I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this work in audio format free of charge from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

The narration is excellent and well done. It brings the story and its characters to life very well.

The Title caught my attention, A murder of Rogues, and the fact it was an historical murder mystery and I was hooked.

The character of Cascabel is fun, deterimined and very daring as she slips between her two identies and genders of Cascabel and Pom.

Iiked the story but it did push alot of the social norms of its time period a bit far from true it was stil a decent mystery.

A good rainy day mystery.

A MURDER OF ROGUES is a historical mystery centring queer lives.

This is a book that takes the "girl dressing as a boy to do something interesting forbidden to girls" trope and explores it through a gender queer lens. It's a book that looks at the queer lives that are so often deliberately overlooked or written out of the historical narrative.

All of this is wrapped up in a murder mystery in an era without finger printing or DNA tests. The murdered boy is deeply unpleasant, blackmailing several students. It gives the reader plenty of suspects, forcing Cascabel to join the infamous Rogues Club to expose the real killer before they're outed.

I appreciated the book had Cascabel spiralling the more they were involved in the Rogues Club. It showed how deeply they had fallen, trying to find out what happened. They get a little addicted to alcohol and used to morphine. It impacts their studies and relationships. This is not a nice club and it was nice to see this changing Cascabel's behaviours.

Lucy Walker-Evans narrates. There are three tones used for Cascabel - one that's very feminine, for when they're having to present as a young woman, one that's more masculine (when being their brother), and then one that's in the middle for when they're just being them. It's quite subtle, but a really nice way of exploring the difference between role playing and natural in the story.

This was quite the enjoyable audiobook to listen to! I was always a big fan of Tamora Pierce and her character of Alanna who takes her brother's place and pretends to be him to get the education she wanted as a knight. Now Cascabel is not going for knighthood but I applaud their (since they consider them both and neither a boy or a girl) goal of becoming a surgeon. Unfortunately getting into Oxford seems to be the easiest part of the journey! From blackmail to murder and a dangerous red book with many secrets (some of them apparently murdering for!) plus being considered a suspect and hounded by the constables! I really rooted for Pom (Cascabel) as they balanced all that, had time to join the Rogue's club (to help solve the murder before being accused of it themselves), fight a duel, begin to learn to be a surgeon and even fall in love. I love the whole addition of Mouse teaching Pom sign language which was a nice quiet time in between the rousing drinking and sneaking out to create mayhem with the other rogues. The ending did fall a little flat after the big climax of kidnapping and solving the case but it was still sweet.

I had fun listening to this audiobook. The narrator, Lucy Walker-Evans did a great job in bringing the complex character of Cascabel/Pom to life and all their many adventures in Oxford and the surrounding area with the rogues and I hope they can continue to follow their dreams as whoever they want to be! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to listen to this great story!

Thank you to Bolinda Audio, the author and NetGalley for an LRC in return for an honest review

A Murder of Rogues is a compulsively entertaining blend of dark academia, mystery, historical fiction and even a bit of romance - but for some inexplicable reason has been categorised on NetGalley as Sci-Fi & Fantasy!?! I have no idea why, there is not so much as a whiff of either - if you are expecting magical or fantastical elements you will find this story sadly lacking!

Set in Regency England, the novel follows the journey of Cascabel Grey who, disguised as their twin brother Thomas (known as Pom) gains access to education and freedom that would otherwise be denied to females. This decision is both a quest for intellectual freedom and a rebellion against the stifling roles society has imposed - but Pom's plans are rudely interrupted when another Oxford Scholar, who has been Blackmailing his peers, turns up dead; it would appear that someone is prepared to kill to keep their secrets from being revealed. Pom’s story echoes the real-life legacy of Dr James Barry (c. 1789–1865) a pioneering military surgeon who lived publicly as a man in order to practise medicine - a comparison that adds depth and historical weight to the narrative.

