This book is an interesting, entertaining addition to the series.
The main characters are all fun and engaging. My only complaint would be that I would like to see more interaction between Charlotte and Wrex.
This is not only a fictional murder mystery, but I like the way the author really researches her material well and the information about electricity and the stock market at the time were very informative.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, and these are my opinion

An interesting mix of mystery and espionage against the backdrop of Napoleon's exile to and escape from Elba. It's always a pleasure to return to this long-running series, and I enjoyed "Murder at Somerset House". Andrea Penrose's books are always full of fascinating historical detail. This one includes explanations of early research into electromagnets and the beginning of stock trading in England; Penrose explains these concepts as simply as possible but perhaps in more detail than some readers would like (and skimming these explanations will not detract from understanding the plot). The author continues to develop long-time characters and relationships, which may be difficult for newcomers to the series to understand; this is a series best read in order. Penrose is excellent at description, but could tone down puns and wordplay related to birds. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for the eARC.

For fans of: Anna Lee Huber, Tasha Alexander
Series: #9
Avail: 9/30
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕
Genre: Historical Mystery
Violence: 🪓🪓
Spice: 🔥

The Wrexford & Sloane series is unique in that each book centers on a scientific advance of the early 19th century. But they aren’t solely for the science-minded, & Penrose excels at making technical topics approachable & putting life-changing innovations in historical context. With the intro of new characters in more recent books, Penrose broadens the field to intersect with mathematics. Thus series #9 touches on 3 seemingly unrelated topics—development of the telegraph, the London Stock Exchange, & the Napoleon Wars—making Murder at Somerset House the most complex mystery yet. As always, the married sleuths deploy their version of the Bakerstreet Irregulars, miring them in dark, dastardly, deadly situations. In fact, one of my favorite parts of this story is the intro of a new secondary character to this found family, one who is a delight in their own right & promises to bring fun upheaval to future books. At times, I lost my way in the more complex details of high finance, but I learned a great detail about the ‘Xchange. And I never lost track of or enjoyment in the overall mystery plot. As always, I can’t wait to learn what invention or discovery will inspire Penrose’s brain to innovate a new twisty, turny mystery.

Thanks to Kensington & NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Andrea Penrose for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at Somerset House coming out September 30, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love Victorian murder mysteries. This is a fun series. I haven’t read all the books in the series yet, but I’ve read a few and enjoy the characters. I was hoping for a little more development, but I really liked it. I’m excited to see what happens next.

This is another excellent addition to the Wrexford and Sloane series. As usual, Wrex and Charlotte have been drawn into investigating a murder. This time the murder has ties to the early stages of the invention of the telegraph, the British Stock Market, and Napoleon's escape from Elba. Although I found all of the financial background information to be pretty dull (I skimmed a lot of it) the story itself was engrossing. The excellent cast of recurring characters are like visiting old friends and they are once again in a thrilling race to thwart the enemies and avert disaster- this time on an international scale. All of this in addition to a surprising new family member made for another great read. #NetGalley. #MurderatSomersetHouse

Andrea really did her research on this mystery: electricity to the London Stock Exchange. Despite the fact I barely squeaked through economics in college, I found the explanations of the stock exchange fascinating. It all is part and parcel of Murder at Somerset House as Wrex and family seem to be going in circles to discover why a scientist was murdered. This investigation will have you spinning too!

Andrea Penrose cannot write anything boring or not interesting in my book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. as it's well plotted, the mystery is full of surprises and twists, and entertaining. . I liked the good storytelling was glad to catch up with the fleshed out characters
Highly Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Nice cozy historical fiction mystery.

Plot summary: Wrexford and Charlotte are called in to help when someone is murdered after giving a speech at a scientist meeting. Their motley crew of kids, at the same time, try to find a missing monkey and get shot by someone up to no good. Are the two incidents related?
In the meantime, as they search for the killer, two more people are killed, and a Frenchman is implicated. Where does France fit in? Is Napoleon coming back? And what's happening to the markets?

This is my first of this series. I liked the characters and the setting. I am guessing long-time fans will enjoy this. I found that there was a little too much going on for me to follow, like the first murder and monkey thing get swallowed into a whole other story, and there was a lot of explanation as to how the markets work, which showcases the excellent research but adds unnecessary bulk to the story.

I didn't love how a group of young boys (and eventually a 12-year old girl) are used throughout to help Wrex, and they get into seriously dangerous situations. They're fun and smart, but it's completely irresponsible.

I did enjoy how it came together at the end, especially how some carrier pigeons saved the day.

2.75/5

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington, and Andrea Penrose for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.

