The Mayfair Affair

The Mayfair Affair (2015) Tracy Grant

Set in London in 1818.

Malcolm and Susanne Rannoch have had a difficult three months, after Malcolm finally learns that Susanne had been a French agent. But when their governess is accused of murder–found on the scene in fact, they hope the tenuous peace between them won’t be shattered by their investigation into what really happened to Duke Trenchard.

First and foremost, there was one anachronistic phrase in the book that irritated the crap out of me, mostly because I know the history and find the phrase itself incredibly irritating.

Half of an investigation is asking questions outside the box.

That phrase dates back only to the 1970s, and is entirely overused. So that bugged me to see the phrase there.

Otherwise, is was another enjoyable historical mystery. Although, as always I’m reminded how glad I am to live in the future.

It’s damnably difficult for a woman to get out of a bad marriage. Money and family help, but even with a legal separation, she’d be likely to lose custody of her children. I find the thought intolerable in general.

Yes, there are still plenty of problems, but I am so glad I don’t live in the society of 200 years ago.

(Y)ou can’t undo a move once it’s made. All you can do is look at where you are on the board and make the best move possible given your past choices.

Be aware if you are starting this series, that the publication order is not the timeline order, and that the main characters change names depending upon the publisher and/or whether she is writing as Tracy or Theresa Grant.
Rating: 8/10

Published by NYLA

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