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A Lark's Conceit
Verity Lark is in a new flap!Bedeviled by Colson Hardwicke’s treatment—summarily dumping her via tersely worded message!—Verity Lark is lying awake in her bed seething over his behavior when she hears a floorboard creak. Immediately alert to the presence of a late-night intruder, she deftly thwarts the attack. Taking her would-be kidnapper captive is easy. Figuring out what he wants with her—well, that part is tricky and she wonders if it could have something to do with one of her many alter egos. It is baffling, to be sure, but Verity has a plan. Of course she does. As England’s most tenacious gossip and the London Daily Gazette’s most dogged reporter, she always has a scheme afoot, and this time it entails allowing her captive to escape so she can follow him. It’s the best way to discover what the devil is going on. The ploy works exactly as intended, which is good but also bad because the more she knows, the less she understands. Somehow, she is at the center of an elaborate plot involving the French embassy, an English spy, and a ghastly murder, and just as she is trying to come up with a way to save herself, Hardwicke turns up to complicate it all.Welcome to the third installment of the Verity Lark Mysteries, where secrets run deep, and every move could be her last.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 29, 2024
About the author
Lynn Messina
48 books563 followersLynn Messina is author of more than a dozen novels, including the best-selling Fashionistas, which has been translated into sixteen languages, and a series of Regency romance novels. Her essays have appeared in Self, American Baby and the New York Times Modern Love column. She lives in New York City with her sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 28, 2024
Verity Lake and her slew of alter egos have wormed their way into my heart and I look forward to seeing her navigate personal and professional trials in these books. On the personal side, we start with the line that everyone knew Colson Hardwicke was courting Verity Lake except Verity Lake. Her childhood trauma, which necessitated self-reliance, doesn't let her consider that Hardwicke is genuinely interested in her. In this book, he does something that makes her confront her inability to trust him and he has to realize the adjustments she needs him to make if he's to be close to her. It's complicated, messy, and a little sad, but it's also beautiful and heart-warming.
On the professional side, Verity thwarts an attempted kidnapping (of herself) and her investigation into who is behind the plot intersects with Hardwicke's work. French diplomats are at the center of this story and knowing the general events of the Napoleonic era are helpful.
This is a story where all the chapters are given a day, date, and time. The action spans just a few days, but it's important to notice the dates, as the prologue is actually the "action scene" at the end of the investigation.
As always, Lynn Messina's fantastic sense of humor and wit are on full display. I'm familiar enough with her work that I no longer bark out loud with laughter as I read like I did with the early Beatrice Hyde-Clare books, but I am giggly as I anticipate the brilliant, funny banter and asides. This is yet another gem from one of my favorites!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
On the professional side, Verity thwarts an attempted kidnapping (of herself) and her investigation into who is behind the plot intersects with Hardwicke's work. French diplomats are at the center of this story and knowing the general events of the Napoleonic era are helpful.
This is a story where all the chapters are given a day, date, and time. The action spans just a few days, but it's important to notice the dates, as the prologue is actually the "action scene" at the end of the investigation.
As always, Lynn Messina's fantastic sense of humor and wit are on full display. I'm familiar enough with her work that I no longer bark out loud with laughter as I read like I did with the early Beatrice Hyde-Clare books, but I am giggly as I anticipate the brilliant, funny banter and asides. This is yet another gem from one of my favorites!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
February 28, 2024
Verity Lark, misunderstood and misconstrued!
Ah Verity! A whirlwind of disguises, a master of the impossible, of quick thinking, and of supreme confidence in her own powers of deduction.
No-one really sees her except Freddie and Delphine. No-one can match her except Colson Hardwick.
We hear more of her time as a child with Freddie and Delphine, matching wits with the wicked headmistress, the Wraithe. We hear of the Dowager Duchess of Kesgrave hand in Verity’s past. Meanwhile Verity’s still musing about her half brother, the Duke of a Kesgrave.
Verity is enjoying matching wits with Coulson, wondering what she’d do if he offered to make her his mistress. After all she is the illegitimate daughter of the great courtesan, La Reina!
Meanwhile Coulson has a target painted on his back having been reavealed as a British spy who helped bring down Napoleon. The French immigrants in England are many. Anyone amongst them could be a threat.
