Cut to the Quick

In its opening chapters, this mystery debut set in early 19th-century England reads like a promising Regency romance. Ruthless money-lender Mark Craddock has used ``dishonourable means'' to engineer the engagement of his daughter Maud to Sir Robert Fontclair's son Hugh. ``Howling swell'' Julian Kestrel has no plans for amateur sleuthing when he arrives at the Fontclair country home for the wedding, but the bride, aware that the groom is reluctant, asks Julian to help her foil Papa's scheme. Soon Julian uncovers a new problem tucked neatly into his own bed: a fully clothed young woman, dead of a stab wound, whom nobody in the household admits to recognizing. Sir Robert, a magistrate, seems content to pin the murder on Julian or his valet, Dipper, formerly a pickpocket, so Julian must find the real culprit. As soon as the corpse surfaces, this tale turns into a very decent whodunit. Julian is a dandy sleuth who manages to sort out both the murder and Maud's problem. However, Regency fans may be disappointed when social maneuverings are nudged aside by the crime investigation, while mystery lovers may resent having to wait several chapters for the first blood. Should Ross learn how to smoothly integrate these two genres in her next novel, she could earn a loyal audience. ( Mar. )