Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Murder at Somerset House by Andrea Penrose Narrator: James Cameron Stewart
Series: Wrexford & Sloane #9
Published by Kensington Books, Tantor Audio on September 30, 2025
Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction
Pages: 368
Length: 11 hours, 31 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
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A welcome interlude of calm has descended on Wrexford and Charlotte, though with three lively young boys in their care and an unconventional circle of friends and allies, quiet rarely lasts long. And sure enough, in the dead of night, an old acquaintance appears and asks for help. His
brother-in-law has been accused of murdering a fellow member of the prestigious Royal Society at their London headquarters, Somerset House.Wrexford agrees to investigate, and with a little unexpected help from their young charges, discovers that what seemed a simple case may be part of a darker, more dangerous plot, where science, money, and politics collide. A mysterious new technical innovation threatens to ignite a crisis throughout Europe, with frightening consequences for London’s financial world.
There is also personal upheaval for Wrexford and Charlotte, when a shocking secret from the past brings a profound change to their family, testing the bonds of loyalty and trust as never before . . .
I’m thrilled to have another in the Wrexford & Sloane series. I love its found family, rugged individuals, social commentary and early scientific developments. It’s a delight and I highly recommend them.
The murder, as is often the case, is a scientist, or at least he is in a scientific society. The buzz is about whether he had a device he planned to display which would give England an important weapon. Napoléon has been banished to Elba so ostensibly the war is over. There seem to be a lot of French lurking about though.
Wrex is asked by the government to look into some things. He finds another scientist who is close to success on a telegraph which would be a help. A French lurker keeps turning up to try to kill him.
There’s an exciting new addition to the family which takes up some family time and adjustment. I have been wondering if Wrex and Charlotte will have biological children. They already have their bright and energetic weasels I love. Raven goes to work with Cordelia on her calculations for a stock trader. There was a good storyline on stock trading and government bonds to fund wars.
Eventually, things coalesce when Napoléon escapes Elba and gathers forces to attack England again. Herr von Munch turns up and then disappears but still manages to get crucial information to them. Wrex goes after the French lurker with an old army friend who is now in the government, which puts him in great danger.
I love this family of enlightened thinkers and courageous actions. They have to hide some of their differences from the beau monde, the society more interested in appearance than actual abilities. Luckily, they have the respectability, intelligence and money of the Earl to protect them from most situations.
Narration:
I love the narrator and his performance. I enjoy 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:
- 25-Audio
- 25-COYER
Excellent review, Anne💜 Sounds like another series I’d enjoy.
Thanks Jonetta. It’s the most awesome. I highly recommend it. I’d say each book is shorter and more sciencey than Sebastian St. Cyr. It’s also got warm fuzzies with the children in the found family.
Another of my favorite historical mystery series! I’m very much looking forward to reading this one! 😀
They all seem to be fantastic.
Soon, soon, soon! I love this series. I’m glad this last was a hit for you.
I don’t think there was a bad book in the series.
So many seem to enjoy this series! Another I want to try!
I know! So much to read and I want to read them all whether I can fit them in or not!
This sounds like a series I would really enjoy! I’m a sucker for historical whodunits – thank you for a lovely review:).
Sarah, I think you would love this with all the science aspects and great characters in a found family.
I need to prioritize this series. I own the first couple. Glad it is still going strong.
I love these so much. Since they are Tantor they are also at the library and I think also Hoopla.
I’ve really enjoyed the first few in this series and am looking forward to continuing the series. Glad to know it’s still going strong!
I hope you continue to love them as much as I do. They build their circle of found family and friends.
Eeeek. So far behind in commenting! Whoops!
I know the feeling.