BOOK REVIEW: Death at Villa de Lacey by Aviva Orr

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

Death at Villa De Lacey by Aviva Orr is the first book in a new Regency mystery series with a budding romance between the sleuths.

Bridget De Lacey has just lost her father in the worst way possible. He took his own life because of insurmountable gambling debts, including the loss of the house in the Lake District where Bridget lives with her aunt. Now they can do nothing but wait until the home is claimed by the man who beat him at cards.

Nate Squires, younger brother of Edward, the Earl of Westerly, has been living a dissolute life, largely to spite his controlling brother. When he refuses to marry the lady of Edward’s choice, his brother threatens to cut off his allowance and strip him of his London home. The only alternative Edward offers is for Nate to leave London to reside in the Lake District villa that he (Edward) won gambling. Resentfully, Nate goes. It isn’t until he arrives at Villa De Lacey that he learns the house is occupied. He isn’t heartless enough to cast out two grieving women, but what is he to do with them?

Bridget suggests a plan. They should renovate the large home into an upscale inn. (Wordsworth’s travel guide to the Lake District has made it a popular spot for tourists.) She will act as hostess to earn her keep.

Unfortunately, the first guests include a few of Nate’s disreputable friends, a couple of nasty, controlling older women, and the young lady Edward wanted Nate to wed. Another guest is an actress/courtesan who is definitely not the type of upscale patron they want at their inn. When it seems things could not be worse, one of the guests is found dead. Was it an accident? Or murder?

As Bridget and Nate join forces to investigate, danger closes in around them.

This is a fine addition to the Regency Mystery genre with a slowly developing romance. It’s a quick read with likable protagonists and an unexpected villain. A wonderful set-up for the series.