Murder on Threadneedle Street - Wrexford & Sloane Mystery by Andrea Penrose Hardcover

Book Synopsis

Not all that glitters in Regency London is quite what it seems, as Charlotte and Lord Wrexford discover when a counterfeiting scheme draws them into a deadly web of murder and manipulation in USA Today bestselling author Andrea Penrose's masterfully plotted mystery for readers of Victoria Thompson, C.S. Harris, and Deanna Raybourn.

Lord Wrexford and Charlotte's growing family ensures that life is a source of constant adventure. The addition of Wrexford's half-sister to their household is proving an unexpected delight. But some surprises are less welcome--and trouble strikes when Hawk, one of the young boys in their care, arrives home distraught after learning that his new drawing teacher has been found murdered on Threadneedle Street.

Fletcher Campbell's death could be dismissed as a random robbery turned violent. But as an artist herself, Charlotte suspects there's more to the case than meets the eye. Closer examination reveals that a distinctive ring was taken from the victim's finger. With Hawk pleading for the family to help solve the crime, Charlotte and Wrexford suddenly find themselves entangled in a fiendish mystery that harkens back to a decade-old scandal that nearly brought down the government.

It seems Campbell's brother was the infamous leader of a counterfeiting gang that swindled the Bank of England. Most were apprehended, but forged banknotes remain a problem. Now, the Bank of England has offered £20,000 to anyone who can use the newly-invented engineering technologies to create the Inimitable Banknote--a complex design that cannot be counterfeited.

It's a prize that could tempt anyone, and Wrexford and Sloane's investigation turns even more fraught when one of their closest friends falls under suspicion. The deeper they probe, the more treachery comes to light. For when a lie so easily masquerades as truth, danger may be much closer than they think . . .

Review Quotes

Praise for the Wrexford & Sloan Mysteries by Andrea Penrose

"[A] fun foray into the science and economics of the period." --Historical Novel Society on Murder at Somerset House

"[Penrose] mixes well thought out mysteries, early forensic science, great details of the era and a slow burning attraction creating a compulsive read." --The New York Public Library

"Penrose maintains a brisk pace in her finely wrought eighth Regency-era adventure for the Earl of Wrexford and his cartoonist wife, Charlotte Sloane...Penrose elegantly weaves insights about the period's politics and technological innovations into a splendid mystery...This reliable series continues its winning streak." --Publishers Weekly on Murder at King's Crossing

"A complex and surprising mystery enhanced by historically accurate information about the science and society of the period." --Publishers Weekly on Murder at King's Crossing

"[Penrose] rewards diligent readers with a pulse-pounding climax, and her deep dive into early 18th-century technology is a treat. In the crowded field of Regency mysteries, this series stands out." --Publishers Weekly on Murder at the Merton Library

"An excellent mystery bolstered by fascinating information about a life-changing invention." --Kirkus Reviews on Murder at the Merton Library

"The plot moves quickly with unexpected complications that keep the reader intrigued. The dialogue is lively; the author has a discriminating sense of timing. The climax is worthy of the complications, and the ending is felicitous." --Historical Novel Society on Murder at the Merton Library

"As in every Penrose novel, the solution to these linked crimes is generated through the loyalty and insight of intelligent and caring friends--which is why her fiction is, as Lord Wrexford's friends would say, 'infernally satisfying.'" --New York Journal of Books on Murder at the Merton Library

"A fascinating and educational journey into the Regency era filled with new inventions, ruthless villains, greedy aristocrats, and the power of family." --Fresh Fiction on Murder at the Merton Library

"Swashbuckling...Historical fans will have fun." --Publishers Weekly on Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens

"A bit of Regency-period romance and history enhance a convoluted mystery with plenty of derring-do." --Kirkus Reviews on Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens

"Andrea Penrose is skillful at incorporating the scientific discoveries of the day into her plots." --Criminal Element on Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens

"A nice mix of science, setting, adventure story, and romance. Wrexford and Charlotte are a great pair." --Aunt Agatha's Bookstore on Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens

"Another delight of the series." --Historical Novel Society on Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens

"Scientific discoveries combine with a complex mystery to provide an action-packed brainteaser." --Kirkus Reviews on Murder at Queen's Landing

"The author captures the Regency era's complexities in vivid settings, contrasting milieus, and a wealth of fascinating details...This thoughtful blend of derring-do and intellectual discussion should win Penrose new fans." --Publishers Weekly on Murder at Queen's Landing

About the Author

Andrea Penrose is the acclaimed author of Regency-era historical fiction, including the USA Today bestselling 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.