How to flush them out, particularly as someone attempted to kidnap Verity out of her bedroom! More fool them! Then we find that Colson has had a number of attempts on his life. All evidence and supposition leads to the French Embassy, more so when Verity narrowly misses being hit by a plummeting body from a window there.
Suicide … or murder!
Verity has her hands full and her feelings disrupted with this investigation, Colson’s puzzling overtures, and Kesgrave’s attention. And then there’s the Dower Duchess! What a to do!
I had my hands full, gasping out loud, sudden fits of laughter, and struck by Verity’s supreme shortsightedness where Colson is concerned.
A Book Whisperer ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Ah Verity! A whirlwind of disguises, a master of the impossible, of quick thinking, and of supreme confidence in her own powers of deduction.
No-one really sees her except Freddie and Delphine. No-one can match her except Colson Hardwick.
We hear more of her time as a child with Freddie and Delphine, matching wits with the wicked headmistress, the Wraithe. We hear of the Dowager Duchess of Kesgrave hand in Verity’s past. Meanwhile Verity’s still musing about her half brother, the Duke of a Kesgrave.
Verity is enjoying matching wits with Coulson, wondering what she’d do if he offered to make her his mistress. After all she is the illegitimate daughter of the great courtesan, La Reina!
Meanwhile Coulson has a target painted on his back having been reavealed as a British spy who helped bring down Napoleon. The French immigrants in England are many. Anyone amongst them could be a threat.
How to flush them out, particularly as someone attempted to kidnap Verity out of her bedroom! More fool them! Then we find that Colson has had a number of attempts on his life. All evidence and supposition leads to the French Embassy, more so when Verity narrowly misses being hit by a plummeting body from a window there.
Suicide … or murder!
Verity has her hands full and her feelings disrupted with this investigation, Colson’s puzzling overtures, and Kesgrave’s attention. And then there’s the Dower Duchess! What a to do!
I had my hands full, gasping out loud, sudden fits of laughter, and struck by Verity’s supreme shortsightedness where Colson is concerned.
A Book Whisperer ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
February 28, 2024
Verity Lark is in a bad mood as Colson Hardwicke has severed all connections with her. She’s lying awake in her bed seething over his behaviour when she hears a floorboard creak. Immediately alert to the presence of a late-night intruder, she deftly thwarts the attack. Taking her would-be kidnapper captive is easy. Figuring out what he wants with her is baffling, to be sure, but Verity has a plan. Of course she does. As England’s most tenacious gossip and the London Daily Gazette’s most dogged reporter, she always has a scheme afoot, and this time it entails allowing her captive to escape so she can follow him. Somehow, she is at the centre of an elaborate plot involving the French embassy, an English spy, and a ghastly murder, and just as she is trying to come up with a way to save herself, Hardwicke turns up to complicate it all.
A very well written entertaining & enjoyable cosy mystery, the characters have depth & are well portrayed, the pace was good & never lagged & the mystery was intriguing. I do like Verity but I do find her a little too modern for the Regency era at times & I really like Colson, I liked that they were able to work together on the case but their relationship battles wore a little thin by the end of the book
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A very well written entertaining & enjoyable cosy mystery, the characters have depth & are well portrayed, the pace was good & never lagged & the mystery was intriguing. I do like Verity but I do find her a little too modern for the Regency era at times & I really like Colson, I liked that they were able to work together on the case but their relationship battles wore a little thin by the end of the book
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 13, 2024
Thank you to Lynn Messina, Potatoworks Press and NetGalley for a free advanced reading copy. All opinions expressed in the review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
Verity Lark is in a foul mood. Hardwicke has severed all connection with her after introducing her to his brother, the Marquess. Of course his brother would never approve of a marriage to La Reina's illegitimate brat and of course Verity would never, ever accept an improper proposal. Or even a proper one at that. She's bound and determined to maintain her independence and never be beholden to any man! So why is she in such a foul temper? Fortunately, someone breaks into her bedchamber one night in an attempt to abduct the frail, elderly spinster the neighborhood thinks she is. Fortunately because the would-be abductor is no match for Verity and her friends and Verity is never happier when she's on the hunt. Her suspect's trail leads to the French embassy and then to an office building where a body literally falls on Verity. Not the dead one, just the body of Lord Colson Hardwicke, her erstwhile suitor! He reveals someone has made several attempts on his life and in an effort to protect Verity, he must not be seen with her. Verity is fuming! He Holyed her! (following the events of A Boldly Daring Scheme) Verity plans to withhold clues from Hardwicke and figure out who was trying to kidnap her and leave him to his own mystery but Hardwicke remains annoyingly stubborn and tags along Verity's investigation. Are the two events connected? What is happening in the French Embassy? Or is it in the pubs where Napoleon's sympathizers are meeting to plot the Emperor's return. Or not? Verity will get to the bottom of this mystery and nothing and no one can stop her! When she runs into trouble, help comes from a very unexpected source, complicating Verity's feelings about her past and her future.
