July Book Club: The Missing Diamond by Lynn Morrison and Anne Radcliffe
The Missing Diamond (The Crown Jewels Regency Mystery Book 1)
by Lynn Morrison and Anne Radcliffe
Dearest Gentle Reader, I must confess. Choosing a tale that boldly claims to be “Bridgerton meets historical mystery,” I half-expected The Missing Diamond to drown me in high society balls and tea-time gossip. Thankfully, Lynn Morrison and Anne Radcliffe had a different plan. This isn’t another Regency romp of pastel dresses and gentlemanly drunken debauchery. No, this story has substance, style, and sleuthing!
Grace, our protagonist, is no simpering damsel. She’s practical, sharp, and refreshingly direct—a gem amidst the clichéd misses of Regency fiction. Her best friend Charity, dubbed the Queen’s “diamond of the season,” goes missing, sparking a mystery that keeps even the sharpest wits guessing. Lord Roland Percy, with his mix of calm intelligence and military experience, proves to be more than Grace’s romantic interest; he’s a true partner in crime-solving.
Soon I was devouring page after page. Everyone is hiding something, whether it be their true motivations for the season or a grandfather’s expectations. The authors weave a tapestry of clues and twists that would make Lady Whistledown herself proud. Grace’s steadfast commitment to Charity is the backbone of the story, proving that amidst the fickle ton ready to cut anyone for the slightest infraction, she remains unshakably loyal. Roland’s friendship with his valet is also well done with emotional depth.
The slow-burn romance between Grace and Roland smolders delightfully, promising future fireworks. Then there’s “the sprouts,” two endearing orphans who add historical depth and a dose of humor to lighten the narrative.
In essence, The Missing Diamond is a sparkling debut to what promises to be a fun series. It’s a Regency mystery where integrity and intrigue coexist with cravats and corsets. I hope the follow-up tales unfold with more sleuthing and swooning!
Kelly Brakenhoff is an author of eleven books and an ASL interpreter. She divides her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and children’s books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog. The mother of four young adults and a hunting dog, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.