Cut to the Quick

Cut to the Quick (1993) Kate Ross (Julian Kestrel Mysteries #1)

Set in England in 1824

Julian Kestrel had first appeared in London society a year or two ago, and hardly anything was known about him.
…
If he had been anything but a dandy, such vagueness about his pedigree would have been fatal, but of course the most spectacular of the dandies were absolved from Society’s usual inquisition into breeding and birth.

Philippa had a poor opinion of authority and did not submit to it very well. When she was forbidden to do something she had set her heart on, she thought the prohibition over carefully, and if she decided it was unfair or unnecessary, she disobeyed it.

“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.”

MacGregor paced back and forth, ruffling up the hair at the back of his neck. His hair was thick, black, and spiky, and so was his beard. He looked, thought Julian, like one of the noisier Old Testament prophets.

Characters: Julian Kestrel, Dipper / Thomas Stokes, Dr. Duncan MacGregor, Philippa Fontclair, Joanna Fontclair, Hugh Fontclair, Mr. Guy Fontclair, Isabelle Fontclair, Sir Robert Fontclair, Lady Catherine Tarleton , Colonel Geoffrey Fontclair, Maud Craddock, Mark Craddock, Miss Pritchard, Rawlinson , Mrs. Cox , Travis, Michael, Peter, Molly Dale, Dorcas, Mr. Ayres, Stephen Senderby, Miss Amy Fields, Louisa Howland, E. P. Howland, Milliner, Mrs. Deborah Warren, Dick Felton, Fred Morley, Silas Vorpe, Bliss

Publisher: Felony & Mayhem

Rating: 9/10

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