Squeeee!!!! This is the best Verity adventure yet. It's action packed, funny and romantic. As usual Verity makes a simple matter a lot more complicated but this time I didn't feel like the investigation went on too long. The romantic drama took awhile to conclude but when it did, it was very sweet and lovely. All the romantic drama felt realistic for the characters as if they were real people with real problems to solve. I liked that even if it felt like too much at times. I was very good and didn't race ahead. The mystery was a little confusing and I didn't see the who and why coming at all. I thought it was someone else. The mystery veers into the political a bit and it sounds very timely.
Verity is a tough nut. She experienced a traumatic childhood in a pauper orphanage with a cruel matron who lined her own pockets and abused the children. She survived but not wholly in tact. While her especially keen intelligence and wit allowed her to physically survive, emotionally Verity has a long way to go to overcome her demons. Her big issue in this novel is trust. She doesn't trust anyone except Freddie and Delphine, her childhood friends who survived the Fortescue Asylum with her. They survived because of her and she feels responsible for them and their safety. Verity does not trust the nobility, all of whom surely know who her mother is and possibly even her father's identity as well. No nobleman or woman can have honest and good intentions towards her, including Hardwicke. Verity has built up walls around herself to keep her spirit from being wounded. She laughs through the pain and almost makes light of terrifying situations. She has extreme self-confidence and she's aware of what she can do because of what she endured as a child.
Lord Hardwicke is a charming rogue and while the Duke of Kesgrave stole my heart, I quite like Lord Hardwicke. He's no match for Verity though. While I think Hardwicke is rather intelligent, he isn't quite as astute as Verity and his status as the second son of a Marquess has made him pampered and a bit emotionally naïve. He doesn't understand ladies, certainly and because he's unaware of Verity's backstory, he doesn't understand HER. He could have asked and this seems like a communication error. She didn't ask either. She thinks she knows what's in his mind because of his social status. Verity doesn't like to admit she's wrong but she already knows she was wrong about the Duke of Kesgrave and probably was rather cruel to his Duchess. I know she and Bea would get along great if they got to know each other. They both had traumatic childhoods and they're both intelligent, tenacious, astute, incredible problem solvers and love disguises!
While Damien always seems to know what Bea is thinking, they had more time to spend together and more time to get to know each other than Hardwicke and Verity, who are not even on a first name basis yet. I detest when gentlemen fall on their swords to protect the heroines without giving them a choice. If Hardwicke really understood Verity he should have told her what was going on. They could have put their heads together to figure it out sooner and solve the problem and all would have been well. But nooo... he has to "Holy" her (you must read A Boldly Daring Scheme first to understand that concept). HOWEVER... when he explains himself, his reasoning makes sense but he should have told her! She asks herself how can he say he's ready to commit when he can't be honest with her? I would agree with that statement. He wasn't open with her and now she trusts him even less. Great job, Hardwicke! He can be sweet and swoony when he wants to but for most of the book they're at odds because they don't know how to communicate well yet. (They're also not making out in carriages like Bea and Kesgrave!)
The Dowager Duchess of Kesgrave is awesome and I want a whole book from her POV! She's been amazing and accepting so far but here she starts to sound like a cranky old lady and the noblewoman she is. She's blunt and honest but also a great judge of character. She's astute enough to judge someone on first impressions and revise her opinion if warranted. She's kick butt awesome too and I want Bea, Verity and the Dowager to join forces in a future mystery. I have always liked her and was happy I did not have to revise MY opinion!
