Adrian Croft escaped being executed by a whisker. But he has been warned that any future transgressions will not be tolerated. Bent on revenge for the murder of his sister, he is very sure that the Duke of Wrengate is behind his sisters death. Recently married to Samantha, a former spy herself, Adrian knows that his actions could have repercussions on his wife.

Drawn into the disappearances of several young people over a period of one year Adrian and Samantha see a pattern in the choice of people who have disappeared and convince the Chief Constable and his Runners that this has to be further investigated. This brings them straight away against a select group of medical doctors, part of a select cult, determined to find a way to anasthize patients using Chinese herbal medicines and folklore. How many people die in the process is not their concern. Their concern is only the progress of medicine.

New enemies surface before the old enmities can be laid to rest. There are several strands in the story which are distinct from each other. A quiet, peaceful life for the newly weds is far from happening right now.

A gripping series involving murder. Adrian and Samantha Croft continue to work with Chief Constable Kendrick and his Runners. Bodies are turning up in the Thames. The connection of a missing maid and footman lead to a doctor performing experiments.
The integrity of Adrian and Samantha are dependent on their cooperation with Kendrick, even though they tend to jump ahead of him. Read the series in order to keep clarity of the characters and their continued connections.
Descriptive violence.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

The series continues. Adrian and Samantha enter a different stage in their marriage where they have time together and be a married couple. The calm is broken by a series of murders that have them working to uncover the culprit. During this time they learn of news that have them rethinking of life and how best to honor their marriage.
We also revisit the life of friends and nemesis that continue to plague them. This book was a slower pace than the previous books but it was still entertaining.

This was yet another fabulous book on the Crofts, Samantha, and Adrian. Things are looking up now that Adrian has been cleared of all charges. When several servants disappear mysteriously, Samantha and Adrian follow the clues and this time, they involve Kendricks as well. Kendricks, knowing that the pair are particularly good, even goes so far as to provide them authorisation to work on behalf of Scotland Yard. Lots of twists and turns and edge of your seat drama along with the new Miss Hastings who has been “assigned” to assist Kendricks with his paperwork and to provide a different perspective on the various cases. I am sure in future books, the chemistry and interest in these two will be explored in greater detail.

I thoroughly enjoyed this newest story of the Crofts and cannot wait to read the next instalment. I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.

Thanks to Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book. I was thrilled to get one because I love this saga and the ongoing story of Adrian and Samantha Croft. I definitely recommend the series to new readers, and I highly suggest starting from the beginning. It’s not that you can’t figure out what’s going on, but you’ll miss out on the building of the relationship between Adrian and Samantha, and that’s really the crux of the story. You need this to truly know the characters.

In this installment, Adrian and Samantha have received pardons with the understanding that Adrian would turn in all of his files (read other stories to understand that) and will assist Chief Constable Peter Kendrick as needed. Someone is murdering people, and Adrian hears about it. Of course, whenever there are evil-doers in London, you can count on Adrian (and now Samanth) to investigate. The difference, now, is that they cannot exact extrajudicial justice. But they do want to solve the mystery and help apprehend the killer, so they work with Kendrick.

Kendrick has a new sidekick, Miss Hastings, the daughter of his boss. She is sent to help Kendrick decipher some clues and give him a different perspective. There is immediately an unspoken tension between Kendrick and Hastings, which he refuses to act upon and she refuses to recognize. It’s clear that something is slowly developing between them, and since Kendrick has proven himself to be a reliable ally to the Crofts, I imagine we’ll be seeing more of them.

This story isn’t quite as tense as the others in the series, and I suspect this is partly because the Crofts are working together as a team instead of as potential enemies. There is an injection of tension added toward the end when we are briefly able to see the POV of the shadowy person who wishes to keep Adrian busy working on administering justice in London. It’s stated that he won’t allow anything or anyone to keep him from that necessary work, and therefore, this person is willing to take out Samantha, if necessary, and dreads they may start a family. So, it looks like staving off potential life-threatening situations for Samantha may be in the next book, which I can’t wait to read.

It’s honestly rare to see a series stay consistently good all the way through, but Sophie Barnes is really pulling it off with House of Croft. This fourth book hits the mark again, her writing just pulls you in. I kept wanting to know how it would all end, and everything felt so vivid in my head, like I was watching a movie play out.

