Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens: A Riveting New Regency Historical Mystery (Wrexford & Sloane Mysteries Book 5)

I'd rate this 4.5 stars. While this book wasn't my favourite in the series, I thought it read better than Book 4 giving me hope that I’ll continue to enjoy this series (especially since it comes with a fairly hefty price tag). Quick note: if you haven't read any of the previous books in this historical mystery series you can get away without studiously going through this book's predecessors, however be warned that while the case is a standalone, story arcs of the characters are carried over (but the books seem to move at such a slow pace regarding the personal lives of characters that it's not a massive issue). Wrexford and Sloane's impending nuptials lurk on the horizon. Hoping for a more relaxed few weeks leading into the big change, our happy couple's hope for more peaceful times is dashed to the curb when a renowned botanist keels over at a symposium. While at first glance it seems to be heart difficulties, a careful eye puts the death down to poison and therefore unscrupulous deeds of cunning and malevolence are uncovered. Struggling with her role as a satirical artist, Sloane questions the moral standing of her anonymous pseudonym and whether her future elevation to a countess will (or already is starting to…) affect what and who she targets with her quill. When a past nemesis crops up with nefarious plans once again, Sloane decides that she and Wrexford must try to right wrongs and ensure that those involved with a slew of evil deeds aren't left unpunished.While this series has a scientific thread through every book, this one had a slightly different spin with the focus being Botany, specifically medical breakthroughs, with the Royal Botanic Gardens as a focal point. Personally, I loved this as it gave another interesting take on regency times and scientific breakthroughs that didn't overly focus on the technical nor mechanical like the previous installments in this series. I still found, similarly to the last couple of books, that Sloane's artistic contribution seems to be left by the wayside to a large degree, but at least in this book there was the mention of a couple of her satirical pieces. It was definitely still lacking this dimension, though, , which I find a shame as the blending of Art and Science is one of things I fell in love with about this series.As with some of the previous books, some of the suspects that I thought would be focussed on more heavily weren't, going as far to set them aside relatively early in the story. This wasn't a negative in this book - just an observation. Charlotte finally has the long-awaited reunion with her brother and it was done well. The romance between Wrexford and Sloane, while still not a major focus of the book (I'd actually love there to be a greater focus on this as they seem to spend hardly any time together), lets us get a glimpse into their nuptials. I have to admit, I didn't think this would happen as I neared the end of the novel. I thought the author might cop out again and drag the event over to the next book or skip over it entirely but I'm happy to report that while not excessive, the reader does get to dip a toe into their world for a teeny bit.The secondary characters continue to be a solid factor in this series. I found this book seemed to almost shove the concept that love and family aren't necessarily connected to blood down reader's throats. I thought it was pretty unnecessary because if you're a fan of the series, you would pretty much know this by now as it's cropped up several times in previous books. We get it, they've made a family through close friends, etc. My favourite characters, The Weasels, while featured regularly in this story, didn't seem to have as large a focus as other books, but they were still wonderful. It was just missing some of their quirks that have been more detailed in the past. Sheffield and Cordelia are still skirting around one another and I really hope this doesn't continue to get dragged out as it's coming pretty close to a cliché as well as having the possibility to become overly tedious. One thing I will say regarding the characters is a completely out of the ball park decision by a series regular. I won't go in to too much detail other than to say it was one of the reasons I took off half a star. How a character who has been weaved into the story arc as being a solid, logical, well-rounded individual who's normally the voice of reason makes a questionable (and, quite honestly, out of character, stupid) decision that results in those they hold dearest being put in danger and the culprits getting away is just beyond me. It stood out like a solar flare and one of the Weasels questioning the logic of this decision just highlighted how absolutely ludicrous it was. It went against everything the character has been portrayed as, including their behaviour in the first half of the book - it was almost as if someone else wrote it. Anywho, there it is.In my review for the last book I wrote that the vocabulary being used by the author was getting a bit repetitive and stale. Thankfully, apart from the shirred eggs which is apparently the only thing ever eaten for breakfast, there was some fresh text and hardly any of the usual catch phrases. *Insert audible sigh of relief here* One thing that did repeat was one of the characters being in danger as they all seem to be getting a turn. Well, you can scratch another one off your bingo card. Dear author - you're running out of characters to throw in the deep randomly and while I appreciate the drama, I worry about it seeming forced rather than 'new' because it's a different character with their neck on the line. There was also the usual 'here's how the evil folk were going to do it' speech where someone is lucky enough to overhear all of the minute details that rests everyone's minds at ease as well as there not really being any great surprise as to who the perpetrators were because there were clues left the size of a semitrailer.There was a good balance of story and historical and scientific detail once again in this novel, as well as its share of action and intrigue. The characters seem to be written in a way that makes them a bit less connected to the reader. I'm not really sure why. Maybe there's a slightly lesser focus on the depth associated with main characters now because it's an established series? I don't know. There's a little less punch, but I'm still loving the series. There was a good lead up to the capture of the antagonists that I thought was executed well and the book finished on a high note. I’ll be continuing with the series for sure.

