Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Murder on Threadneedle Street by Andrea Penrose Narrator: James Cameron Stewart
Series: Wrexford & Sloane #10
Published by Kensington Books, Tantor Audio on September 29, 2026
Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction
Pages: 368
Length: hours, minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
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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 . . .
I always enjoy a new story in the Wrexford & Sloane series. There’s great information about early scientific developments, and social commentary. They have built a wonderful found family with their own immediate family with a group of teens and their group of incredible curious friends.
The murder, this time, was Hawk’s drawing teacher. They don’t think they can do anything to solve it but quickly learn more. The teacher was recently released from 10 years in prison. He was the brother of a counterfeiter who was hanged along with others in his group. The police always believed there was a member still uncaught. There were also rumors about the counterfeiter’s young son being the actual engraving designer and talent.
There is a new contest to develop bills which can not be counterfeit which has stirred up interest in the people and case from 10 years ago. The Bank of England people are against any solution from an American though an inventor from there has the best innovations. I enjoyed learning about counterfeit bills, and how real bills are printed. The aspects they use to defeat counterfeit being easily made or easily detected.
Raven and Wrex both have close scrapes as they investigate leads. The clever family gathers up nearly all the facts. Then Sheffield is kidnapped. Wrex and his allies double their efforts believing they know the 2 places where he might be held. Before they make these decisions, Charlotte decides to go to the art gallery of the people adjacent to their suspects. She discovers the mastermind and is thrown in the cellar with Sheffield.
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. I highly recommend this series.
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 newer 1.75x speed. I was wary of the new player with listening to my ARC on Spotify but it went easily with no issues.
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:
- 26-Audio
- 26-COYER
I think I would love learning about all the different things in this story, especially about counterfeiting. Wonderful review!
Thank you! It’s always the fascinating start of some new (then) technology.
Recently added this to my TBR. I’m behind on the series, but looking forward to this one.
It’s a favorite of mine with the found family and the scientific innovations, and a mystery.
This sounds like a smart, sophisticated series. Great review, Anne💜
Thank you Jonetta. It’s amazing. You should definitely try this when you get a chance.
I actually own the first book (on audio) in the series!
I read the first in the series and really enjoyed it, but haven’t had a chance to get back to it. This one definitely sounds like a winner and is pulling me back in. Great review, Anne.
The characters and plots are just so clever.
I think I’d find the information on how to thwart counterfeiting and how they actually produce money interesting. Sounds like another great mystery!
yes and oddly that is the theme of the first season of Reacher so I am getting plenty of info on it lately.
ooooooo! I may have to check out the first book!
It’s a female Holmes, vey smart. Historical. I think you would like it.