Lady Notorious

Romain’s fourth Royal Rewards Regency (after Lady Rogue) effervesces with romance as the sister of a Bow Street Runner and the heir to a dukedom join forces to solve a mystery. Cassandra Benton and her twin brother, Charles, a member of the policelike Bow Street Runners, are hired by George, Lord Northbrook, to learn more about the tontine, an investment his father participated in decades ago. The Duke of Ardmore, George’s father, and nine other men invested in the tontine with the provision that the sole survivor of the investment would receive the proceeds. Two investors died during the first 39 years, and three more suspiciously died within the past year. Posing as George’s cousin, Cass attends society events with George to discover who might be killing the tontine members. Their work puts them in close proximity, and soon they decide to explore their mutual desire. The physical attraction between Cass and George is enhanced by George’s admiration of Cass’s tenacity as she continues her injured brother’s Bow Street work, and Cass’s appreciation for George’s pursuit of the camera obscura and dedication to his family. Moving and complex characters highlight this novel, which is enhanced by mystery and complicated by period class distinctions that make a match between Cass and George seem impossible. Regency fans will enjoy this stirring adventure. Agent: Paige Wheeler, Folio Literary. (Mar.)