This has to be my favorite Rosalind Thorne mystery yet! There was so much progression in her relationship with Adam, with Alice, and considering the longevity of her “career” as a useful woman. There was a lot on the line for Rosalind. And the mystery was all over the place - in a good way! - so I was enthralled right up to the end.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

I feel as though Darcie Wilde is an underappreciated workhorse; all of her Rosalind Thorn novels are lovely historical mysteries that I rarely hear anyone talking about. Which is a damn shame because I love the twisty condundrums of her mysteries and the rich historical details she adds.

And the latest Rosalind Thorn outing is no exception. While the mystery itself wasn't my favorite, I really did like all the nuanced characters in this installment of the series. It felt as though Wild was purposely using this as an interesting microcosm of the ways in which womanhood was performed in Regency England (trust me, I'm making it sound much dryer than it is). Rosalind continues to be whip-smart and confident; Alice is delightful. Mr. Harkness, while somewhat less prominent in this book than others, continues to be a capable and worthwhile hero for Miss Thorn.

All in al, I tore though The Secret of the Pearls in just a few days, losing more than a little sleep while I did so. But it was well worth it :) Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.

I like the very useful lady, Rosalind Thorne, she is intelligent, compassionate, and industrious, but I have no clue what she looks like. I like her beau, Adam Harkness, a Bow Street Runner. There relationship is based in reality of the times, lovely! Rosalind does little deeds for the ladies of the ton, discreetly, solving forgeries, thefts, and murders, all for delicate renumeration, she may have been born a gentlewoman, yet due to circumstances beyond her control, she is taking care of herself, with her author friend Alice, the two friends share a small home. I mean very small. Thoroughly enjoyable read, nice escape, which from me is high praise indeed! By the way, as a lover of pearls myself, the necklace sounds perfect!
Thank you #Netgalley #TheSecretoftheLostPearls
I highly recommend!
carolintallahassee

I had not read any of this series, but liked The Secret of the Lost Pearls and had no trouble following the plot. Rosalind Thorne was raised as part of the Regency gentry, but a family financial scandal has forced her to make her way in the world. She does this by being what I would call a "fixer." Society ladies engage Rosalind to help with debuts, plan parties and in this case, help find a stolen pearl necklace for one of her childhood friends. Along the way, we and Rosalind learn about a past elopement that could ruin the season for the unmarried ladies of the house. And a mystery would not be worth reading without a nice murder thrown in. Rosalind navigates all this with the help of friends and her romantic interest, Bow Street officer Adam Harkness. This is a cozy regency with a charming main character. I plan to read the earlier books in the series.

This is my favorite installment in the series thus far. The mystery is intriguing and moves swiftly. In fact, there are multiple mysteries and twists, which are expertly handled without the story becoming convoluted or tiresome. The strands are woven together in a way that reveals just enough, but not too much. The story is told from more perspectives than in previous installments, a stylistic choice that I strongly believe builds tension and strengthens the book.

Rosalind is more vulnerable and fallable than in previous books, making her much more real. Another aspect I appreciate is that the author (and Rosalind) acknowledge the fact that her reputation as 'a useful woman' has spread to an extent that is may actual hinder her ability to be useful in many circumstances. Rosalind and Adam have both reached a point where they must seriously evaluate their respective professions, laying the groundwork for what I anticipate will be a great seventh book.

One point that did give me pause is the title. It does not fit the pattern of previous books in the series, but do not let it throw you off. This is a great read.

My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC! Please note that my review is completely objective.

this was a wonderfully done mystery novel, it does what a good first book should do, it introduced the world and the characters within. I loved the way this was written as I was invested in what was going on and trying to solve the mystery. The characters were what I wanted from the time period and felt like they belonged in this time period. This was a great start to the Useful Woman Mystery series and I look forward to more in this universe.

"They all became very busy at once. Adam removed Cantrell’s varied belongings from the trunk—his shaving kit, cuff links, stockings, breeches, neckcloths, all the detritus of a man’s life—and examined each item carefully. Rosalind and Alice, meantime, set about separating the letters into stacks, each according to the various names to whom they’d been directed."

I am grateful to the author, NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to enjoy this ARC in return for a review, which I am pleased to offer. I have enjoyed all the books in this series, some more than others. This one was well done, I thought.

Rosalind has very much grown and blossomed over the last few books. The negative impact of her family has been reduced and her romantic prospects have been simplified (no spoilers to those who haven’t read the earlier volumes. . . but hallelujah on both counts). She is less tentative and subservient to the grand women of the ton, and is finding ways to walk the fine line between commerce and her position in society.

The mystery in this story is very satisfying, and builds on multiple levels as she investigates the family ties of her childhood friend Bethany. The chapter headings from Pride and Prejudice are particularly apt and familiar. That’s probably why I enjoyed them more than those chosen for previous books.

Rosalind is forced to use all her skills and contacts to move between the different levels of society. I admire her calm and ability to school her features in the face of attacks and challenges. She investigates a number of difficult clues, and has to put suspicion on people that she cares for. She is frightened that failure in this case will demolish her carefully built status. She clings to her tiny home as a symbol of what she has accomplished.

