Exciting new Regency mystery series!

The Ties That Divide by Taylor & Sandra Preisler    

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Zoe Demas is a usual young woman, a French aristocrat’s daughter. As a young child, she and her mother Simone escaped the Terror, fleeing to England as emigres. Simone met and married a barrister Lord Hugh Dovefield. Zoe was a precocious and intelligent child. Hugh used to take Zoe with him to court, discussing points of law with her. Now older, painting and law remain her two focuses. She is a skilled sketch artist. Now older, Zoe doesn’t ever forget her time as a child when the streets ran with blood.

Zoe’s background of violence and her questioning mind meant she did not take kindly to leading the life of a genteel lady. If anything she’s careless of herself and of others around her.

That all changes the day Zoe’s maid Lucy goes missing, to be found dead on a street in Whitechapel. It’s ruled an accidental death. Zoe is shocked, the puzzled. What was her maid, who was even scared about walking walking in Hyde Park in broad daylight, doing in that part of town at night? Not satisfied with the coroners verdict she hires an inquiry agent, Quinton Huxley to investigate. Quinton grew up hustling on the very streets, where he now plies his craft.

The sparks fly between Zoe and Quinton. Zoe is stubborn and insists on going into unsuitable places. Quinton tries to hold her back from such surroundings. No luck! She insists on joining him even when he visits a bull baiting pit. Now there’s a scene!

Sure there’s some familiar tropes. A detective who’s a step away from being a Bow Street runner investigates with lady of quality, albeit a rebel. A mysterious background surrounds said detective. Baby farms, orphans preferring the streets to other alternatives, friends on both sides of the law, multiculturalism of the time—all grist for the mill!

An exciting new Regency mystery, with a cast of interesting and strong supporting characters—some on the wrong side of the law. How they develop will be something to watch.

A great start to a new series, I’m looking forward to what follows.

A Book Whisperer ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.