The protagonist is a non-binary, bisexual character whose identity is explored with nuance and clarity. Pom explicitly states they are "neither a boy nor a girl" and their attraction to both William (a fellow Scholar) and Mouse (a deaf Chambermaid) is presented without fuss or sensationalism. One plot point however, felt like a missed opportunity: Pom spends considerable time learning sign language from Mouse and I kept waiting for this presumed Chekhov’s gun to fire. Disappointingly, it never does and it felt like a thread that could have enriched the climax or resolution but was left dangling.

Quick note on aesthetics: the Kindle edition cover features generic, mismatched AI-style artwork (which I hate with a passion) that generally accompanies self-published titles which doesn’t in any way reflect Pom’s persona. In contrast, the audiobook cover does a far better job of capturing the tone of the book with subtle hints of things to come - masquerade masks, stark masculine gothic architecture and a sense of duality and danger.

Narrator Lucy Walker-Evans gives an expressive, well paced and emotionally intelligent performance with excellent character differentiation - a perfect match for the material.

#AMurderofRogues #NetGalley

This is one of those books where the main character (Pom/Cascabel) makes one bad decison after another and everything spirals until it all comes together at the last minute. It was enjoyable, though I wanted to shake Pom sometimes over their many bad decisions.

What was done really really well was the way Pom/Cascabel described their experience of their gender and attraction. They were sent to Oxford by their mother in a grand scheme to show that a woman can masquerade as a man, but embrace the chance to be more themself and acquire an education (although the education part does fall by the wayside rather quickly). They feel like neither man nor woman and are attracted to both men and women, which is unusual to see in books set in this era (or at all, really). I really appreciated this representation as I am also nonbinary and bi, and it felt really true and resonated.

Also done really well was Pom's relationship with Mouse, who teaches them sign language so they can converse. Of course the murder mystery, and Pom's bad choices, threaten all of that.

The murder mystery was well done, with suspicion thrown on one character after another as Pom desperately searches for clues. I was kept guessing up until the end.

A highly entertaining read that kept me riveted. I would definitely read more of Pom's adventures (and hopefully fewer bad decisions). I hope the author writes more.

The audiobook was wonderful and the narrator did a great job voicing the characters and bringing the story to life. I would definitely listen again.

*Thanks to Bolinda Audio for providing an early copy for review.

Clearly taking inspiration from the historical figure of James Barry, this book follows the adventures of Cascabel/Pom, who is both man and woman, and determined to be both. But to not let the world hold them back, as they set out to study at Oxford and learn medicine. Things rapidly spin out of control when someone is murdered and they are dragged into the investigation in order to clear their name before the identity is uncovered.

Pom is an engaging, entertaining main character, a delight to follow - although some of their later choices are a little questionable and I did sort of loose the thread of their investigation at one point. The leap they made, the direction they took, it was as if I had missed a page or something.

The queer romances are beautifully done, and I was rooting for them all during it. The murder mystery was fine, although surprisingly not really the focus of the book, not really. This is more about the characters, and their own struggles. We learnt almost nothing about the victim and he was the least developed of everyone.

All the other characters are fleshed out, entertaining and engaging, be they heroes or villains. Even the horrible ones, you enjoyed them. Her mother however, not a fan. Her plans were the worst. Just the plain worst.

The audio was good, the narrator entertaining and able to separate the characters so it was easy enough to keep track of who was talking.

But what is this cover???? The kindle version is stunning, eye catching, beautiful. The audio cover on the other hand... black and gold, like any 'dark academia' book, nothing to stand out from the pack. It's a real disappointment. I mean, its fine but it doesn't capture the attention or spark joy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the free ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Do you like:
✨ Undermining the patriarchy?
✨ Posh university settings/"academia" style books?
✨ Disguises, balls, and clubs full of deplorable rogues?
✨ Murder mysteries and adventure?
✨ Fabulous and extensive LBTGQ+ rep?

