this one. The novel reflects the improving strength of the writing team which brings to the table Marguerite’s vast writing experience in the historical romance genre, with almost sixty books in her portfolio, and the Duchess’s lifelong experience of the aristocracy.
Lady Mary is the youngest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch (pronounced 'Buck-Loo'). Beneath her quiet, well-behaved demeanour is a young woman who resists the demands of society. She’s daring and inquisitive and has qualities that make her an ideal amateur sleuth.
Colonel Trefusis is a guest of the Duke and Duchess, but when one of the other guests loses a valuable brooch he offers to help Mary solve the crime. They form a friendship, but Trefusis pushes Mary away when he suffers one of his debilitating headaches.
Their paths cross a few years later and once again they join forces to solve a different crime.
This is a gentle romance with a sub-theme of sleuthing to add interest to the tale. I liked both Mary and Trefusis from the start and I was rooting for them until the very end. There are some interesting secondary characters and the historical notes at the back of the book inform us about which of them were real as well as a few other interesting historical facts.
Although I quite liked the first book written by this duo I much preferred this one. The novel reflects the improving strength of the writing team which brings to the table Marguerite’s vast writing experience in the historical romance genre, with almost sixty books in her portfolio, and the Duchess’s lifelong experience of the aristocracy.
May 5, 2023
Sorry, but this I found boring.
December 19, 2023
Lady Mary is a dormouse with a secret, and Colonel Trefusis is a spymaster who may have met his match.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Buccleuch Family, but serves as a standalone.
Our main narrators are Mary, the youngest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch.
She has led an isolated life, with her parents and older siblings having little time for her. The silver lining has meant that she has been free to develop her own mind and interests; and only pretends to be a meek and mindless young lady when her parents, or other members of society are around.
She fears being made to marry, and step into the suffocating role of mother and wife.
She is also very adept at solving problems subtly, and is careful to resolve issues without hurting the reputation of people, if she can help it.
Colonel Trefusis, or Tre as Mary calls him, is a survivor of the last war. Now, he is establishing a network of spies, to try and prevent future wars, or minimise the damage.
He witnesses one of Mary's daring moves, and later witnesses the meek persona she has established. He finds himself drawn to help her when problems arise.
There is also a third narrator - Mary's mother, the Duchess of Buccleuch.
I found Charlotte's sections jarring, and not fitting with the rest of the book. I didn't think they added anything to the story. They didn't give us a better view of the main characters, or the plot, or anything else.
It was mildly interesting to read how Charlotte's fine society marriage started strongly, but they've since drifted apart.
I did not like this book, which is such a shame, because it had a great premise. A lady detective, and a spymaster, set in the Victorian era, where feminism is just starting to emerge.
I thought the book was badly written.
The plot has some good ideas, but it was really poorly executed.
There are three main mysteries crammed into this book. And it all felt like a rushed affair.
The first wasn't a mystery.
The second had a culprit who didn't exist in the book until after Mary had already visited him, and decided he was the behind the embezzlement. You don't even get to see this interaction, Mary tells Tre about it after the fact, which I thought was a poor and rushed choice.
The third is the biggest and most dangerous assignment - but when I saw that there was only about 10% left of the book, and Mary was just completing her training - I was disheartened, because how could this big job be explored properly in less than 40 pages (and wrap up the romantic element, too).
I didn't like our main characters.
They were both dunces, but particularly Mary.
We are repeatedly told how independent and ingenious Mary is, but she comes across as whiny, and woe-is-me. She makes no visible effort to create a life for herself - we are told that she does some lady detective work, but for most of the book, she's meekly following her mother, generally unhappy and dissatisfied with everything.
Her investigating skills leave a lot to be desired. She jumps to conclusions, ignoring any facts that don't fit her theory. She then manages to "finagle" (bluntly ask for) information that supports her theory from the staff.
(I'm a fan of Miss Scarlet and the Duke and was hoping for something in a similar vein, but was sorely disappointed.)
