"Regency mystery"
Most of society in Regency London thinks that Beau Brummell
is a glorified dandy who cares for nothing but the cut and
style of his clothes. He is a personal friend of the
Prince Regent and is invited to all the parties the Ton
gives. One day while dining at his club White's, he
realizes it doesn't please his palate. He opens his own
club Waitiers, which becomes an overnight hit, serving
delectable food and allowing the clientele to indulge in
gambling. One night at the club, some men are playing cards when
Lieutenant Nevill accuses Mr. Jacombe of cheating. Mr.
Jacombe, a man with a high position in the government and
known for his kindness and honor, is so angry he challenges
the soldier to a duel. Before that can happen, Mr. Jacombe
is murdered and witnesses place Lieutenant Nevill at the
scene holding a gun. Beau, who knows the lieutenant,
doesn't believe he is guilty and goes out of his way to
prove it. The hero of this regency mystery actually existed with his
closest friends knowing he was intelligent so it should not
surprise history buffs that Beau could have been a
brilliant detective. As he examines the victim's life, he
learns that the man was not a paragon of virtue but a vile
predator who had many people wishing him dead. The who-
done-it is fascinating and it is obvious that Rosemary
Stevens does her research because MURDER IN THE PLEASURE
GARDEN is an accurate vivid depiction of life in Regency
England. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted April 10, 2003
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