The Devil in Beauty by Heidi Ashworth

This was not quite Regency romance aka Georgette Heyer though I was hoping for that. It was however very good reading.

The Marquis is under a cloud. Despite his title, he is finding it heavy going as he is not invited for parties of the ton, he gate crashes them. His title is not helping him, nor is his fortune. Normally quite enough to attract the ladies! or rather the mothers who are on the look out always for eligible men. This time around it is not working.

His reputation in ruins, it is isnt helped when he finds himself supporting Willie a disabled boy of also a very good family who now finds himself accused of his brother's murder. A more unlikely murderer cannot be found, and our Marquis with the support of a Senhor of doubtful antecedents and a young Miss whom our Marquis has lost his heart to - are determined to defend Willie despite the strange behaviour and reticence of Willie's parents Mr and Mrs Gilbert in the whole scenario.

The story got complicated, and though the storyline was a good one and very descriptive it was too I lost a bit of interest three quarters of the way through though I did finish the read. Giving the details at the end will spoil it for readers but it was a good mix of murder/mystery with a touch of romance and life during the period well told.

Sent to me by Netgalley for an unbiased review, courtesy of Dunhaven Place Publishing.