Reviews for The Bloodied Cravat

Beau Brummell arrived punctually at the estate of Frederica, the Duchess of York, as her special guest for her birthday celebration. Unfortunately, his valet — and his valises full of proper attire — have gone missing, leaving the arbiter of fashion out of fashion for his first night as Freddie's guest. When Beau's valet does appear, he reveals the shocking news that he was set upon by highwaymen, who stole most of his master's luggage — including an indiscreet letter that Freddie wrote to Beau, which could embroil them both in scandal.
Once Freddie's other guests arrive, Beau puts his worries aside and turns his attention to ensuring her birthday remains pleasant. Not an easy task, considering one of the party is the horrid Lord Kendrick — whose notorious reputation rings true when he behaves badly with several women. When he's found dead with one of Freddie's hair ornaments lodged in his throat, Beau is hardly surprised. But he cannot stand by and allow her to be accused of the crime — even if she is angry with him for keeping her letter and allowing it to fall into the wrong hands. Devastated that he has wronged the woman he adores, Beau must collect himself to find the true killer, and retrieve the letter that is now being used to blackmail Freddie . . .

Dandy and amateur sleuth Beau Brummell continues to charm in this third whodunit (after 2001's The Tainted Snuff Box) from Agatha Award winner Stevens. Renowned for his sartorial splendor and elegance, Brummell has come to Oatlands, the country home of the Duke and Duchess of York, to be with Frederica, the duchess, as she celebrates her birthday while her husband is off with his mistress. When a highwayman robs Robinson, his valet, en route to Oatlands, Brummell isn't as concerned about his lost clothes as he is about his stolen blue-velvet-covered scrapbook, which contains a letter from Frederica that if made public could cause a royal scandal and Brummell's social downfall. After the universally disliked Marquess of Kendrick threatens blackmail and is subsequently murdered, Frederica calls in Mr. Lavender of Bow Street. As the investigation progresses and the murders mount, the author expertly uses red herrings to keep Brummell and the reader guessing. A multitude of authentic historical figures add to the fun in this vivid portrait of Regency England. Stevens deftly captures the magnificence of the wealthy's country estates and the glittering atmosphere of London at the height of the social season. Combined with a witty, suave and romantic Brummell, who unravels the mystery as meticulously as he dresses, this is sure to appeal to a wide variety of fans.

       Much to his delight, Beau Brummell, accompanied by Chakkri his Siamese cat, is attending a house party at Oatlands, home of Frederica, Duchess of York. He is perturbed, though, for his valet Robinson has not yet arrived with his possessions, leaving him with a serious shortage of clothing.
       When Robinson does arrive, Brummell learns he was set upon by a highwayman, who made off with some of his possessions. This puts him in a panic, for among the missing items is an album that contains a letter from his beloved Freddie, which could cause social ruin for all.
       All of this is put out of mind when a fellow houseguest is murdered via a hair ornament of Freddie's. The police are called in but it is Brummell, using not only his great social connections, but also the help of his good friend Miss Lavender (not to mention Chakkri) who saves the day.
       This latest in the Beau Brummell series shows Ms. Stevens in top form. Mystery fans will appreciate the complicated, well-devised plot and fans of the ton will also be in for their share of fun as the author has included a fine amount of gossip, scandal, and sparkling wit.

Four and one half stars
TOP PICK
Toby Bromberg
Romantic Times Book Club