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Buccleuch Family, but serves as a standalone.
Our main narrators are Mary, the youngest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch.
She has led an isolated life, with her parents and older siblings having little time for her. The silver lining has meant that she has been free to develop her own mind and interests; and only pretends to be a meek and mindless young lady when her parents, or other members of society are around.
She fears being made to marry, and step into the suffocating role of mother and wife.
She is also very adept at solving problems subtly, and is careful to resolve issues without hurting the reputation of people, if she can help it.
Colonel Trefusis, or Tre as Mary calls him, is a survivor of the last war. Now, he is establishing a network of spies, to try and prevent future wars, or minimise the damage.
He witnesses one of Mary's daring moves, and later witnesses the meek persona she has established. He finds himself drawn to help her when problems arise.
There is also a third narrator - Mary's mother, the Duchess of Buccleuch.
I found Charlotte's sections jarring, and not fitting with the rest of the book. I didn't think they added anything to the story. They didn't give us a better view of the main characters, or the plot, or anything else.
It was mildly interesting to read how Charlotte's fine society marriage started strongly, but they've since drifted apart.
I did not like this book, which is such a shame, because it had a great premise. A lady detective, and a spymaster, set in the Victorian era, where feminism is just starting to emerge.
I thought the book was badly written.
The plot has some good ideas, but it was really poorly executed.
There are three main mysteries crammed into this book. And it all felt like a rushed affair.
The first wasn't a mystery.
The second had a culprit who didn't exist in the book until after Mary had already visited him, and decided he was the behind the embezzlement. You don't even get to see this interaction, Mary tells Tre about it after the fact, which I thought was a poor and rushed choice.
The third is the biggest and most dangerous assignment - but when I saw that there was only about 10% left of the book, and Mary was just completing her training - I was disheartened, because how could this big job be explored properly in less than 40 pages (and wrap up the romantic element, too).
I didn't like our main characters.
They were both dunces, but particularly Mary.
We are repeatedly told how independent and ingenious Mary is, but she comes across as whiny, and woe-is-me. She makes no visible effort to create a life for herself - we are told that she does some lady detective work, but for most of the book, she's meekly following her mother, generally unhappy and dissatisfied with everything.
Her investigating skills leave a lot to be desired. She jumps to conclusions, ignoring any facts that don't fit her theory. She then manages to "finagle" (bluntly ask for) information that supports her theory from the staff.
(I'm a fan of Miss Scarlet and the Duke and was hoping for something in a similar vein, but was sorely disappointed.)
March 30, 2023
Lady Mary does not allow the rigid conventions and expectations of her time to stifle her colourful personality and sharp intellect, but instead embarks on a double life, using her natural detective skills to great success.
Along the way, she encounters Colonel Walter Trefusis ('Tre' to his friends). He also has mysterious secrets, the pair fall in love and ...well, you'll just have to read the book to find out if they achieve their happy ending!
A gorgeously evocative, sweeping romance, with fascinating period detail.
Along the way, she encounters Colonel Walter Trefusis ('Tre' to his friends). He also has mysterious secrets, the pair fall in love and ...well, you'll just have to read the book to find out if they achieve their happy ending!
A gorgeously evocative, sweeping romance, with fascinating period detail.
September 1, 2023
This book should have been two. The first 2/3rds of the book should have ended the first, and the last should have been reworked and written separately, it's basically two totally different books already. Also, good grief the back and forth debates about marriage... Eye roll. It all took way too long.
February 18, 2023
I found the writing style on the derivative style with not enough humour or original.ity to intrigue me further than 2 chapters.
I failed to read further as the characters were not introduced with enough depth and neither was the plot .
I failed to read further as the characters were not introduced with enough depth and neither was the plot .
March 24, 2023
Made it to almost 20% of the book and had to put the boring book down.
