laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
Where the Heart Leads
3 Stars
When Penelope Ashford requests his aid in investigating the disappearance of several young boys from the slums of the East End, Barnaby Adair, who has a reputation for helping the newly formed Metropolitan police to solve crimes involving the ton, is intrigued both by the case and the woman. Working together with Inspector Basil Stokes and Miss Griselda Martin, Penelope and Barnaby take on a nefarious criminal willing to destroy anyone who gets in his way.
Series note: This is book #1 in the Casebook of Barnaby Adair series, which is linked to the larger Cynster series. Penelope is the younger sister of Luc Ashford (book #9) and Portia Ashford Cynster (book #10). Barnaby also appears in books 12-14 as an investigator and friend to the heroes. Nevertheless, the mystery itself is standalone.
This book is a shift in style and tone for SL's writing. To begin with, it is more of a historical mystery than a romance, although there are romantic elements in the story. In addition, the pacing is tighter, and the narrative is less wordy (except for SL's signature prose for the sex scenes).
The mystery itself is quite straightforward and not as dark as expected, considering the subject matter - the kidnapping of young boys. While the resolution is satisfying overall, the final showdown is rather anti-climactic.
There are also two romantic pairings. The first between Penelope and Barnaby is typical of SL's Cynster series, with the marriage-averse hero and heroine realizing that they have met their perfect match. The second between Inspector Stokes and Miss Martin is by far the more engaging but is woefully underdeveloped. Their lower-class backgrounds, especially Griselda's, are very refreshing in a series that primarily focuses on the upper classes, and it is disappointing that they don't get as much page time.
All in all, a solid start to this spin-off. The next book in my read-through of SL's backlist returns to the Cynsters, but I will be back to Barnaby soon.
3 Stars
When Penelope Ashford requests his aid in investigating the disappearance of several young boys from the slums of the East End, Barnaby Adair, who has a reputation for helping the newly formed Metropolitan police to solve crimes involving the ton, is intrigued both by the case and the woman. Working together with Inspector Basil Stokes and Miss Griselda Martin, Penelope and Barnaby take on a nefarious criminal willing to destroy anyone who gets in his way.
Series note: This is book #1 in the Casebook of Barnaby Adair series, which is linked to the larger Cynster series. Penelope is the younger sister of Luc Ashford (book #9) and Portia Ashford Cynster (book #10). Barnaby also appears in books 12-14 as an investigator and friend to the heroes. Nevertheless, the mystery itself is standalone.
This book is a shift in style and tone for SL's writing. To begin with, it is more of a historical mystery than a romance, although there are romantic elements in the story. In addition, the pacing is tighter, and the narrative is less wordy (except for SL's signature prose for the sex scenes).
The mystery itself is quite straightforward and not as dark as expected, considering the subject matter - the kidnapping of young boys. While the resolution is satisfying overall, the final showdown is rather anti-climactic.
There are also two romantic pairings. The first between Penelope and Barnaby is typical of SL's Cynster series, with the marriage-averse hero and heroine realizing that they have met their perfect match. The second between Inspector Stokes and Miss Martin is by far the more engaging but is woefully underdeveloped. Their lower-class backgrounds, especially Griselda's, are very refreshing in a series that primarily focuses on the upper classes, and it is disappointing that they don't get as much page time.
All in all, a solid start to this spin-off. The next book in my read-through of SL's backlist returns to the Cynsters, but I will be back to Barnaby soon.
helenephoebe's review against another edition
4.0
Review - Barnaby Adair intrigued me in earlier books and I wasn't disappointed. Penelope was a strong heroine who it was easy to admire, as she helped those less fortunate than herself, and wasn't worried about what society would think of her going out of the ton's boundaries. Barnaby, on the other hand, had already been set up in previous books as a hero, but we really saw a case for the first time from his point of view. This is another of my favourites and I can't wait for more in this series. All in all, a great read.
