The Masterful Mr. Montague-Stephanie Laurens

The Masterful Mr. Montague Stephanie Laurens Avon, Apr 29 2014, $7.99 ISBN: 9780062068668 In 1837 London, Runcorn the son of Runcorn and Son goes over Lady Halstead’s bank account with the aristocrat and her employee Violet Matcham. The “ailing” older woman proclaims her balance is not correct as there is too much in it. Runcorn insists one of the late Sir Hugo’s investments recently must have begun to pay dividends, but will trace the anomaly. To appease her upset employer, Violet asks business genius Mr. Heathcote Montague to investigate what happened to the bank account. Attracted to her, he agrees to look into the matter. Not long afterward, someone kills Lady Halstead and other murders follow. Fearing for his beloved Violet’s life, Montague keeps her safe; while Barnaby and Penelope Adair (see Where The Heart Leads), and Inspector Stokes and his wife Griselda seek this deadly predator. The latest Casebook of Barnaby Adair (see The Peculiar Case of Lord Finsbury's Diamonds novella) is an enjoyable Cynster spin-off historical romance that will please the myriad of fans. The storyline is action-packed as three pairs work the thrilling case though that proves double-edged as their personalities seem interchangeable along gender lines. Still readers will appreciate this engaging early Victorian whodunit. Harriet Klausner