It’s always a pleasure getting reacquainted with these amazing characters! The mystery was intriguing and full of red herrings to keep the reader guessing.

Wrexford and Charlotte are perfect for each other. Wrexford’s love for Charlotte has softened some of his rough edges. But not completely. Their found family with the Weasels and their friend group is the heart of the story..

The introduction of real life cutting edge inventions and innovations knowing how they will impact the world.

Chemistry and mathematics are detailed in the series which can make the pacing of the story get bogged down a bit at times.

Overall this is a great series!

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC.

Another excellent mystery by Ms Penrose. I always enjoy her mysteries because of the amount of research she does to make her mysteries a learning experience, along with a great adventure. Although I did feel this one was a bit heavy on the history, but because they are so well written, with wonderful characters and a well-thought-out plot, it was still very much a page turner. I found it hard to put down with no real idea of how it was going to finish. I enjoyed the change in family dynamics and look forward to more adventures with this unconventional family. It is easy to read as a standalone, but much better to have the background of all the characters. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.

I was a bit surprised I requested this book and as I read the first chapters I wasn’t sure if it was for me, however without knowing it I became intrigued with the story and the history of this title. The story of the stock exchange, Napoleon’s escape from Elba, some science thrown in and of course a well designed mystery plot with lots of red herrings. A thoroughly enjoyable and interesting read.

This story takes place after Napoleon has been sent to Elba but before the Battle of Waterloo. It is a time of upheaval and Wrex and Charlotte are waiting for the next shoe to drop. When Wrex is asked to look into the murder of the brother-in-law of an old acquaintance, the team finds itself deep in the machinations going on in England.

Atticus Boyleston was a member of the Royal Society and a scientist working on electricity and magnetism. He had more interactions with the Frensh scientists working on the same problem than his fellow British scientists are happy with in the time after Napoleon's carnage. He was in the process of making a grand announcement when he was murdered.

The British government has asked Wrexford not to pursue his investigation. They have reasons to want the brother-in-law to be considered the killer in order to give them time to find the real killer and figure out French agents are planning.

Wrex still investigates because he wants to find out about the scientific discovery the Boyleston was working on. Communication via electricity could make revolutionary changes in the way the world works, and it is in England's best interests that the French don't make the discovery first.

But this plot turns out to be a red herring. The French have a more dastardly plot in the works. One which disrupts the Stock Exchange to make it impossible for the British government to get necessary funds to fight against Napoleon in his new quest for the throne of France. Kit, Cordelia, and Raven are assisting a genius of the Stock Exchange with their math skills to prevent this plan from succeeding.

Adding to the intrigue and tension, Wrex learns one of his father's secrets which he had been intending to research before this latest crisis. It turns out that he has a young sister named Eddy who needs a home since her nurse/governess is dying. Twelve-year-old Eddy is mature and self-possessed and has a way with animals. She is also an orphan in need of a home.

This was another excellent episode in this series. I love learning more about the time as the author includes real historical figures along with characters needed to further the plot. I like the way Wrex and Charlotte are building their own found family. I liked the fast-paced action and the twisty plot.

One of the pleasures of the Wrexford & Sloane series is that you always come away having learned something new. In Murder at Somerset House, the focus is on early developments in the telegraph, along with fascinating details about mathematics and the stock market. While these subjects are intriguing, I felt that the heavy emphasis on explanation slowed the pacing, with more telling than showing at times.

Penrose also introduces a new character, who fits right in with the eccentric Wrexford household. Personally, I’d love to see how the group interacts with someone a bit more conventional to provide contrast.

This wasn’t my favorite entry in the series, but it still delivers an entertaining Regency mystery with plenty of atmosphere.

Yet another excellent addition to Andrea Penrose's 'Wrexford and Sloane" series. I love this series and was so excited to get an eArc for the ninth book. Beyond the gilded ballrooms and salons of Regency London lurks a sinister web of intrigue and deception, and when a murder occurs during a scientific meeting at the Royal Society's stately headquarters at Somerset House, Lord Wrexford and Charlotte are the perfect pair to unravel it. But it soon becomes clear that things are not what they seem . . .
Penrose's research into the time period is always fascinating and this book was no exception. She deep dived into the creation of the London stock exchange as well as the earliest days of research into the electric telegraph. As always the wonderful cast of characters that make up Charlotte and Wrex's found family are present with some new additions and the threat of Napoleon is ever looming in the background.
My only tiny issue is as the cast grows we seem to spend less and less time with Charlotte and Wrex, who are by far my favorite characters. It felt like we rarely see Charlotte in this book and Charlotte and Wrex alone together is even more rare. Alongside several plotlines (some of which only exist as purposeful misdirection), it became a lot to follow along with the expansion of our normal cast of characters. And while I enjoyed the new character and the ultimate resolution within the family, the internal angst stemming from growing pains was not my favorite. She wrote in her authors note that she wanted to shake up the main story so as to not let the storytelling become stagnant, which, after 8 books I completely understand. But I hope for a return to more of a standard murder mystery with Charlotte and Wrex playing the major roles. That being said I truly enjoyed reading this book and I am so glad that it seems like the series will continue on and I cannot wait for the next story in the series!
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for a free eArc in return for an honest review.

