Great writing, likeable characters.

Fast and Fastidious by R. M. Caldwell       

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lucy Elliot is different. Operating in her world means she needs guidelines to take her through social occasions. If all she had to do was fathom a mechanical problem or design a carriage, things would be fine. Walking into a ball has her heading to a quiet nook to acclimatize.

By accident Lucy discovers the Night Races. The egalitarian event is held near to the village, once a month when the moon is full at midnight. Lucy’s life is changed. 

Two years later Lucy meets a cavalry Captain at the races. She’d already met the indisputable champions of the Night Races, Dante Torres and his crew.

Captain James Dashwood had arrived in the neighbourhood to stay at one of his father’s properties, Ellsworth Manor. Lucy suspects he’s been sent here to avoid gambling debts or something else.

Interestingly there’s been a series of government papers, coaches and men have gone missing.

This quiet village has been dogged by thievery and other incidences! Something’s definitely afoot!

Lucy and her sister Margaret are as different as chalk and cheese but supportive of each other.

A quietly contained thrilling regency novel with the threat of Bonaparte’s actions overhanging all.

A Harper Perennial ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.