Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey

Wilson (Midnight on the River Grey) weaves a splendid tale of murder and deception in this fun, suspenseful Regency. Lord Adrian Radcliffe Torrington, a spy for the crown, poses as a highwayman in hopes of retrieving an important document, but accidentally robs the wrong coach. The botched robbery results in a carriage accident that leaves the coach’s occupants, Elizabeth Cantrell and her infant son, unconscious. Adrian is forced to declare to rescuers that Elizabeth is his wife in order to maintain his cover. When Elizabeth awakens, she agrees to the deception in order to help Adrian complete his mission. She nervously travels with him to his home of Middlecrest Abbey as the new Lady Torrington, uncertain how their apparently clandestine marriage will be received. But maintaining their charade soon takes a backseat to solving a mystery when Adrian’s eldest daughter’s fiancé turns up murdered. The main couple are well matched in spunk and intellect, and Wilson strikes a nice balance between intrigue and gentle romance. This delightful story is sure to entertain. Agent: Jennifer Wills, the Seymore Agency. (May)