Review: Murder in Bloomsbury by D.M. Quincy

Title: Murder in Bloomsbury by D.M. Quincy
Atlas Catesby Series Book Two
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Historical, Mystery
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Acclaimed author D. M. Quincy is back with a second captivating mystery as adventurer Atlas Catesby must put aside his own feelings for Lady Lilliana as they work together to get justice for someone she holds dear.

Aristocratic adventurer Atlas Catesby has spent the last year trying to forget Lady Lilliana Warwick, but when she reappears in his life imploring him to help her solve a murder, Atlas feels compelled to say yes.

The ner’re-do-well brother of Lilliana’s maid died of arsenic poisoning. Authorities are ruling his death an accident, but his sister suspects he was murdered. As Atlas and Lilliana investigate, they discover that the victim had a mysterious lover—a high-born lady he threatened with scandal after she spurned him. When they finally uncover her shocking true identity, the case blows wide open and it turns out there is a whole string of women who had reason to kill the handsome charmer. Now, as Atlas fights his growing feelings for Lilliana, they must work together to catch the assassin before the killer gets to them first.

Perfect for fans of Charles Finch and C. S. Harris, Murder in Bloomsbury is the magnificent second Atlas Catesby mystery.

Review:

The second installment in D.M. Quincy’s Atlas Catesby series, Murder in Bloomsbury is a beguiling historical mystery.

Atlas Catesby has not been home long from his latest travels when he unexpectedly teams up with Lady Roslyn Lilliana Sterling Warwick to investigate the death of Gordon Davis, the brother of Lilliana’s maid, Tacy.  Gordon died from an overdose of arsenic and his death has been ruled accidental.  However, there are enough inconsistencies surrounding his death that Atlas agrees there is chance foul play might be involved, so he and Lilliana begin their investigation.

Atlas quickly discovers that Gordon had no shortage of enemies. He was incredibly good looking and he was well liked by the ladies. He definitely had aspirations of rising above his lower class status and he had no trouble turning the heads of aristocratic young women. Atlas also learns that Davis lost more than a few positions over his improper relationships. He also hears a rumor about Gordon’s ongoing romance with a married woman whom he supposedly truly loved.  He and Lilliana quickly determine that Gordon was an indiscriminate lover who did not care if he ruined the young ladies’ reputations and he was quick to use blackmail to line his pockets.

In between the investigation, Atlas tries to keep his distance from Lilliana due to their complicated history together. He holds her in the highest esteem so he wants nothing but the best for her and her two young sons. Atlas is dismayed by the news that she is being courted by the Marquess of Roxbury but he also knows the Marquess can offer her everything she deserves in life.  But will Lilliana agree with Atlas’s assessment?

Murder in Bloomsbury  is a fast-paced mystery with a charming cast of characters. Atlas is quite clever and his penchant for solving puzzles serves him well as he tries to unearth the truth about Gordon’s death. Lilliana is a strong and independent woman who knows her own mind and does not hesitate to go after what she wants. D.M. Quincy brings the setting and time period vividly to life. An absolutely delightful addition to the Atlas Catesby series that will leave readers eagerly awaiting Atlas and Lilliana’s next adventure.