I'm a longtime fan of the Canadian Murdoch Mysteries show (though I'm very behind with all the seasons) and Roseanna M. White's most recent book definitely satisfied me with its Edwardian mystery vibes.
Title: An Honorable Deception [The Imposters #3]
Author: Roseanna M. White
Published: 2024 by Bethany House
About the Book:
"In the trying art of balancing investigations and love, a detective must determine his priorities when faced with dangerous circumstances that could threaten everything he holds dear.
As the leader of the Imposters, an elite private investigative firm, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon something much more dangerous. Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects her longtime friends hold more secrets than they're willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they're the esteemed Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. While she is happy for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia's own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing bringing laughter back into her life--her friendship with Yates--lands her squarely on the disagreeable side of her best friend: his sister.
Tormented by a past she doesn't dare voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the dark side of society, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia learn anew that the gentry isn't always noble . . . even as they fight to hold fast to their own honor."
The Artist Librarian's Review:
In An Honorable Deception, Roseanna M. White features the leader of the Imposters himself, Lord Yates Fairfax and his team working to search for Lady Alethia Barremore's attacker and her missing friend. While secretly heading this elite private investigation firm which markets their services to the upper echelons of society, Lord Fairfax wrestles with his heart as his longtime friend and unrequited first love, Lady Lavinia Hemmings joins their investigation.
While I've read several other books by Roseanna M. White, this is my first in the Imposters Trilogy. I was able to follow along quite well, but it would probably be best to read at least book one, A Beautiful Disguise prior to starting An Honorable Deception unless you don't mind spoilers since the main plot points from that story was referred to and mentioned multiple times in this book. One thing I love about White's writing is that she has more unique or unusual plots. Since this book is also set in the Edwardian era of the early 20th century, things like the eccentricities of the Fairfax estate --with Yates and his sister Marigold's interest in acrobatics and exercise in early but appropriate gym wear was plausible and believable to me as a reader. I also appreciated the slight love triangle/quadrangle element that was well written but not often (in my experience) seen in Christian Fiction. All of the characters involved were worthy matches and I enjoyed the mix of wit, humor, and heart in the characters' dialogue.
White also skillfully incorporates darker topics such as abuse in a manner that is not overly graphic but also with the gravity it deserves. Due to the heavier subject matter, the final element I especially appreciated was the strong spiritual thread woven throughout the story. The foundation of faith in several of the characters served to give them hope and healing and was wonderful to see. Teen and adult fans of the Murdoch Mysteries tv series or romance with a side of sleuthing will enjoy this latest offering from Roseanna M. White.
[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes via the publisher]
About the Author:
"Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books . . . . to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary."
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