I don’t think there’s anything lacking in this one. My only tiny gripe is I thought this would be the last book, I was ready for everything to be wrapped up because I’m not a fan of stories that get dragged on too long. But hey, fingers crossed the next one gives us all the answers to those last lingering mysteries!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for the honest review

After being acquitted of a crime, Adrian Croft sets out to uncover the truth behind his sister’s death—a search that may implicate a powerful duke. Though he’s sworn to restrain his powers in exchange for a pardon, that vow means little when new threats again threaten his city. When a new string of murders leads directly to Saint George’s Hospital, Adrian knows that he and Samantha must act quickly to stop a killer still at large. Together, they race to identify the murderer, only to confront a new danger—one that emerges from Adrian’s past.
This is another fantastic installment in a series that has closely followed the journey of Adrian and Samantha Croft. While the previous book could have served as a satisfying ending, I truly enjoyed seeing them now working together. The addition of budding side romances adds extra depth, turning this into more than just a murder mystery. An excellent and engaging read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another great installment to Sophie Barnes’ House of Croft Series!. The book begins with Adrian being saved from death by a few influential men of the ton and the Chief Constable, of Bow Street, Peter Kendrick. As he and his wife, Samantha are moving on with their lives, a new string of murders and associated mayhem is taking place in London. As the mysterious deaths and disappearances of servants become known to them, they of course start investigating in attempt to find out if there is a new villain wreaking havoc on the people of London or if it is the same foe Adrian believes is responsible for the death of his beloved sister Evie. While there is a conclusion to their current case at the end,, the reader is left with a tease of the next installment surrounding Adrian, Samantha and the other characters including a new character from Adrian’s past. I am looking forward to reading the next episode in the House of Croft series to see what happens next.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

I couldn't wait for this next installment to find out what would happen next! I read it in one sitting. It was nice to get to see Samantha and Adrian be partners without the mistrust and lies. They got to settle into being a married couple and enjoy some happiness, even while helping to solve a new mystery: the disappearances of servants who are part of a clandestine group doing medical experiments. Kendrick becomes an ally instead of a foe as they work together, and a new character, Gabriella Hastings, arrives on the scene to partner with Kendrick in a "will they or won't they" become a couple relationship. Adrian is still trying to determine who caused the death of his beloved sister, but it runs more in the background of the book, as does his good friend's (Marsdale) and Melody's possible romance. Samantha's relationship with Melody continues, and her past is always a threat she must stay ahead of. I look forward to the next book and hope it arrives soon!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

A great story of intrigue and mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat at parts of it. The author can write a story that is a fantastic read.. A little romance, but not too much. Just a story that will keep your interest. Now I would like to read the rest of the series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the Publisher and leaving a review by my own choice.

A Deceptive Game Ensues by Sophie Barnes
House of Croft #4

~ Another late night for me ~ Could not put this book down and had to finish before turning the light off after 1am ~ Once again Adrian and Samantha work together assisting the police to find a serial killer ~ Excellent addition to the series ~

What I liked:
* Adrian: strong, resilient, bright, protective, was head of a generational crime syndicate, lives by his personal moral compass, made a deal with the government after being found not guilty of murder, madly in love with his wife Samantha
* Samantha: trained with four other girls as covert assets for the government, threatened for leaving the Nightingale project, lethal, protective, would die for Adrein - husband she loves, prefers to be in the midst of things rather than on the sidelines
* Chief Constable Peter Kendrick who had me feeling negative for a few books but is improving & now attracted to Miss Gabriella Hastings
* Miss Gabriella Hastings: youngest daughter of the chief magistrate, bright, sees connections, not easily intimidated, may be interested in Peter Kendrick in the future
* Supporting characters: Murry – valet & more, Isak – orphan taken in by the Crofts, the four women that were close as siblings and raised with Samantha: Melody, Holly, Tara & Hazel
* The potential romance between Edward & Melody
* The mysteries still in play – wonder who the mastermind who set Adrian’s sister up for death & the truth about Wrengate
* The medical aspects of the story and hearing my father talk about the origin of anesthesia – he was an anesthesiologist as was my brother
* The introduction of Finn O’Leary: he is a negative feeling addition to the series I want to find out about
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That in spite of the twists and turns, the killers were found and dealt with

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the callous disregard the killers had for their victims and the warped reasoning they used to do what they did
* That it was not easy for people to make a life together if not from the same social status
* Thinking about Harlowe – the spy-trainer – and how cold he is proving to be

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author, Netgalley and Booksprout for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Adrian Croft escaped the noose in the last book but his desire to find the instigator of his sister’s death is as strong as ever in A Deceptive Game Ensues by Sophie Barnes. But first there are other deaths to look for the villain and provide justice. Adrian and Samantha Croft are happily together and solid in their relationship. When the missing servants become known, they are on the lookout helping Bow Street. New characters, old favorites and a villain I did not expect. As always this is a twisty tale with new dangers arriving before the old ones can be laid to rest.

The compelling read is as great as any of the series. I have kept up with the series but tried to look at it as a new reader to Adrian Crofts’ adventure and escapades. I do think a new reader could follow the plot with no problem but also reading in order would enhance the enjoyment of the entire series. Recommend to all who enjoy a great historical thrilling mystery.