Verity's would-be abductor is no match for her intelligence, wit or survival skills. He's a comical villain for sure but who is he and why did he try to abduct her? First, he was going off the assumption that Robert Lark, Verity's "brother" was away from home. Next, he believed Verity was an old spinster too weak and timid to leave her home. Of course the reader knows that's Verity's cover story and a way of keeping nosy neighbors at bay. It's a lot of fun watching her thwart her abductor. The poor man had no idea what was about to happen to him. Verity learns his name is Auguste Dupont and he's a secretary at the embassy. At 30 years of age, he seems a little old to be a secretary. He's a civil servant, a low man on the ladder but has worked his way up from clerk. Formerly Dupont worked for the Ministry of Police compiling information on Royalist plotters. Hmm now we may be getting somewhere because the ambassador, Comte de Morny was the head of the French police and a Bonapartist who has changed his loyalties. Maybe? Morny is Dupont's patron and perhaps directed the kidnapping for some reason? Morny is super arrogant and assumes Verity, in disguise again, as a reporter, is there to see HIM! He expounds at length on himself and nothing at all of substance. He could be a clever and cunning villain and this pompous windbag could be his cover. I would expect Verity to see through that though.
When Mr. Dupont meets his fate, there were several people milling about who could have done the deed. Matthias Farrow, a clerk, was in the right place at the right time. He was first on the scene after Dupont's death. Gardin and Ardisson were next on the scene. Ardisson seems unnaturally distraught. That could be because he committed a foul deed or simply because he's never seen a dead body before. They were followed by Guillaume Beaufoy, the voice of reason who refused to gawk at the unsightly scene. He is also the only one with a legitimate reason to be in the right place at the right time. Beaufoy, envoy extraordinary to the Court of St. James, is a family man. He has a nice house where he resides with his wife and children and they all attend church on Sundays. Sure the children are a little unruly but they're small and have a nanny and an attentive mother. Madame Beaufoy might be a social climber though. At best she's just a harried wife and mother who actually does NEED more than she has. Don't they all? Mr. Beaufoy kind of rolls his eyes at his chatty wife and winces at his kids' noise but I get the impression he's just a man trying to support his family in a foreign country and he keeps his head down and his mouth shut. I suspect at home his wife calls the shots and she'll get what she wants sooner or later! Perrault was another gawker at the scene of Dupont's death. Could he be the villain?
Benson, the barkeep, surely must know who the Bonapartists are. He must know who the kidnapper was too and why. He claims he doesn't know what the plot was and a claims ignorance about everything but Verity and Hardwicke seem to think otherwise. The man is an oily weasel who is out to earn some coins any way he can. He doesn't seem to have any loyalties or any honor. I suspect he may be the Bonapartist in on the plot after all.
The real villain of the piece is that fellow Kingsley, a civil servant formerly with the Home Office, who is disgruntled after losing his job and has now blabbed state secrets to all and sundry. Because he is angry and can't hold his brandy, people's lives are in danger! I don't trust Grint, the under-secretary for the Home Office. He's an ally of Hardwicke but I fear he may blame Verity and Hardwicke for losing Kingsley and for chastising him for not punishing Kingsley further. I suspect Grint may put politics first. But he did fire Kingsley so maybe he's not so bad.
Verity's best friend Delphine is lovely and gracious. She's eager to promote a match between Verity and Hardwicke but is a true and loyal friend to Verity. Delphine is passionate and when she feels strongly, she doesn't hesitate to speak up. While Freddie is a good friend, he's a man and doesn't quite understand the undercurrents of the Hardwicke situation.
Lynn Messina almost never misses and she has another winner on her hands with this one. I hope there will be more Verity adventures. She has yet to meet Bea!
Verity Lark is in a foul mood. Hardwicke has severed all connection with her after introducing her to his brother, the Marquess. Of course his brother would never approve of a marriage to La Reina's illegitimate brat and of course Verity would never, ever accept an improper proposal. Or even a proper one at that. She's bound and determined to maintain her independence and never be beholden to any man! So why is she in such a foul temper? Fortunately, someone breaks into her bedchamber one night in an attempt to abduct the frail, elderly spinster the neighborhood thinks she is. Fortunately because the would-be abductor is no match for Verity and her friends and Verity is never happier when she's on the hunt. Her suspect's trail leads to the French embassy and then to an office building where a body literally falls on Verity. Not the dead one, just the body of Lord Colson Hardwicke, her erstwhile suitor! He reveals someone has made several attempts on his life and in an effort to protect Verity, he must not be seen with her. Verity is fuming! He Holyed her! (following the events of A Boldly Daring Scheme) Verity plans to withhold clues from Hardwicke and figure out who was trying to kidnap her and leave him to his own mystery but Hardwicke remains annoyingly stubborn and tags along Verity's investigation. Are the two events connected? What is happening in the French Embassy? Or is it in the pubs where Napoleon's sympathizers are meeting to plot the Emperor's return. Or not? Verity will get to the bottom of this mystery and nothing and no one can stop her! When she runs into trouble, help comes from a very unexpected source, complicating Verity's feelings about her past and her future.
