OK, so I read this series awhile ago, but it’s still one of my favorite, and since this is my series I can do as I please. So this week I’m recommending the Julian Kestrel series by Kate Ross.

Kate Ross died in 1998, after writing four books in her Julian Kestrel series. I’ve loaned the series to both my grandmother and mother, who both were crushed when they discovered there would never be any more books in this series.

Julian Kestrel lives in Regency England. (Not that it was called that at the time.) He’s worked hard to gain a reputation in society and to make something of himself, even if it’s not quite clear just what that is. He’s a dandy known for his clothing and being a gentleman, and even if he isn’t truly of the set–or truly a gentleman–he can pass as one, and that’s good enough for the Ton. At least for now.

What do I love about these books? Pretty much everything. The mysteries were sharp, the characters were engaging and the dialog was lovely. And Julian is simply fabulous. Here’s a snippet of dialog, with Julian talking with the young sister of the man he has befriended:

“If everyone who died with unpunished sins on his conscience came back as a ghost, the living would be crowded out of every home in England.”
“You’re cynical. I thought you would be. Can you sneer?”
“With terrifying effect.”
“Oh, do it, please! I want to see it!”
“I’m afraid you’re much too young to withstand it. I should be accused of stunting your growth–perhaps even sending you into a decline.”
“I wouldn’t go into a decline. I’m robust. My governess says so.”

“I’m robust. My governess says so,” just makes me giggle.

That bit of dialog makes the characters crystal clear in my mind. She’s a young girl with a crush on her older brother’s friend. He recognizes her crush for what it is, and strives to treat her like a sister, without making her feel like a child or in any way ridiculous.

The books are filled with such dialog, as well as wonderful storytelling and vivid characters. Essentially, they’re everything I want in a Regency/Victorian mystery: witty dialog, interesting clothing and manners, and a sharp mystery.

As I said, there are only four books, so I recommend you find all four, then read them slowly, in order, savoring them, as they are all we will every have from this talented writer.

Cut to the Quick (1993), A Broken Vessel (1994), Whom the Gods Love (1995), The Devil in Music (1997)