I adore this series, so let me start by saying take whatever opportunity you can to read this series from the beginning, you will instantly be hooked! Adrian and Samantha have settled together after a tumultuous pairing. Adrian is still trying to find his sister's killer, yet making ever effort to stay out of the Bow Street Runners view. Samantha often steps back into her old ways, yet Adrian is always close by to steady the course. Now there are murders taking place that draw them both into a world of intrigue. A plot filled with twists, turns, tunnels, secondary characters (who are thrilling) and so much more. Don't miss it, this author is an amazing all in creative writer. Her characters aren't just people on a page, they draw you in as real as your friends in life.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sophie Barnes for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Deceptive Game Ensues coming out June 17, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love Victorian murder mysteries. They can be so dark and crazy. I love it! Adrian and Samantha are so awesome as a married couple. The story gets better and better. I’ll definitely check out more books by this author!

This is my first time picking up this series and what a ride it was! The action starts right away and the suspense doesn’t let up for a moment. I had no clue where this story would go and I found the conversation about medical advances to be interesting. It makes me wonder what the medical professionals of today get up to behind closed doors.
As this was my first look into the world Barnes is building with these characters, it took me about half the book to keep all the characters straight. Because GOODNESS there are so many people in this book! I’m grateful for all the explanations and recaps given that summarize events of the previous books. Normally, that annoys me as a reader; however, I imagine that even if I had started from the beginning of the series, I would still be needing these reminders because there are just that many characters coming in and out of the story.
I found the relationship between Adrian and Samantha to be sweet and surprisingly compelling. So often in media, betrayals in relationships are brushed to the side with a “forgive and forget” kind of attitude without any serious work put in to repair the relationship. It was refreshing to see a realistic view of what forgiveness actually looks like most of the time: a daily decision to not hold someone’s past choices against them, even while the hurt is still healing. I look forward to seeing how they continue to heal and move forward together.
Speaking of things I’m looking forward to, I am INVESTED in the detective and the partner he ~totally~ doesn’t want. I hope we get a lot more of them in later books!
Overall, this book was a great time! I recommend starting from the top of the series though, just to keep all the characters straight. I can’t wait to read more!

Adrian Croft is bending over backwards to aid the Bow Street runners in their latest investigation. It is painful for him and perhaps more so for Samantha. But she'll do anything to keep him out of danger including trying to stay on the straight and narrow. After four months of marriage their life seems to have possibilities of peace and domestic happiness. If they can just get through this investigation. . .

In all honesty I had a hard time following what was going on in this novel. I have it three stars because I know the author worked hard on this novel.

I love this series and this book was not exception. With powerful friends and even more powerful and deadly enemies, the Crofts have their work cut out while solving rhe latest crime. As always it's great to see the romance continue to blossom and the camaraderie and team work between this couple.

Cannot wait for book 5

Sophie Barnes is back with book 5 in the House of Croft series and if you haven't picked this one up yet I highly encourage you to do so if you enjoy the historical mystery genre. These have hooked me from book one and everytime I finish one I can't wait to pick up the next one.

In this installment, we pick up shortly after the last book. Adrian has been acquitted of his crimes and he and Samantha are looking to stay out of the way of Bow Street but Adrian is still looking for revenge for the death of his sister and he'll have to balance that with the safety of his friends and family because now someone is out there killing people and the murders lead straight to Saint George's Hospital.

Samantha has proven her loyalty to Adrian by saving him from the noose but there are still times where I think she feels she still needs to prove something. That said, they have both settled into their married life but getting caught up in this new investigation, Samantha faces some challenges I don't think she was prepared for. Including someone dangerous from Adrian's past who isn't afraid to start a new war in the city.

I thought Barnes did a great job of bringing the relationship forward for these two. Yes, they stumbled a lot in the earlier books but it's good to see them moving past that. That said, I do think Samantha sometimes falls into her old habits and does things on her own and I appreciate that Adrian called her out on it. But that didn't break them down which is the important part. It will be interesting to see how things progress in the next book knowing what is coming both in their married life as well as from Adrian's past.

I thought the mystery part was well done too - I was all over trying to determine who was behind it all and while I eventually figured out part of it, I didn't guess it all so kudos to Barnes on that as well. One of my other favorite aspects of the book was Kendrick and his new assistant, Miss Hastings. I loved the interactions there and hope we get to see more of that in the upcoming books.

As I mentioned, I truly enjoyed this one and felt that the book kept the series moving forward. I'm hoping that at some point we do get to see some progress on Evie's death. I feel like that plot line has been lingering with very little progress but that said, it's not hurting my enjoyment of the books.

Loved reading the amazing and engaging story. When some servants go missing and one of the missing ends up dead, Samantha and Adrian are on the case helping Kendrick. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the fabulous author, Sophie Barnes!