January 20, 2023
Mills and Boon books are not my usual reading material, but I was intrigued by the author, Sarah Ferguson, and so requested this book from NetGalley. I was really pleased to receive an ARC and was pleasantly surprised by the book.
Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott wants more from life than what is traditionally expected of the daughters of nobility in the Victorian era; marriage and servitude to her husband are not for her.
Colonel Walter Trefusis, known to Mary as Tre, is 13 years her senior and fought in Crimea. He talks about his ‘curse’ or ‘condition’ which we would now refer to as PTSD from the war.
The story is broken into 4 parts; in the first Mary finds herself running a shooting party for her parents and has to handle a situation when one of the employees, a close friend, is accused of theft. It turns out that Mary is well suited to be an amateur sleuth. Parts two and three follow more cases where Mary and Tre work together to uncover a crime.
This is the second book in the series, by Sarah Ferguson and Marguerite Kaye, but is a standalone story the first being about Mary’s older sister Margaret. I’d now be interested to look out the rest of the series.
I liked our heroine, Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott, who is based on the real life youngest child of Walter, the 5th Duke of Buccleuch and Charlotte, Duchess of Buccleuch who were distant grandparents of the Duchess of York. She did marry Colonel Walter Trefusis, who was 13 years older than her, but that is all that is currently known. Though the story is fictitious it is based against a backdrop of historical events and locations. The author’s notes at the end are well worth a read to learn about the historical research that went into the book, and gives you an idea of where the story ends and where real life takes over.
With thanks to NetGalley and Mills and Boon for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott wants more from life than what is traditionally expected of the daughters of nobility in the Victorian era; marriage and servitude to her husband are not for her.
Colonel Walter Trefusis, known to Mary as Tre, is 13 years her senior and fought in Crimea. He talks about his ‘curse’ or ‘condition’ which we would now refer to as PTSD from the war.
The story is broken into 4 parts; in the first Mary finds herself running a shooting party for her parents and has to handle a situation when one of the employees, a close friend, is accused of theft. It turns out that Mary is well suited to be an amateur sleuth. Parts two and three follow more cases where Mary and Tre work together to uncover a crime.
This is the second book in the series, by Sarah Ferguson and Marguerite Kaye, but is a standalone story the first being about Mary’s older sister Margaret. I’d now be interested to look out the rest of the series.
I liked our heroine, Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott, who is based on the real life youngest child of Walter, the 5th Duke of Buccleuch and Charlotte, Duchess of Buccleuch who were distant grandparents of the Duchess of York. She did marry Colonel Walter Trefusis, who was 13 years older than her, but that is all that is currently known. Though the story is fictitious it is based against a backdrop of historical events and locations. The author’s notes at the end are well worth a read to learn about the historical research that went into the book, and gives you an idea of where the story ends and where real life takes over.
With thanks to NetGalley and Mills and Boon for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2023
3.5⭐
A Most Intriguing Lady was not the story I was expecting but in the best possible way. Differing slightly from the usual Mills and Boon romance novel, the love affair between the books two central characters, Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott and Colonel Walter Trefusis, is the definition of a slow-burn yet takes somewhat of a back seat.
Instead of focusing wholely on romance, Sarah Ferguson chooses, instead to focus on bringing to life the "forgotten" women of the Victorian era. Amongst all the limitations and expectations placed upon women at that time, The Duchess of York has played around with the facts and created some what of a sleuth with her heroine, Lady Mary.
The plot, which is as fun as it is full of rich historical detail, follows Lady Mary as she dares to go against the grain, choosing not to settle for becoming just a wife, but seeks to find her equal. Enter Trefusis, who falls for Lady Mary almost immediately after meeting her - with a penchant for solving crimes and acting on a whim, Mary is a most intriguing lady, indeed!
