Oh, so funny and a great mystery, too

A Brazen Curiosity: A Regency Cozy (Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries Book 1)

By: Lynn Messina

Rating: 5 of 5

This is both my first book by this author and the first book in this series that I have read.

I enjoy mysteries and I also enjoy Regency romance stories. While there is not really a romance per se, in this novel, the elements of a Regency are definitely present. The mystery is front and center.

Beatrice (Bea) Hyde-Clare is an orphan who was, rather grudgingly, taken in by her Uncle and Aunt when she was six years old. She lives with them and her two cousins. She has twenty the last twenty years trying to fade into the background, which is exactly what is expected of her by her family. They also prefer not to be noticed too much. They don’t believe in being too forward or being noticed too much.

Bea is happy to take that role until, at a country house party where her family are guests, she is confronted by a murder. When the investigation makes a wrong turn, she feels she must step in.

The story about how an on-the-shelf spinster finds her voice and her calling as an investigator is absolutely funny. A lot of the story takes place in her mind but how what a fun place to be.

She especially targets the handsome Duke of Kesgrave as he is as pompous and pedantic as he is good looking. The other members of the house party, on the other hand, seem to bow to his elevated rank. Bea is usually tongue-tied around society but the Duke is able to goad her into taking action and speech.

I look forward to reading more in this series. Even though I want to read them all this week, I must space it out so I am able to enjoy and reminisce about the stories.