Her friends, as always, have a significant role in this adventure, from collecting gossip to investigating family lore and exploring some of the seedier sides of 18th century life, like bigamy and inheritance. Her new maid Amelia has taken to investigating with gusto and spirit. There’s a hint of a budding relationship with Alice that strains credulity, to my mind.

All the threads of the story come together effectively, plunging Rosalind into the depths of fear of failure. But she prevails and shows some real cheek in helping the young girls of this family start on the road to autonomy, fulfillment and even opportunity for happiness. This is a Rosalind who is confident in her own abilities and happy to help others in unusual paths forward. The guilty parties get their comeuppance. Her coup in managing Lady Cowper at the end took my breath away!

The only character I missed here is her sister.

After a run of disappointing stories over the past several weeks, I am pleased to mark this one as 5 stars. I look forward to learning how Rosalind manages her life’s purpose with the opportunity for an intriguing permanent relationship.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the ARC. The opinions expressed are my own. This is the sixth in the Rosalind Thorne mysteries. Rosalind is a genteel woman of independent means. She assists families of the haut ton with anything from entering The Season and navigating connections, hosting parties, any gossip or family secrets, thefts and even murder. She lives with her friend Alice who is a novelist and her maid Amelia. They assist her in ways with her various jobs. Her boyfriend Adam Harkness, is a runner for Bow Street. He has his own investigations but also lends a helping ear to Rosalind.

She finds herself this time with a multitude of problems, all involving one family. Her unique services are requested and she accepts. An old acquaintance, Bethany Douglas,.has had her very expensive pearl necklace stolen. Not only that, she wants her help in aiding her sister in law's entrance into Society. Rosalind has many connections and knows who to importune for what and what strings she can pull. She's very capable and efficient. She has a multitude of talents but she balances a fine line. The haut ton would deem her unladylike for earning wages in exchange for her services. But she must make a living and she does so as politely and discreetly as possible.

During her investigation into the missing pearls, she discovers an elopement in the family and knows that it will complicate matters and the gossip will need to be dealt with. The family is full of secrets and hard to read. There are the parents, Mr and Mrs Douglas (Bethany), Bethany's sisters and her sister in law; not including the servants and staff. Rosalind has her work cut out for her. As if that's not enough, there has been a murder. The pearls take a backseat as this new development takes the forefront. Polite society could engage the services of Bow Street for their services in discretion and desirable outcome, for a sum. Murders could be handled much more discreetly if one had the money. Rosalind often uses Bow Street for their services, and not just because Adam works for them. Bow Street has a reputation that isn't always fair. Adam works hard and is honest and just. I hope to see the romance develop more between these two.

I admit to adoring this series and the main characters. However, this story didn't captive me like the others. I found the ending a surprise which is good with a mystery. The characters were well developed and interesting. I just found the storyline to be a bit all over the place and hard to follow at times. But I will gladly stay a fan!

Full transparency: I love this series, and I love the characters. I love the language, the storytelling, and the emotional depth. So I was very much predisposed to love this book, and I did.

This latest entry in the series has all the intricate plotting, strong character development, lovely prose, and historical detail of its predecessors. You could read this as a stand-alone but will get much more out of it if you read the series, which I highly recommend anyway (see above). The burgeoning relationship that’s at the heart of the series advances in a lovely, plausible, and nuanced way, and I already can’t wait for the next one. Honestly. Read this series. I’d buy stock in it if I could.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

What a fantastic read! I enjoyed this novel from start to finish. This series has been an enjoyable read. If you enjoy the regency era with a twist of mystery, this is a series for you! Rosalind Thorne is a useful woman, one who helps women with troubles, for she can move about society and has connections. She works with her writer friend Alice, her maid Amelia, her friend Sanderson, and Bow Street runner Adam. Rosalind helps to solve mysteries and at times, those that involve murder. She uses use intelligence to help solve problems for her clients, and at times getting in over her head, but she has her friends who help her. Rosalind receives a request from an old friend for help in navigating society for her sisters, but the real reason is to discover jewelry that had been stolen, for the family did not want anyone knowing for it would ruin their chances with the head of the family. However, a previous indiscretion from the past resurfaces, making more trouble for the family who wants to avoid scandal. Deciphering truth from lie and what people are hiding, Rosalind gets more than she bargained for. For each person has a reason for wanting the jewels and to commit murder.
I received this novel as an ARC from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was sent to me for review by Netgalley…thanks to the publisher. Historical fiction…likable characters…some not so much…the story moves s,only, at times, but comes to a resounding end. This author is talented and gifted, and I look forward to more books by this author.

The Secret of the Lost Pearls by Darcie Wilde is an excellent historical mystery that is the sixth book in the wonderful A Rosalind Thorne Mysteries.

This is such a well-developed and well-written series. Rosalind Thorne is an excellent main character with wit, intelligence, and a heart of gold with a feistiness that makes her solve the crime. Societal problems and murder/mystery are included with questionable relations, family, and possible theft. Rosalind has to get to the bottom of all of this…and takes us along for the ride.

I enjoyed the plot, pacing, character cast, and the ending. I like where this series is going and I am looking forward to the next book.

5/5 stars

Thank you Kensington Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 12/27/22.