Another good addition to the series. As with her other books, the author likes to highlight a scientific or mathematical discovery and this one is no exception. We learn about electromagnetism and the early experiments for what would one day become the telegraph along with a broad stroke examination of the London Stock Exchange and how England financed its various wars. With this book set in 1815, when Napolean escaped from Elba, England needed to raise funds quickly for their battle at Waterloo. I will admit that most of the scientific and mathematical details are over my head but I understand enough to get the basics and how they fit in with the plot. One of my favorite things about this series are the characters and how every member of Wrex and Charlotte's unusual family have important roles in the investigations they undertake. In this book we get to meet a new family member and learn their special gift that will be an important contribution to the successful outcome of the latest assignment. I highly recommend this book along with the others in the series.

A great continuation to the series. A really solid mystery with the interesting explanation into the workings of the stock exchange. Overall a great histocal mystery series to pick up! Look forward to the next one!

"Beyond the gilded ballrooms and salons of Regency London lurks a sinister web of intrigue and deception, and when a murder occurs within the scientific community, Lord Wrexford and Charlotte are the perfect pair to unravel it in USA Today bestselling author Andrea Penrose's latest masterfully plotted mystery for readers of Charles Dodd, C.S. Harris, and Deanna Raybourn.

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..."

Oh, I'm here for whatever mystery Wrexford and Charlotte have to face, but I'm on the edge of my seat to know what the shocking secret from the past is! Andrea Penrose never fails to deliver!

This series continues to delight!

Charlotte, Wrexford, the Weasels and their friends are unwillingly drawn into an investigation involving a member of the Royal Society. As always, Penrose has done her homework, and this time, she writes about the financial markets, the economic theorists and the technological innovations driving them in the period. I was fascinated by the glimpse into the workings of the British stock market.

A surprise new character is introduced into the family circle, and I look forward to the developing relationships.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Andrea Penrose has a strong writing style and I enjoyed getting into these characters. It left me wanting to read more from Andrea Penrose and this world. This was a strong ninth entry in the Wrexford & Sloane Mystery series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the previous entries. It had that mystery element that I wanted from this type of book, the characters felt like they were supposed to in this series and was glad everything flowed well.

I've been reading the Wrexford and Sloane mysteries since the start and have enjoyed them a great deal. The cast of central characters keeps growing and keeps becoming increasingly delightful. The tensions between social expectations and women-wanting-to-do-what-they-want-to-do-dammit-and-maybe-even-doing-it-while-they're-wearing-trousers are there, with convention acceded to only reluctantly and incompletely.

The cast of central characters are varied: wealthy former rogue member of the aristocracy who dabbles in chemistry; a woman once part of the 'ton' and now a political cartoonist, gradually and a bit reluctantly reentering the ton; a female mathematician; a feisty dowager; a manservant with a remarkable set of skills; a fierce and affectionate cook/housekeeper; and the weasels: three young boys adopted into this household. Two of the weasels are former street urchins, one now a budding artist and inventor, the other a mathematical prodigy. The third weasel comes from the aristocracy, but is orphaned and mixed race, and his nearest relative wants nothing to do with him, so he's been added the group. There's also a pathologist and a not-completely-trustworthy baron from the continent who keeps showing up unexpectedly. So, lots of variety, lots of opportunity for hilarity.

However, I'm finding it harder to sit comfortably with the fact that while some of the members of this household have risen in station to heights that might once have seemed impossible and have been warmly embraced, there's still a crew of unnamed servants making sure fires are lit and tea is served. Where do they sleep? When do they sleep and for how long? Do they each get their own bed or are they doubled up? Do they have windows to look out of? It's kind of a Brechtian "A Worker Questions History" moment. Not really a new issue at all, but one I've managed to miss in the past because I've been enjoying running around with the central characters.

Murder at Somerset is a solid historical mystery that anyone who enjoys the genre will appreciate. I'm just have my own little moment of trying to see beyond the center of the narrative and into the edges.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.