Audiobook Review: Murder at the Serpentine Bridge by Andrea Penrose

Murder at the Serpentine Bridge
Author: Andrea Penrose
Narrator: James Cameron Stewart
Series: Wrexford & Sloane Mystery (Book 6)
Publication: Tantor Audio (September 27, 2022)
Length: 11 hours and 58 minutes

Description: For fans of Bridgerton looking for a mysterious twist on the glittering ballrooms of the Regency—a masterfully plotted story from USA Today bestselling author that combines engaging protagonists with rich historical detail and international intrigue, plus a touch of romance that readers of Amanda Quick and Deanna Raybourn will savor.

“[Penrose] mixes well thought out mysteries, early forensic science, great details of the era and a slow burning attraction creating a compulsive read.” —The New York Public Library

Charlotte, now the Countess of Wrexford, would like nothing more than a summer of peace and quiet with her new husband and their unconventional family and friends. Still, some social obligations must be honored, especially with the grand Peace Celebrations unfolding throughout London to honor victory over Napoleon.

But when Wrexford and their two young wards, Raven and Hawk, discover a body floating in Hyde Park’s famous lake, that newfound peace looks to be at risk. The late Jeremiah Willis was the engineering genius behind a new design for a top-secret weapon, and the prototype is missing from the Royal Armory’s laboratory. Wrexford is tasked with retrieving it before it falls into the wrong hands. But there are unsettling complications to the case—including a family connection.

Soon, old secrets are tangling with new betrayals, and as Charlotte and Wrexford spin through a web of international intrigue and sumptuous parties, they must race against time to save their loved ones from harm—and keep the weapon from igniting a new war . . .

My Thoughts: The sixth book in the Wrexford and Sloane historical mysteries takes place during the Peace Celebrations to celebrate the victory over Napoleon. 

Charlotte and Wrexford are recently married and Charlotte is still trying to fit herself into the somewhat restrictive role of Lady Wrexford. She is happy and glad to be reunited with her formerly estranged family. She and Wrexford along with the Weasels are set to attend a weekend party and meet her brother's wife and family. 

However, a body discovered while Rex and the Weasels are out walking their oversized dog may put a halt to those plans. Jeremiah Willis was an engineering genius who had invented a gun that would quickly fire multiple shots. However, his plans and prototypes are missing, and the government has tasked Wresford for locating them. 

There are rumors of a deeply secret auction that will be held to transfer the plans to one of the countries attending the Peace Celebration. Charlotte, Wrexford, the Weasels, and all their other contacts are on the hunt for the murder who is also a traitor. Also, they met her brother's brother-in-law's young ward who is the nephew of the deceased engineer. The Weasels have made the boy Peregrine their friend and brother. Peregrine holds some secrets to the resolution of the mystery. 

This was a fast-paced mystery with an intriguing plot and engaging characters. I like the historical detail which includes prejudice against Blacks and other foreigners. Peregrine is a quadroon and the heir to the estate which his uncle really resents. 

I especially enjoy the Author's Note which lets me know what is fiction and what is nonfiction in the story and which of the characters were real people. As always, this series is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

I bought the Kindle copy August 28, 2024, and added the Audible Plus audiobook.  You can buy your copy here.