Genre? - Historical / Romance / History / Erotica
Characters? - Barnaby Adair / Penelope Ashford / Portia Cynster / Simon Cynster / Inspector Basil Stokes
Setting? - London (England)
Series? - Barnaby Adair #1
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 18/20
Genre? - Historical / Romance / History / Erotica
Characters? - Barnaby Adair / Penelope Ashford / Portia Cynster / Simon Cynster / Inspector Basil Stokes
Setting? - London (England)
Series? - Barnaby Adair #1
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 18/20
jeannette_andrews's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
simplyparticular's review against another edition
4.0
This was a refreshing change of pace from the Cynster series, which has suffered as it moved away from the ton. The hero and heroine are both supporting characters from previous Cynster books, but Laurens fleshes them out nicely. Penelope's avoidance of marriage fits her character from previous books, and Barnaby's protectiveness and intellect fit him, too. The secondary romance adds a nice touch. The standard mystery that Laurens does so well is in evidence here, with interesting excursions into the seamier side of London. I'm not clear on how this is going to morph into a series when she's already married off the hero, but Amanda Quick has managed well for years, so it's possible I'll be pleasantly surprised.(less)
ajcousins's review against another edition
4.0
I remember when Regency romance novels were witty but virginal love stories of the 1830's. They might end on a kiss, but nothing more. And I must say that I quite approve of the newer version of the Regency, which combines the wit and humor with a rather more modern appreciation for sex. :) This book is quite well done, funny, sexy and all-around entertaining. A perfect book to read while traveling, but be careful not to let the kid sitting next to you at the airport read over your shoulder...I believe that's called 'corrupting a minor.'
valefimbres's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
abkeuser's review against another edition
4.0
I really love the way this book plays into both the Cynster novels as well as starting a different series. The mystery element was lovely and the heroine's involvement was a wonderful departure from the normally limited actions. I loved the friendships that formed throughout the investigation and that the love story - while integral to the plot - was not the be all end all of the story.
lucyp21's review against another edition
4.0
I recognised Stephanie Laurens from a romance book I loved when I was a teenager so when I saw this book in the library and that it was the first of a series, I picked it up.
Penelope is the youngest daughter of her family and the only unmarried child of her mother. She doesn't particularly want to get married, not looking forward to the decrease of her freedom, and instead dedicates her time to the running of the Foundation for orphans. When boys meant for her Foundation start to go missing, she heads over to Barnaby in the hopes that he can help her find them. Along the way, they fall in love.
This book didn't take me long to finish, it was a very quick read. Along with Barnaby and Penelope, there was Inspector Stokes and Griselda as a beta couple. I found Griselda and Stokes a far more interesting couple as they navigate their relationship and Griselda frequently has to put herself in harm's way to help rescue the boys. However, more importantly, the mystery plot was very interesting and kept me enthralled and, while Stokes and Griselda's scenes happened while moving the plot forward, the same couldn't be said for Barnaby and Penelope's scenes. Every time they would have a romantic scene, the plot would grind to a halt, which was extremely frustrating because I really liked the plot.
I definitely want to read more of this series, though I can only hope the romances follow the Stokes and Griselda route. The plot was intriguing and I didn't know how it was going to end. 4 stars!
Penelope is the youngest daughter of her family and the only unmarried child of her mother. She doesn't particularly want to get married, not looking forward to the decrease of her freedom, and instead dedicates her time to the running of the Foundation for orphans. When boys meant for her Foundation start to go missing, she heads over to Barnaby in the hopes that he can help her find them. Along the way, they fall in love.
This book didn't take me long to finish, it was a very quick read. Along with Barnaby and Penelope, there was Inspector Stokes and Griselda as a beta couple. I found Griselda and Stokes a far more interesting couple as they navigate their relationship and Griselda frequently has to put herself in harm's way to help rescue the boys. However, more importantly, the mystery plot was very interesting and kept me enthralled and, while Stokes and Griselda's scenes happened while moving the plot forward, the same couldn't be said for Barnaby and Penelope's scenes. Every time they would have a romantic scene, the plot would grind to a halt, which was extremely frustrating because I really liked the plot.
I definitely want to read more of this series, though I can only hope the romances follow the Stokes and Griselda route. The plot was intriguing and I didn't know how it was going to end. 4 stars!
hopevollm's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
I really enjoyed this one. I was excited to read Barnaby's story after meeting him in so many other books. I was interested in Penelope as well after reading Luc and Portia's books.
I thought Penelope was almost too pushy. But it was usually for a good cause so I thought it was able to be overlooked. I really enjoyed Barnaby though.
There is also a secondary romance here which I enjoyed.
The big mystery was really good. I figured out who the bad guy was as soon as he was introduced in the book but I still enjoyed seeing how everything played out.
I thought Penelope was almost too pushy. But it was usually for a good cause so I thought it was able to be overlooked. I really enjoyed Barnaby though.
There is also a secondary romance here which I enjoyed.
The big mystery was really good. I figured out who the bad guy was as soon as he was introduced in the book but I still enjoyed seeing how everything played out.