The Bloodied Cravat

by Rosemary Stevens

Overview

When Beau Brummell's valet finally arrives at Oatlands, he's been robbed-of the Beau's fashionable attire and an indiscrete letter from Frederica, the Duchess of York. Then the horrid Lord Kendrick is found dead with Freddie's hair ornament lodged in his throat. Beau must collect himself to find the killer, and retrieve the letter that is now being used to blackmail his adored Freddie . . . [3rd of the Beau Brummell mysteries] Regency Mystery by Rosemary Stevens; originally published by Berkley Prime Crime

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781610847292
Publisher:	Belgrave House
Publication date:	05/01/2002
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	654 KB

About the Author

Rosemary Stevens has published four previous novels set in Regency England.

Table of Contents

Editorial Reviews

The Barnes & Noble Review
In his own time, George "Beau" Brummell set such restrained and elegant fashion standards as regular bathing, exquisitely tailored yet unostentatious clothing, and an end to powdered hair for men. In this wonderfully diverting historical mystery series, it is revealed that he was also an amateur sleuth of considerable skill. Agatha Award–winning author Rosemary Stevens, who recounted Beau's previous adventures in The Tainted Snuff Box and Death on a Silver Tray, is in top form with this elegantly written and plotted murder mystery set in Georgian England of 1806. In The Bloodied Cravat, we learn that Her Royal Highness, Frederica, the Duchess of York, wife of one of the many sons of George III, would be a lonely woman if it were not for her well-chaperoned (and invariably chaste) friendship with Beau Brummell. It's at his urging that she gives a house party, so he's determined to minimize the scandal that results when two of the guests are murdered. What he doesn't realize -- until it's nearly too late -- is that this crime is connected to a dangerous old impropriety.... Sue Stone

bn.com

Dandy and amateur sleuth Beau Brummell continues to charm in this third whodunit (after 2001's The Tainted Snuff Box) from Agatha Award winner Stevens. Renowned for his sartorial splendor and elegance, Brummell has come to Oatlands, the country home of the Duke and Duchess of York, to be with Frederica, the duchess, as she celebrates her birthday while her husband is off with his mistress. When a highwayman robs Robinson, his valet, en route to Oatlands, Brummell isn't as concerned about his lost clothes as he is about his stolen blue-velvet-covered scrapbook, which contains a letter from Frederica that if made public could cause a royal scandal and Brummell's social downfall. After the universally disliked Marquess of Kendrick threatens blackmail and is subsequently murdered, Frederica calls in Mr. Lavender of Bow Street. As the investigation progresses and the murders mount, the author expertly uses red herrings to keep Brummell and the reader guessing. A multitude of authentic historical figures add to the fun in this vivid portrait of Regency England. Stevens deftly captures the magnificence of the wealthy's country estates and the glittering atmosphere of London at the height of the social season. Combined with a witty, suave and romantic Brummell, who unravels the mystery as meticulously as he dresses, this is sure to appeal to a wide variety of fans. (May 7) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

A third Regency adventure for George "Beau" Brummell, a legend of the early 19th century (Life on a Silver Tray, not reviewed, etc.). This time, Beau is a houseguest at Oatlands, country home of his adored Frederica, wife of the chronically unfaithful Duke of York. Beau is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his valet Robinson, who is bringing extensive additions to his wardrobe and, inadvertently, his blue velvet diary. In that diary is a letter from Frederica that Beau should have destroyed, a letter confessing her love for him-an invitation to blackmail in the wrong hands. On the road, Robinson's carriage is waylaid by highwaymen. When he finally arrives, the precious diary and letter are missing. Beau suspects Lord Kendrick, another houseguest, of involvement in a series of recent highway robberies, but before he can investigate further, Kendrick is found stabbed to death by one of Frederica's hair ornaments. Beau's stealthy search of the corpse fails to turn up the letter. No more successful are his further efforts back in London, where John Lavender of Bow Street is working to find Kendrick's killer and a letter burned to ash. In the midst of all the well-researched period detail, Stevens manages to maintain a crisp pace and provide a convincing windup.

Kirkus Reviews