The book proceeds to focus heavily on the society crimes they solve together and on female empowerment, which makes for such a fascinating read. As a reader, you watch as the pair rebel, fall in love, overcome hurdles and ultimately get their happily ever after - a satisfying and rewarding end to such a evocative tale. I look forward to reading the next book! 📖💕
A Most Intriguing Lady was not the story I was expecting but in the best possible way. Differing slightly from the usual Mills and Boon romance novel, the love affair between the books two central characters, Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott and Colonel Walter Trefusis, is the definition of a slow-burn yet takes somewhat of a back seat.
Instead of focusing wholely on romance, Sarah Ferguson chooses, instead to focus on bringing to life the "forgotten" women of the Victorian era. Amongst all the limitations and expectations placed upon women at that time, The Duchess of York has played around with the facts and created some what of a sleuth with her heroine, Lady Mary.
The plot, which is as fun as it is full of rich historical detail, follows Lady Mary as she dares to go against the grain, choosing not to settle for becoming just a wife, but seeks to find her equal. Enter Trefusis, who falls for Lady Mary almost immediately after meeting her - with a penchant for solving crimes and acting on a whim, Mary is a most intriguing lady, indeed!
The book proceeds to focus heavily on the society crimes they solve together and on female empowerment, which makes for such a fascinating read. As a reader, you watch as the pair rebel, fall in love, overcome hurdles and ultimately get their happily ever after - a satisfying and rewarding end to such a evocative tale. I look forward to reading the next book! 📖💕
January 26, 2023
#ARC provided by GoodReads in a give-away - A lot of the romance novels I read are either very modern or very Regency so imagine my delight to have this Victorian romance/mystery fall into my lap for a change. Then imagine my delight when it turned out to be really quite good! The characters, by and large, are likeable and interesting with the bulk of the focus rightfully on Mary and Tre. Even the side characters were fun - especially Lady Rolle.
The writing flowed well and with charm, building the era and clothing and world without overdoing it. The romance, too, was well-paced, helped by the time jumps that spread it over a few years. The time was necessary as both characters needed to learn more about themselves, to grow, to find what was important. Impressively, they used that time to learn to communicate, too. Let's face it; that is a rare thing in a romance.
The mystery aspects were spread out through the book like little vignettes, building in importance as Mary learned and grew into who she was meant to be. I really appreciated her character arc. It is rare that a heroine in a period book gets that kind of growth, especially as it was not always forward. She sometimes stepped back, went backwards, doubted herself and settled. It was very real.
My only issue (and it is pretty slight) was the occasional switch of POV to Mary's mother. The chapters varying between Mary and Tre made sense, of course, but Charlotte's POV (while interesting) served only a sort of stage-setting purpose. It was interesting to see how someone else viewed Mary but it did distract some. It also shifted too much sympathy from Mary to Charlotte at times.
#ARC #SarahFerguson
The writing flowed well and with charm, building the era and clothing and world without overdoing it. The romance, too, was well-paced, helped by the time jumps that spread it over a few years. The time was necessary as both characters needed to learn more about themselves, to grow, to find what was important. Impressively, they used that time to learn to communicate, too. Let's face it; that is a rare thing in a romance.
The mystery aspects were spread out through the book like little vignettes, building in importance as Mary learned and grew into who she was meant to be. I really appreciated her character arc. It is rare that a heroine in a period book gets that kind of growth, especially as it was not always forward. She sometimes stepped back, went backwards, doubted herself and settled. It was very real.
My only issue (and it is pretty slight) was the occasional switch of POV to Mary's mother. The chapters varying between Mary and Tre made sense, of course, but Charlotte's POV (while interesting) served only a sort of stage-setting purpose. It was interesting to see how someone else viewed Mary but it did distract some. It also shifted too much sympathy from Mary to Charlotte at times.
#ARC #SarahFerguson
April 8, 2023
Secrets to discover!
Colonel Walter Trefusis is at the Duke of Buccleuch home at a dinner party when he feels a headache coming on. Stepping out for some fresh air he is shocked to see Lady Mary walking across the parapet high above. When they both appear back at dinner, it is as if nothing untoward has happened. When one of the servants is accused of stealing, Mary goes out of her way to prove this a lie.
