I'm a bit late to the party. This is my first book by Rosalie Oaks, and I have some catching up to do. This is the the spinoff series, that takes place after the FMC's daughter's series - The Lady Jewel Diviner. Always a delight to experience great writing. Lady Judith has is helping solve a murder that takes place in the household of her former love interest from 23 years ago. Duke Dacian is very swoony. Judith and Dacian both have vampiri, which from how I picture it in my mind - are like familiars. The vampiri - Marigold and Wooten steal the show.

This is a very, VERY SLOW burn romance. On the level of the old 80s TV show moonlighting, or Deanna Raybourn's Veronica and Stoker.

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.

This is a regency fantasy romance murder mystery. I promise it actually makes sense all together.

Lady Avely is duty bound to return to her hometown. She is hoping to squeeze in-and-out without anyone the wiser; particularly, the man who broke her heart over twenty years ago.

But with murder and mayhem abound, the Duke needs her ear for the truth to solve what or who is haunting his estate.

That is a very simplified explanation of the premise without spoiling literally anything. There is a magic system, but it isn’t super prevalent and very loosely explained. The important magic for the story is that the FMC can hear when someone lies. I found the magic in general to be fine, if a little bit loose. We never really understand where the magic originally came from, and the rules that guide the magic are also just sorta there.

Bemusement is a part of magic that is barely explained. It is just sort of an accepted fact of magic use.

I liked this story. It was fast and fun. I actually somehow didn’t guess who did it, and I was surprised by the outcome. I think the whodonit aspect was well done.

The romance was nice. Very cute. I really wanted the two characters together, even if I feel like their initial separation was kind of unbelievable.

The low point for the book is worldbuilding, which isn’t a huge deal to me. I’m not super big on tons of lore and extra explanation. I’m fine with a just vibes kinda thing, but even I noticed the lack of worldbuilding.

Overall, I had a fun time. It does end in a BIG FAT CLIFFHANGER, which was a bummer. But I guess I will just impatiently wait for book two.

3.75/5 stars

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for a review. While I appreciate the opportunity, it has no bearing on the content of my review.

This book was so funny and interesting! Lady Judith had me adoring her from the first chapter. This was such a cozy book full of mystery, skulls, and chocolate, and I loved it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Parkerville Press for the arc!
Pub date: 2/16/24