Title: The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet (Book 3)
Series: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet
Author: Katherine Cowley
Genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Romance, Austenesque
Publisher: Tule Publishing Group, LLC (September 6, 2022)
Length: (368) pages
Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook
ISBN: 978-1957748566
Tour Dates: August 29 – September 11, 2022
BOOK DESCRIPTION
What is a spy willing to do when both her heart and her country are at risk?
Life changes once again for British spy Miss Mary Bennet when Napoleon Bonaparte escapes from the Isle of Elba. Mary quickly departs England for Brussels, the city where the Allied forces prepare for war against the French. But shortly after her arrival, one of the Duke of Wellington's best officers is murdered, an event which threatens to break the delicate alliance between the Allies.
Investigating the murder forces Mary into precarious levels of espionage, role-playing, and deception with her new partner, Mr. Withrow-the nephew and heir of her prominent sponsor, and the spy with whom she's often at odds. Together, they court danger and discovery as they play dual roles gathering intelligence for the British. But soon Mary realizes that her growing feelings towards Mr. Withrow put her heart in as much danger as her life. And then there's another murder.
Mary will need to unmask the murderer before more people are killed, but can she do so and remain hidden in the background?
MY REVIEW
I truly love Katherine Cowley's depiction of the overlooked Bennet sister. Mary is quiet and sometimes off putting in Pride and Prejudice, but is that all there is to know about her?
This story is a fantastic continuation of the previous two. The story itself can stand on it's own, but the evolution of Mary is best seen over the course of the three books. I know that I had never really appreciated Mary, until now.
The depiction of a shy, loyal girl trying to figure things out is something that I think we can all relate to. She is trying to navigate society's rules while breaking them as an agent for the crown. I would have never placed her in this role and yet I can't see the story turning out any other way. We also get to see Lydia and how that all turned out and Kitty joins Mary. It is a fitting story that gives us more of the Bennet family than just Lizzy and Jane.
I would recommend this story and series to fans of Pride and Prejudice. It stays true to Jane Austen and brings a new and compelling adventure that wouldn't be in this world without a little romance as well.
ADVANCE PRAISE
“Cowley manages to turn a little-liked, ignored, and stilted girl into one of my favorites of Austen's characters...This third novel of the series is her best. I laughed and I cried and cheered for Mary to succeed in her endeavors and hopefully find love at last.”— Carol Pratt Bradley, author of The Light of the Candle
“5 STARS. Just a delight!”— Wren, The Zebra Reader
“I really enjoyed this book. It is a great addition to the series. I loved that Mary is finding love in a logical way that fits her character…Highly recommend.”— Mariana, Goodreads
“I absolutely love Katherine Cowley's Mary Bennet series, and I think [The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception] may be the best book in the series.”— Madison, Goodreads
PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB
AUDIOBOOK PURCHASE LINKS
AUTHOR BIO
Katherine Cowley read Pride and Prejudice for the first time when she was ten years old, which started a lifelong obsession with Jane Austen. Her debut novel, The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet, was nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Her Mary Bennet spy series continues with the novels The True Confessions of a London Spy and The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception. Katherine loves history, chocolate, traveling, and playing the piano, and she has taught writing classes at Western Michigan University. She lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan with her husband and three daughters.
EXCLUSIVE AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Read an in-depth interview with author Katherine Cowley revealing insights into her new historical mystery novel, The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception