Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Murder at the Merton Library by Andrea Penrose Narrator: James Cameron Stewart
Series: Wrexford & Sloane #7
Published by Kensington Books, Tantor Audio on September 26, 2023
Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction
Pages: 304
Length: 12 hours, 12 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
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Responding to an urgent plea from a troubled family friend, the Earl of Wrexford journeys to Oxford only to find the reclusive university librarian has been murdered and a rare manuscript has gone missing. The only clue is that someone overheard an argument in which Wrexford’s name was mentioned.
At the same time, Charlotte—working under her pen name, A. J. Quill—must determine whether a laboratory fire was arson and if it’s connected to the race between competing consortiums to build a new type of ship—one that can cross the ocean powered by steam rather than sails—with the potential to revolutionize military power and world commerce. That the race involves new innovations in finance and entrepreneurship only adds to the high stakes—especially as their good friend Kit Sheffield may be an investor in one of the competitors.
It was such a joy to read Murder at the Merton Library. I love everything from this found family and their strong, caring connections, to their love of science and arts, with their willingness to investigate and try to right the wrongs not just for themselves but others. With the progression of relationships and their circle of friends, I would suggest reading the series in order. Plus it’s amazing. Being the seventh book, some characters and aspects may be lost without the background of the earlier installments.
The Wrexfords have added “Falcon” to their own weasels, Raven and Hawk. In this adventure, Osprey is introduced. He is a naval man and Allison is his aunt. All of the weasels are blooming under the care of Rex and Charlotte. They support and love each other so clearly.
There is a murder of a friend of Rex’s brother, and a fire suspected to be arson. As they investigate, it seems there is some connection to trying to invent a way to propel ocean ships with steam engines. There was a research group which lost some plans in the fire. The navy is also working on prototypes. There is also an investment group, purporting to have made a break though. Kit wants to invest but Cordelia is against it. Allison and Charlotte go to hear about the investment with unfavorable consequences.
I am ecstatic to have the series continue after the marriage of Charlotte and Rex. They continue to expand their circle of learning, sciences, arts and those they love and protect. This found family is not to be missed. I highly recommend the Wrexford & Sloane series, particularly if you are interested in early scientific developments.
Narration:
This narrator is the voice of the series for me. I don’t believe I had listened to this narrator before the series. I love listening to his distinct character voices of all genders and ages. With many foreign characters, the accents and tones sound right, although I am not knowledgeable enough to know if they are authentic. I listened well at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to the clip: HERE
About Andrea Penrose
Andrea Penrose is the bestselling author of Regency-era historical fiction, including the acclaimed 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.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 23-COYER
This looks like an interesting series and those covers are gorgeous! Great review, Anne!
Thank you Angela. I am a big fan of this series.
Yes! Love sharing the fandom. 🙂
I was so relieved the series kept going after they got married and with some further characters and relationships development.
yes I love it so much and glad they are working together now as a married couple, with the weasels!
This sounds like a series that I would really enjoy. If only I had the time to read everything that sounds good to me!
I love this series for many reasons. The mystery, the STEM, the found family, the romance, the humor. I hope you get a chance to read them.
Yay for a 5-star read. I love this series so much and can’t wait to read this one. I’ve got it on hold at my library and am counting the days.
Every book in this series is a winner!
I have enjoy Sophia Rose’s and your reviews of these books. SO I finally went to look them up and found out the first two are part of the Audible Plus catalogue. I’ve downloaded and hope to get to them soon!
oh excellent. I love them so much. I hope you enjoy. There’s so much to love.
The library and science aspects of this make it sound pretty good! Glad you enjoyed it! Also, love the new header!
Thank you Lisa. There is so much to love about this series.
Awww! I love when series hold onto the same narrator.
yes it is certainly easier when you get those voices in your head.
I finally started this series and really enjoyed it! This one looks really good. I can’t wait to get to this point in the series.
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it. I just love it. Once I started I just kept reading them all until I was up to date.