Suspicious Circumstances Lead to Sensible Resolutions
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Sense and Sensibility Mystery, Secondary Character
SERIES: Miss Mary Investigates #4 (I’d recommend reading #1 Death of a Clergyman, #2 Death in Highbury, #3 Death of a Dandy, before reading this book for fuller enjoyment and understanding of Mary’s and Alexander’s journeys. There is also a Prequel – The Mystery of the Missing Heiress)
THE PREMISE: While staying with the Gardiners in London, Mary encounters the Dashwood sisters and forms a friendly bond with the eldest, Elinor. Mary soon becomes acquainted with the Dashwoods’ circle of friends in London and their recent dramas and heartbreaks. But events take a surprising turn when one new acquaintance if found dead, one reveals a life-changing secret, and one is accused of murder…
WHAT I LOVED:
- La! S&S London: I would love to live in a world where I could encounter Mrs. Jennings and Colonel Brandon every day, don’t you? How exciting for Mary to meet and assimilate amongst the S&S gang! Especially during their London visit with Mrs. Jennings – such an eventful time! With her own heartache over Alexander Lyons and his separation and silence, it was the perfect time for Mary to befriend two others who are also battling their own disappointments in love.
- Unexpectedly Reunited: It has been several months of no contact, and both Mary and Alexander are unsure why. They are each beginning to doubt that their love is reciprocated when murder and suspicious circumstances bring them together! I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Mary and Alexander continue to develop. While the progress is slow (we are four books in at this moment) there is at least enough taking place to satisfy. I’m happy to see the actions and steps forward Mary and Alexander took in this story, even if they don’t have all the answers sorted.
- Dial F for Ferrars: As for the mystery itself, it was a most intriguing one! Inheritances (and their ability to shift or be bestowed elsewhere) inspire all sorts of actions! With Mrs. Ferrars being so controlling, the siblings’ discordant relationships and Edward’s engagement disruption – the Ferrars family was the perfect choice to explore this murder plot.
- Whatta Man: Colonel Brandon, Alexander Lyons, and yes – even Edward Ferrars each have their moments where they take action, display their deep-rooted affection for others, risk their lives, and reveal that they are mighty good men… *swoon*
WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER:
- Small Quibbles: I ended up guessing (correctly) the perpetrator early on and maybe wished for some more twists and turns with the mystery itself. In addition, some of the characters’ behaviors felt a little out-of-character or involved a sudden or surprising change, and I wouldn’t have minded more groundwork/support for their changes. Fanny Dashwood NOT being involved or trying to take control of her family’s drama was a bit surprising…
FINAL THOUGHTS:
🤑 Now, I ain’t sayin’ she a gold digger…but for those with unsecured futures do desperate times call for desperate measures?
💰 Inheritances given, inheritances taken, inheritances tied up, inheritances denied – money makes the world go around for so many in this tale.
🤔 Mary and Alexander – where do we go from here? Is it Bath? I feel like it might be Bath… 💀 or ⚓️
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~ Miss Mary Investigates ~
Prequel – The Mystery of the Missing Heiress
4 – Death in Sensible Circumstances
So far I’ve only read the prequel and number one. When I realised it was an ongoing series I preferred to wait until the series ends before reading more. I do hope !ary and Alexander do end up together by the end.
These are one of all time favourite series. I absolutely love them and re read at least 3x a year . I just love this authors work.