Murder at Half Moon Gate (Wrexford & Sloane Series #2)

by Andrea Penrose Narrated by James Cameron Stewart

Overview

When Lord Wrexford discovers the body of a gifted inventor in a dark London alley, he promptly alerts the watchman and lets the authorities handle the matter. But Wrexford soon finds himself drawn into the murder investigation when the inventor's widow begs for his assistance, claiming the crime was not a random robbery. It seems her husband's designs for a revolutionary steam-powered engine went missing the night of his death. The plans could be worth a fortune . . . and very dangerous in the wrong hands.



Joining Wrexford in his investigation is Charlotte Sloane, who uses the pseudonym A. J. Quill to publish her scathing political cartoons. Her extensive network of informants is critical for her work, but she doesn't mind tapping that same web of spies to track down an elusive killer. Each suspect-from ambitious assistants to rich investors, and even the inventor's widow-is entwined in a maze of secrets and lies that leads Wrexford and Sloane down London's most perilous stews and darkest alleyways.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

02/05/2018
Early in Penrose’s able second Regency mystery (after 2017’s Murder on Black Swan Lane), the Earl of Wrexford, a respected amateur chemist, is returning home from a night of gambling when he stumbles over a mutilated corpse in London’s disreputable St. Giles district. He’s shocked to learn that the victim is an acquaintance, Elihu Ashton, a textile factory owner who shares his scientific bent. Elihu’s widow, Isobel, who reveals that Elihu recently designed a new type of steam engine with huge profit potential, asks Wrexford’s help in discovering the killer. Z-shaped slashes on the body point to a radical anti-industrial group called the Workers of Zion, but additional clues persuade Wrexford and his detecting partner, artist Charlotte Sloane, that the crime is more complex. Elihu’s assistant and the drawings of his invention go missing, a coded message turns up, and everyone from Isobel to Elihu’s investors is hiding secrets. Penrose reveals intriguing new aspects of her protagonists’ characters and relationship in a story linked to the era’s technological and social changes. Agent: Gail Fortune, Fortune Talbot Agency. (Apr.)

From the Publisher

Praise for Andrea Penrose's Murder at Half Moon Gate:

"Compelling...an intricately plotted mystery set in Regency England. Its complex story line and authentic historical details bring the early days of the Industrial Revolution vividly to life. Bound to fascinate readers of C.S. Harris and even fans of Victorian mysteries." —Library Journal STARRED REVIEW

“Penrose deftly combines a Regency romance with a tricky mystery that delves into social unrest and the darker side of this storied period.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Penrose reveals intriguing new aspects of her protagonists’ characters and relationship in a story linked to the era’s technological and social changes.” —Publishers Weekly 

“Charlotte Sloane and the Earl of Wrexford are a perfect crime-solving duo as headstrong and intelligent sleuths bucking the conventions of society. The relationship between Wrexford and Charlotte evolves nicely as they become more invested in each other. Wrexford has a title and money; Charlotte works as a satirical cartoonist making ends meet while caring for two young street urchins. The historical aspects of the story are intriguing as London is on the cusp of the Industrial Revolution....This adds great depth and tension to the mystery." – RT Book Reviews

"The relationship and banter between the two stars of this series is incredible.  Readers will look forward to seeing Charlotte and Wrex again (and, hopefully, very soon)." —Suspense Magazine

“I read this story very fast and loved so many aspects of it.  I can’t say enough good things about this series.  I am eager to read the next installment.  Penrose’s writing is superb and her ability to write complex characters that readers can still admire and relate to is perfection.” –The Lit Bitch

Kirkus Review

2017-12-24
A daring pair of Regency sleuths tackle a series of coldblooded murders.The Earl of Wrexford met Charlotte Sloane when they were forced to work together to solve a dastardly crime (Murder on Black Swan Lane, 2017). Wrexford is a wealthy, easily bored aristocrat with a scientific bent. For her part, the mysterious Charlotte, under the nom de plume A.J. Quill, which she took over from her late husband, uses her artistic talents and sharp wit to sell her satirical drawings. When Wrexford and his friend Christopher Sheffield stumble over the brutally murdered body of well-known inventor Elihu Ashton, he can't refuse the widow's request to find the killer. Isobel Ashton suspects that her husband's killer wanted to steal the rights to his new invention, which could make the first person to file a patent very wealthy indeed. Charlotte, meanwhile, is moving to a larger house in a better neighborhood along with Raven and Hawk, the chief boys among the street urchins she uses to keep up with the latest gossip and misdeeds that provide grist for her satires. After Wrexford enlists Charlotte's network to help track down Ashton's killer, their suspicions are divided among the widow, who is stunningly attractive but amazingly cool; Ashton's secretary and assistant; and investors hungry to enrich themselves. Gabriel Hollis, who had something to do with the note that lured Ashton to his death, is the next to die. Although the murders have been set up to look like the work of a group of radical workers whose jobs have been taken over by machines, the sleuths feel more personal relationships hold the key to the case.Penrose deftly combines a Regency romance with a tricky mystery that delves into social unrest and the darker side of this storied period.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171388768
Publisher:	HighBridge Company
Publication date:	07/18/2018
Series:	Wrexford & Sloane Series , #2
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	1,097,625

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