Could matters grow more fraught as Charlotte readies not only for a wedding, but a reunion with her brother after years of estrangement from her family? A murder at a society event with political and scientific ramifications transpires drawing Wrexford and Charlotte into the case when dangers whispers close to their family. Andrea Penrose’s pen continues to draw me into the world of her stories in this new favorite series.Murder at the Royal Botanical Gardens is the fifth of the Wrexford and Sloane Regency Era mystery series.Art and science, romance, family, and friendship provide exciting and engaging elements to mysteries set against the sparkling world of Regency London from the height of grand society to the murky back alleys and dockyards.Many times, once the ‘I love you’s are voiced, the story seems to have little further advancement relationship-wise, but that is not the case here. Charlotte and Wrexford may share love and a partnership in the pursuit of justice, but their pasts, particularly Charlotte’s continue to require they put the hard work into making their relationship work. I enjoy getting the story from both their perspectives as they ponder their own selves, each other, and this amazing circle of friends and family they now have. Charlotte’s great-aunt, the Weasels and the rest of their eclectic band are there to help them not only with this latest case with a rare plant at the heart of it all, but also help Charlotte and Wrexford navigate their lives.The story starts with the murder, then the investigation, a few great twists and wraps up with a thrilling climax action scene before a delightful and long awaited denouement scene. Satisfying and triumphant and left me wanting more. Historical Mystery fans really need to reach for this series.

I love this series. I didn't figure out who the villains were before the end. That hardly ever happens. The characters are likeable and entertaining. Hoping for many more books.

Wrexford and Sloane are planning their wedding, only to be interrupted once again by murder. An old enemy returns to complicate their investigation into a plot so complex that Lady Charlotte and the Earl eventually discover not one set of villains, but three – and the motives are entirely different than they assumed.Charlotte has wedding nerves, trying to imagine how she will continue her A. J. Quill cartoons when she is the Countess of Wrexford. Can she really keep her past hidden? And will her estranged brother accept her back into the family? Fortunately, her sensible maid Mac helps her keep the doubts in perspective.The Weasels are growing up fast, and have gained a veneer of polite manners to allow them to pass in Society. Raven continues his math prowess, while Hawk's artistic talents prove unexpectedly useful.There are important political implications to the murder, so discretion and secrecy limit the investigation. A man from Charlotte's past has arrived in London – but is it an accidental meeting, or is there a more sinister reason for his appearance?The action takes quite a while to start – these are not high-action novels anyway – but when it does start, the pace is intense. The tension would be better served if Ms. Penrose had set it up more logically. A well-established character breaks form and behaves in a nonsensical manner that is hard to believe. Instead of being dramatic, it becomes a "Excuse me, but **what** was that?!?" moment.The denouement is a messy affair, where Wrexford and Sloane are surprised to learn what the motive for the murder actually was, even though they are instrumental in solving the case while also satisfying their government. But the wedding finally proceeds, with the Earl and Lady Charlotte pledging to share their lives – and murder investigations – together.

My Rating: 3.5* rounded up to 4*'With so many dark forces at play in the world - war, disease, hunger - we must celebrate the light of knowledge and the hope it brings for the future." (quote from the book)As Lord Wrexford and Lady Charlotte begin to immerse themselves in society as an engaged couple, they each hope to avoid tripping over dead bodies. While attending a symposium at the Royal Botanical Gardens, the dead body of a renowned American explorer and botanist is brought to the attention of Lord Wrexford. Was it due to natural causes or from another attendee? And so begins, albeit reluctantly, another Wrexford & Sloane murder mystery."It is an elemental irony, isn't it, that the more we love, the more we fear. However, we must keep fear from clouding the joy from our hearts."(quote from the book)Gracious! There was a lot going on in this book. Not only do we have a dead body, but neither Wrexford or Charlotte want to be pulled into another investigation while trying to cement her place in society and plan a wedding. However, these took a definite back seat when a former villain, who was allowed to leave the country, returned. On top of that, we have Charlotte reuniting with her brother and his family. She is definitely being pulled in many different directions which causes her fears to rise.I enjoyed the story, especially the last third, but felt there might have been a bit too much going on for one book. I do love rich historical detail in my stories, and this one had it in spades regarding the medicinal capabilities of plants. Of course, the 'weasels' always bring joy and their growth has been wonderful to see. Maybe, I was hoping for a little more electricity being conveyed between Wrexford and Charlotte...it seemed a touch muted."Not for anything would she give up the wondrous joys of love. But it came with a fearful symmetry. That it brought such happiness also meant it could bring terrible pain." (quote from the book)I strongly recommend you begin with the first book "Murder on Black Swan Lane" and work your way through the series chronologically in order to appreciate the development of each of the characters. I sincerely look for to the next book!

A brilliant and devious plot that kept getting better and better. Lovely ending which was to be expected. Do hope there will be more stories in this great series. And now that I’ve finished it, I shall read it again to remind myself of anything I missed. Very well worth reading

I have read this series from the beginning and have loved all the nuances, thought processes and unwinding of Charlotte's past and Wrexford's slow relaxing of his temper and strict empirical reasoning.Raven and Hawke are little treasures and Aunt Alison is a joy.The plots, based on historical events and scientific discoveries are sophisticated and realistic.A truly engaging series.

It was a great continuation in the series. The author paints a picture with her words and one is transported to the time era

A very good mystery and historical well done , only needed spelling corrections in some parts , I would read another , and found a lot of information I did not know,excellent