We’re 14 books into this series and every new installment manages to capture the magic of the first book. That being said, there’s a special place in my heart for the books where Bea and Kesgrave are investigative partners (#1-#3, Perfection) and now we can add book #14 to the list! My only complaint is that we’re having to WAIT FOREVER FOR THE CHERUB!!! Agggghhh.

A really cute cozy mystery with fantastic vibes. i haven't read any book in the series but the characters still seem to leap off the page. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

In this latest book in the series, Bea and the Duke travel to the Matlock estate. Bea has been struggling with the size and grandeur of the estate and her upcoming motherhood.
When she discovers a body in the pinery, she vows to Damien, the Duke to not get involved in the investigation. However, Bea being Bea can't help becoming involved.
The storyline was interesting, had a lot of historical references to Edward II and the Plantagenet dynasty, and some humorous moments.
As usual, the chemistry is fun and loving between Bea and Damien as they work to solve the murder.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. These are my opinions.

This is a read that leaves you feeling happy. Again. So, what else is there to add?
The blurb says it all: The two graces are frolicking among the multitudes of flower arrangements in Haverill Hall (where, again, oh praised be the head gardener! the peonies are still in bloom in mid-July) and in the countryside, as they stumble upon a Matlock-family unrelated body.
So, a mystery-sprinkled honeymoon is off to a good start. The poor dears were denied one so far (honeymoon, that is), as you know, and we are invited for the ride (in a carriage with four ponies)! But more importantly, the story is an essential addition to the BHC universe, to be told and re-told long after the cherub has graced us with its presence.
The moral undertone, if one is inclined to search for one after the earlier installments’ forays into, e.g., museums and journalistic ethics, is the working morale of the scientific community members in the 19th century. Or does the discussion apply to a time near the present.. ?
On another sidenote, there are no noticeable dairies in the Cambridgeshire, nevertheless, Haverill Hall does not seem to run out of cheese in this setting. Positioned in the summer and published in spring, no frosty temperatures will come to the rescue of your melting heart. Best enjoyed with a scoop of ice or a supplementary slice of cheese.
Let’s hope, Bea comes up with more opportunities for chaos and disruption to bestow on her august husband in a very near future.

Thanks netgalley for the arc. Opinions are my own.

When i get to start reading a new installment in Bea and Kesgrave's adventures, I am always positive it will be a hugely rewarding experience and this book proves it once again!

Great characters, amazing mysteries, beautifully written stories and witty dialogues make for an exceedingly entertaining reading I am always eager to jump into.

I cannot wait for the next chapter of the wonderful Bea-verse: be it Bea, Verity or even Flora's story, I am sure I will love it!

I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.

Beatrice and Damien have finally gotten to his country home. This moment has been a source of anxiety to Bea for several books now and what better way to make her feel at home than to have her discover a dead body in the famous pinery?

The mystery in this book is so well connected to history that I found myself searching for accounts of Edward II’s final days online. What a great imagination Lynn Messina has to weave a mystery around the story of Edward’s death.

Bea and Damien’s personal storyline was lovely. She is still insecure in her role and is intimidated by the ducal apartment. Damien’s response is so sweet and sensitive. The relationship is beautiful.

If you somehow jumped into the series here, you might not have picked up on the many, many references to earlier books. I found those moments charming!