BOOK REVIEW: Investigating the Duke by Alexa Aston

Investigating the Duke by Alexa Aston is the 8th book in the Suddenly a Duke Series, in which lords who had not anticipated inheriting the role suddenly find themselves dukes.

Shelby Slade is a scrappy young woman who learned young how to fend for herself in London’s mean streets. Fortunately for her, she was taken in by the head of the Bow Street Runners and raised as a daughter. Now, she is the only female runner, and she is very good at what she does. 

Jasper Lincoln, the third son of the newly-deceased Duke of Edgehaven, had been happily settled as a clergyman until his whole world fell apart. His father, who had been healthy until about 6 months prior, succumbed to a very rapidly progressive disease. Possibly a tumor. He died shortly after receiving word that his second son, a soldier, had been killed in battle. And before the Duke’s body was cold, Jasper learns that his eldest brother fell down the stairs and broke his neck. Jasper is now a duke.

The timing of his father’s and eldest brother’s deaths seems a bit too coincidental for Jasper. Uneasy, though feeling he’s probably overreacting, he heads to the Bow Street Runners to hire an investigator. He meets Shelby outside and is instantly smitten. He asks that she be assigned to the case. Shelby, who is likewise attracted to Jasper, is thrilled to receive the assignment. She will pretend to be Jasper’s new secretary while she looks into the deaths.

Adding to the cast of characters are Jasper’s newly orphaned nieces and his awful mother. Disappointed in love when she was a debutante and forced to marry Edgehaven against her will, she has spent her life making a misery of the lives of everyone around her.

Although Jasper had never expected to be a duke, he adapts quickly to the role. He is authoritative, but also considerate. Moreover, he is a moral man who determines at once that since he loves Shelby, he must marry her. And although he understands that Shelby’s background would make her a very unusual duchess, he cares little about the fussy requirements of the ton. Shelby is more hesitant to become involved – runners do not become romantically involved with clients!

The love story proceeds quickly as the two are clearly meant for each other. Enough clues are dropped for readers to solve the mystery one step ahead of those investigating and the conclusion is satisfying. Dukes from the previous books in the series make cameo appearances. Although this is the 8th book in a series, it stands well alone.