QUICK FACTS
- Title:The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet (Book 3)
- Series: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet
- Author:Katherine Cowley
- Genre:Historical Mystery, Historical Romance, Austenesque
- Publisher: Tule Publishing Group, LLC (September 6, 2022)
- Length: (368) pages
- Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook
- ISBN: 978-1957748566
- Tour Dates: August 29 – September 11, 2022
BOOK DESCRIPTION
What is a spy willing to do when both her heart and her country are at risk?
Life changes once again for British spy Miss Mary Bennet when Napoleon Bonaparte escapes from the Isle of Elba. Mary quickly departs England for Brussels, the city where the Allied forces prepare for war against the French. But shortly after her arrival, one of the Duke of Wellington’s best officers is murdered, an event which threatens to break the delicate alliance between the Allies.
Investigating the murder forces Mary into precarious levels of espionage, role-playing, and deception with her new partner, Mr. Withrow-the nephew and heir of her prominent sponsor, and the spy with whom she’s often at odds. Together, they court danger and discovery as they play dual roles gathering intelligence for the British. But soon Mary realizes that her growing feelings towards Mr. Withrow put her heart in as much danger as her life. And then there’s another murder.
Mary will need to unmask the murderer before more people are killed, but can she do so and remain hidden in the background?
ADVANCE PRAISE
“Cowley manages to turn a little-liked, ignored, and stilted girl into one of my favorites of Austen’s characters…This third novel of the series is her best. I laughed and I cried and cheered for Mary to succeed in her endeavors and hopefully find love at last.”— Carol Pratt Bradley, author of The Light of the Candle
“5 STARS. Just a delight!”— Wren, The Zebra Reader
“I really enjoyed this book. It is a great addition to the series. I loved that Mary is finding love in a logical way that fits her character…Highly recommend.”— Mariana, Goodreads
“I absolutely love Katherine Cowley’s Mary Bennet series, and I think [The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception] may be the best book in the series.”— Madison, Goodreads
BOOK REVIEW
This is a wonderful Jane Austen tribute and cozy mystery series. Although it’s the third book, I easily read it as a standalone. Jane Austen’s characters are reimagined in a clever way. Mary Bennett is a spy, helping Mr. Withrow gather intelligence after Napoleon escapes, and ultimately investigating a murder. Meanwhile, Lydia is married to Mr. Wickham and hiding a terrible secret. Can Mary help her? And how is Mary coping with her growing feelings for Mr. Withrow?
This is a compelling combination of thriller, romance, and family drama. Mary is a fantastic protagonist who can go undercover as a man one moment and fight off a wicked husband the next. The attraction between Mary and Mr. Withrow is very well done and progresses naturally. Mary and Lydia’s relationship as sisters is explored as well. The story is captivating, satisfying, and enjoyable, and Mary shines in her role of spy. Fans of Jane Austen will delight in this new adventure with beloved characters.
The narration of the audiobook was believable and held my attention throughout.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Austenprose Book Tours. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
PURCHASE LINK
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AUDIOBOOK PURCHASE LINKS
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AUTHOR BIO
Katherine Cowley read Pride and Prejudice for the first time when she was ten years old, which started a lifelong obsession with Jane Austen. Her debut novel, The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet, was nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Her Mary Bennet spy series continues with the novels The True Confessions of a London Spy and The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception. Katherine loves history, chocolate, traveling, and playing the piano, and she has taught writing classes at Western Michigan University. She lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan with her husband and three daughters.
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- interview with author Katherine Cowley revealing insights into her new historical mystery novel, The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception.
Bonnie Reads and Writes 
Nice job, Bonnie, as always. 🙂
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This looks like a fun read. As a long-time Jane Austen fan, I love these types of books. Mary has been under rated for far too long!
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I like books that re-imagine the characters of P&P! I like that Mary is a spy! How fun.
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