There is an attraction between Mary and Trefusis but neither is ready for marriage. Meeting on and off through the years the attraction is still there but it is only when Mary and Trefusis work together to recover stolen papers that the attraction and the love they share wins through.
This was a book that held me in thrall, at times with my heart in my mouth and at others with hope that Mary and Trefusis stop being idiots and declare their love. The various twists at times intrigued me as to where the story was going. How would they finally declare their love? Would they succeed in the endeavour they were undertaking? Why was the hilarity of Lady Rolle not a bigger part of the book?
I can't wait for the next book published.
Colonel Walter Trefusis is at the Duke of Buccleuch home at a dinner party when he feels a headache coming on. Stepping out for some fresh air he is shocked to see Lady Mary walking across the parapet high above. When they both appear back at dinner, it is as if nothing untoward has happened. When one of the servants is accused of stealing, Mary goes out of her way to prove this a lie.
There is an attraction between Mary and Trefusis but neither is ready for marriage. Meeting on and off through the years the attraction is still there but it is only when Mary and Trefusis work together to recover stolen papers that the attraction and the love they share wins through.
This was a book that held me in thrall, at times with my heart in my mouth and at others with hope that Mary and Trefusis stop being idiots and declare their love. The various twists at times intrigued me as to where the story was going. How would they finally declare their love? Would they succeed in the endeavour they were undertaking? Why was the hilarity of Lady Rolle not a bigger part of the book?
I can't wait for the next book published.
March 22, 2023
I received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was so easy to read and i ended up turning the pages effortlessly, some books I feel are very complicated and you can get lost and lose track of the characters but this wasn’t one of them.
I loved Lady Mary she had modern ways and thoughts about women that was ahead of her time but she found ways around it and had a good time regardless of her restrictions.
I enjoyed the mystery solving and the romance element but felt like it could go even further.
All in all in was an enjoyable read for Historical Fiction lovers.
This was so easy to read and i ended up turning the pages effortlessly, some books I feel are very complicated and you can get lost and lose track of the characters but this wasn’t one of them.
I loved Lady Mary she had modern ways and thoughts about women that was ahead of her time but she found ways around it and had a good time regardless of her restrictions.
I enjoyed the mystery solving and the romance element but felt like it could go even further.
All in all in was an enjoyable read for Historical Fiction lovers.
August 29, 2023
In telling the story of a young woman who quietly investigates wrong doings happening in the privileged class of late Victorian, Sarah Ferguson uses information known to her. I wanted to like it more than I did. I appreciated the strong characters and their deeply drawn issues. I wanted to like the scenes that were drawn out for me. But I could not take the pace of the book. I wanted it to move faster with less iff-ing and but-ing. On the other hand, it makes me want to read more by Ferguson to see if she improves with time.
February 21, 2023
Written in the vein of a traditional historical romance story, this is like slipping on a comfortable pair of slippers and curling up with a mug of hot chocolate. The delight is that it has none of the cringe moments and the neat working of some real people, places and events into this tale gives it a solid polish. There are no real surprises here, but it is very nicely done
March 15, 2023
**ARC provided by Goodreads giveaway**
This was fun. I haven't read the Duchess's first book (yet), but I did enjoy this one. I like the historical setting and the colorful cast. Mary and her unconventional ideas were excellent, and I loved how she kept fighting to define what it was she wanted/was looking for in life (and love).
This was fun. I haven't read the Duchess's first book (yet), but I did enjoy this one. I like the historical setting and the colorful cast. Mary and her unconventional ideas were excellent, and I loved how she kept fighting to define what it was she wanted/was looking for in life (and love).
November 24, 2023
4.5/5 • Another fascinating historical fiction book that I finally got around to reading after my Dad had raved to me about it months ago. Only sorry I didn’t get to read it when I could have had the ability to discuss it with him. Nevertheless a great story once again about a female refusing to accept her position in life in the background and how she found herself.
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