ARC Review: Murder in Mayfair by D. M. Quincy

Murder in Mayfair
Author: D. M. Quincy
Series: An Atlas Catesby Mystery (Book 1)
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (July 11, 2017)

Description: In 1810, Atlas Catesby, a brilliant adventurer and youngest son of a baron, is anxious to resume his world travels after a carriage accident left him injured in London. But his plans are derailed when, passing through a country village, he discovers a helpless woman being auctioned off to the highest bidder--by her husband.

In order to save her from being violated by another potential buyer, Atlas purchases the lady, Lilliana, on the spot to set her free. But Lilliana, desperate to be with her young sons and knowing the laws of England give a father all parental rights, refuses to be rescued--until weeks later when her husband is murdered and Atlas is the only one who can help clear her name of the crime.

Fortunately, Atlas is a master at solving complicated puzzles, both with games and the intricacies of human motivation, and finds himself uniquely suited to the task, despite the personal peril it may put him in. But soon Altas learns the dead man had many secrets--and more than a few enemies willing to kill to keep them quiet--in Murder in Mayfair, the first in a new historical mystery series by D. M. Quincy.

My Thoughts: Atlas Catesby is the youngest son of a baron and a world traveler who delights in solving puzzles. A carriage accident and a damaged foot have kept him in England longer than he would like. His stay becomes more interesting when he discovers a young woman being sold to the highest bidder by her husband. Being a gentleman, he steps in and buys the young woman - Lilliana Warwick - and finds himself in the midst of a criminal investigation when her husband is found dead.

There are a number of suspects because Godfrey Warwick was not a nice man. Besides the way he treated his wife, he was jealous of his brother and attempted to blackmail a number of his business acquaintances. Everywhere Atlas looks, more suspects appear. Atlas has to do his own investigation because the runner who has the case thinks Atlas makes the best suspect.

This historical mystery makes good use of the time. In England, in 1810, women had no rights. They and their children were the property of their husbands and had no legal identity beyond him. Lilliana learns this when Godfrey sells her and denies her access to her two young sons.

The story also has the beginning of a romance between Lilliana - who has a big secret she has been keeping - and Atlas but a number of things are conspiring to keep them apart. This was an engaging and entertaining mystery.

Favorite Quote:

They held each other's gaze. It was silent except for the rain that had begun to fall outside, a gentle patter sounding against the window. Her eyes glittered against the smooth porcelain of her complexion. A strange, fierce sensation kindled deep in his belly.

I got this one in exchange for an honest review from  You can buy your copy here.