“Stab the body and it heals, but injure the heart and the wound lasts a lifetime.”
Julian “Trev” Silvester, the Marquis of Trevelin, once had everything a gentleman could want–fortune, good looks, and enough charm to seduce the beautiful young ladies of the ton.But after a duel with a jealous duke leaves him disfigured, Trev is ostracized by those who once celebrated him. Though his life is irrevocably changed, Trev is still loyal to his friends. When Willy Gilbert is accused of murder and Lady Vawdrey’s diamond necklace is stolen, he jumps at the chance to help them.
As the two cases merge, however, Trev finds an unlikely ally in Miss Desdemona Woodmansey. She’s the only young lady who doesn’t seem put off by his scar and the scandal of the duel. But as their investigation into the murder reveals just how treacherous the mask of polite society can be, both Trev and Desdemona are placed in grave danger. Trev has already lived through the disgrace of a scandal, but can he survive a murderer who will do anything to protect a sinister secret?
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Sexual Content - 1/5
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Violence - 2/5
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Drugs and Alcohol - 1/5
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Summary
"Trev", the Marquis of Trevelin, has lost his reputation in society but he continues to fight to have what was once him. He jumps at the chance to help his friend who has been accused of murder. Can he find a killer before danger catches up to him?
I've read and enjoyed Heidi Ashworth's books, so when I had the chance to read this start to a series, I was delighted. For the most part, I enjoyed it. It's written in first person, so we are with Trev every step of the way. Through flashbacks, the reader learn what happened that changed his life so drastically. Trev is a sympathetic character, and I immediately sympathized with what he had to endure.
The mystery was excellent, with enough twists and turns to make it interesting. The minor characters that Trev encounters were interesting in their own ways.
What robbed my enjoyment of the book was the supernatural, which I strongly dislike. The reader is warned before the story begins that a certain house is considered one of the most haunted, however I didn't realize it would have such a bearing in how the story ends. If it hadn't been for that one element, this would easily have been a new favorite.
For readers who enjoy a historical story and don't mind a ghostly edge, would enjoy this well written book.
I received an ARC through Net Galley for reviewing purposes.