If so, you should absolutely read A Murder of Rogues! This delightful Regency era historical fiction novel follows Cascabel Grey (also known, charmingly, as Pom) as they pose as their twin brother, Thomas Grey, in order to study at Oxford University. Pom is quickly introduced to the infamous Rogues Club, a band of rather deplorable and debauched young gentlemen. When one of the Rogues is murdered, Pom becomes the prime suspect, and they must use both of their personas and all of their cunning to solve the mystery before their secret comes out.

This was such an adventure from start to finish. Pom/Cascabel was the most compelling protagonist and I just loved them, even when they made a few dubious choices lol. The side characters, particularly Knox (a Scottish surgeon), Mouse (a deaf chambermaid) and Garlick (Pom's manservant), were equally wonderful. The romance was also very sweet and satisfying.

The audiobook, narrated by Lucy Walker-Evans, is nothing short of brilliant. She performs all the characters with their own voices and mannerisms and it's just so much fun to listen to. What a performance! I had a great time.

I'm so glad I requested this book. The audiobook is out on 14 August 2025, as is the paperback with the absolutely stunning alternative cover - swipe to see! 💕

This was an engaging and unexpected read for me, as it’s not a genre I normally choose. The story follows a non-binary protagonist who shifts between male and female personas — not just to investigate a murder at Oxford, but to gain access to a medical education. Their secret identity adds a clever layer of tension to the narrative.

There’s a sweet love story at the heart of the book, balanced against darker elements like a corrupt police force, a truly despicable group of rogues, and an international incident. At times, it felt like there was a lot going on, but overall it’s an intriguing, atmospheric thriller with a strong historical setting.

#AMurderofRogues #NetGalley

★★★★★ — One of my top books of the year!

Thank you soooo much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book. A Murder of Rogues was such a fun and entertaining read. Our protagonist, Pom/Cascabel, is one of my favourites in a while: smart, bold, fun, and they feel so grounded and real. I wish the book was longer just so I could spend more time with them and explore some of the themes that we didn't have the time to dig into.

I'm using they/them pronouns because, even though the word “nonbinary” isn't used in the book, Pom specifically says that they are neither a boy nor a girl. They’re also bisexual, and there’s the sweetest queer romance in this. I kept kicking my feet and dying whenever they interacted and aaaaaaah!!!!!

I really enjoyed the writing style, the plot, and the side characters, especially Knox, the scottish surgeon. And I loved Mouse, a deaf girl who teaches Pom sign language. Her representation felt thoughtful and natural, and I adored every scene she was in.

The narrator of the audiobook did a great job bringing everyone to life. I was completely immersed. I didn’t guess who the killer would be (though I had my hopes!), and the reveal was juicy. It wasn’t who Pom or I thought it would be, and the twist worked really well.

I can’t say much more without getting into spoilers, but this was a delightful read. I loved the historical setting, the mystery, the queer romance, and the voice. Such a good book and great narration too!

Enjoyable murder mystery, and a lot more, audiobook for older teens, and up. Cascabel Gray/ Pom by choice, is an interesting lead character. Dressing as a boy to enter the University, blackmail and a murder threaten to expose the ruse. The setting Regency England, in particular Oxford. Can she find the muderer without being exposed? Her family have their own plans for Pom, not advantageous, and possible romance and relationships stir further troubles. Thank you to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for the Audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

4.5 stars

I really enjoyed this! It was much queerer than I expected (complimentary). We really go beyond the Twelfth Night-style central premise to actually explore the experiences of a genderfluid main character in a time period that doesn't have the language for that. I thought the book managed to strike a good balance, where we get to see positive representations of queerness without too much agonising and trauma, while still not completely glossing over the realities of the historical context.

I loved Pom's relationship with Mouse, and it was great to have representation of a D/deaf character using sign language. I appreciated how smart Mouse was and how she challenged Pom on some of their assumptions and bad behaviour.

The mystery is good, and I enjoyed the narration overall, although some of the character voices really didn't work for me.

I'm interested to check out some of this author's other books (and while this one seems like a standalone, Heap can absolutely sign me up for any further adventures of Pom and Mouse).