ARC Review: Murder at Somerset House by Andrea Penrose

Murder at Somerset House
Author: Andrea Penrose
Series: Wrexford & Sloane (Book 9)
Publication: Kensington (September 30, 2025)

Description: Beyond the gilded ballrooms and salons of Regency London lurks a sinister web of intrigue and deception, and when a murder occurs within the scientific community, Lord Wrexford and Charlotte are the perfect pair to unravel it in USA Today bestselling author Andrea Penrose’s latest masterfully plotted mystery for readers of Charles Dodd, C.S. Harris, and Deanna Raybourn.

A welcome interlude of calm has descended on Wrexford and Charlotte, though with three lively young boys in their care and an unconventional circle of friends and allies, quiet rarely lasts long. And sure enough, in the dead of night, an old acquaintance appears and asks for help. His brother-in-law has been accused of murdering a fellow member of the prestigious Royal Society at their London headquarters, Somerset House.

Wrexford agrees to investigate, and with a little unexpected help from their young charges, discovers that what seemed a simple case may be part of a darker, more dangerous plot, where science, money, and politics collide. A mysterious new technical innovation threatens to ignite a crisis throughout Europe, with frightening consequences for London’s financial world.

There is also personal upheaval for Wrexford and Charlotte, when a shocking secret from the past brings a profound change to their family, testing the bonds of loyalty and trust as never before . . .

My Thoughts: This story takes place after Napoleon has been sent to Elba but before the Battle of Waterloo. It is a time of upheaval and Wrex and Charlotte are waiting for the next shoe to drop. When Wrex is asked to look into the murder of the brother-in-law of an old acquaintance, the team finds itself deep in the machinations going on in England. 

Atticus Boyleston was a member of the Royal Society and a scientist working on electricity and magnetism. He had more interactions with the Frensh scientists working on the same problem than his fellow British scientists are happy with in the time after Napoleon's carnage. He was in the process of making a grand announcement when he was murdered. 

The British government has asked Wrexford not to pursue his investigation. They have reasons to want the brother-in-law to be considered the killer in order to give them time to find the real killer and figure out French agents are planning. 

Wrex still investigates because he wants to find out about the scientific discovery the Boyleston was working on. Communication via electricity could make revolutionary changes in the way the world works, and it is in England's best interests that the French don't make the discovery first. 

But this plot turns out to be a red herring. The French have a more dastardly plot in the works. One which disrupts the Stock Exchange to make it impossible for the British government to get necessary funds to fight against Napoleon in his new quest for the throne of France. Kit, Cordelia, and Raven are assisting a genius of the Stock Exchange with their math skills to prevent this plan from succeeding. 

Adding to the intrigue and tension, Wrex learns one of his father's secrets which he had been intending to research before this latest crisis. It turns out that he has a young sister named Eddy who needs a home since her nurse/governess is dying. Twelve-year-old Eddy is mature and self-possessed and has a way with animals. She is also an orphan in need of a home.

This was another excellent episode in this series. I love learning more about the time as the author includes real historical figures along with characters needed to further the plot. I like the way Wrex and Charlotte are building their own found family. I liked the fast-paced action and the twisty plot. 

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