Reviewed: March 10th, 2024
Released: February 16th, 2024
Genre: Magical Cosy Mystery
Regency widow shouldn’t be hunting spectres all night.
Lady Judith Avely’s magical gift for divining the truth makes her prodigiously good at lying. To absolve a guilty secret, she travels to the exiled Duke of Sargen’s estate, but the last thing she expects is to run into the duke himself, who is lamentably now even more attractive than in his volatile youth.
The duke has his own concerns: he has returned home to a haunted house, with skulls floating about and a footman apparently bashed by a book. Such vulgar circumstances are best avoided, but the duke needs Judith’s unique talents to help uncover the culprit – even if it might put her in the sights of a killer.
With the help of a tiny vampiric acquaintance and a continuous supply of drinking chocolate, Judith should be able to solve the uncanny mystery…if only the duke will stop making improper remarks about her mobcaps.
A lady who can discern lies, the duke who lied to her, and a gothic cosy mystery full of bats, skulls, and cocoa.
Lady Avely’s Guide to Truth and Magic features a mid-life heroine, a slow-burn second-chance romance, and a magical version of Regency England.
Helen’s Thoughts: 5/5
Oh what a gem of a book. Beautifully written, reminsicent of the regency style of Georgette Heyer with a touch of magic. If you love morally grey characters given a second chance at love, then you will enjoy this magical romp. We all love a good rake of course, especially when he has a sense of honour beneath alll the bravado.
The magic system is clever and subtle, giving Juduth, our mid-life widow and truth sayer, an advantage when discerning who is telling the truth, and who is lying. I look forward to learnng more about who can do what. The vampiri is cute and adorable and added a touch of humour.
An enjoyable magical, cosy mystery with a regency feel. Especially nice to see a feisty woman navigating the stifling male dominated world, and righting some wrongs along the way.
Purchase Lady Avely’s Guide to Truth and Magic via Amazon
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback
Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback
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If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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