Squeeee!!!! This is the best Verity adventure yet. It's action packed, funny and romantic. As usual Verity makes a simple matter a lot more complicated but this time I didn't feel like the investigation went on too long. The romantic drama took awhile to conclude but when it did, it was very sweet and lovely. All the romantic drama felt realistic for the characters as if they were real people with real problems to solve. I liked that even if it felt like too much at times. I was very good and didn't race ahead. The mystery was a little confusing and I didn't see the who and why coming at all. I thought it was someone else. The mystery veers into the political a bit and it sounds very timely.
Verity is a tough nut. She experienced a traumatic childhood in a pauper orphanage with a cruel matron who lined her own pockets and abused the children. She survived but not wholly in tact. While her especially keen intelligence and wit allowed her to physically survive, emotionally Verity has a long way to go to overcome her demons. Her big issue in this novel is trust. She doesn't trust anyone except Freddie and Delphine, her childhood friends who survived the Fortescue Asylum with her. They survived because of her and she feels responsible for them and their safety. Verity does not trust the nobility, all of whom surely know who her mother is and possibly even her father's identity as well. No nobleman or woman can have honest and good intentions towards her, including Hardwicke. Verity has built up walls around herself to keep her spirit from being wounded. She laughs through the pain and almost makes light of terrifying situations. She has extreme self-confidence and she's aware of what she can do because of what she endured as a child.
Lord Hardwicke is a charming rogue and while the Duke of Kesgrave stole my heart, I quite like Lord Hardwicke. He's no match for Verity though. While I think Hardwicke is rather intelligent, he isn't quite as astute as Verity and his status as the second son of a Marquess has made him pampered and a bit emotionally naïve. He doesn't understand ladies, certainly and because he's unaware of Verity's backstory, he doesn't understand HER. He could have asked and this seems like a communication error. She didn't ask either. She thinks she knows what's in his mind because of his social status. Verity doesn't like to admit she's wrong but she already knows she was wrong about the Duke of Kesgrave and probably was rather cruel to his Duchess. I know she and Bea would get along great if they got to know each other. They both had traumatic childhoods and they're both intelligent, tenacious, astute, incredible problem solvers and love disguises!
While Damien always seems to know what Bea is thinking, they had more time to spend together and more time to get to know each other than Hardwicke and Verity, who are not even on a first name basis yet. I detest when gentlemen fall on their swords to protect the heroines without giving them a choice. If Hardwicke really understood Verity he should have told her what was going on. They could have put their heads together to figure it out sooner and solve the problem and all would have been well. But nooo... he has to "Holy" her (you must read A Boldly Daring Scheme first to understand that concept). HOWEVER... when he explains himself, his reasoning makes sense but he should have told her! She asks herself how can he say he's ready to commit when he can't be honest with her? I would agree with that statement. He wasn't open with her and now she trusts him even less. Great job, Hardwicke! He can be sweet and swoony when he wants to but for most of the book they're at odds because they don't know how to communicate well yet. (They're also not making out in carriages like Bea and Kesgrave!)
The Dowager Duchess of Kesgrave is awesome and I want a whole book from her POV! She's been amazing and accepting so far but here she starts to sound like a cranky old lady and the noblewoman she is. She's blunt and honest but also a great judge of character. She's astute enough to judge someone on first impressions and revise her opinion if warranted. She's kick butt awesome too and I want Bea, Verity and the Dowager to join forces in a future mystery. I have always liked her and was happy I did not have to revise MY opinion!
Verity's would-be abductor is no match for her intelligence, wit or survival skills. He's a comical villain for sure but who is he and why did he try to abduct her? First, he was going off the assumption that Robert Lark, Verity's "brother" was away from home. Next, he believed Verity was an old spinster too weak and timid to leave her home. Of course the reader knows that's Verity's cover story and a way of keeping nosy neighbors at bay. It's a lot of fun watching her thwart her abductor. The poor man had no idea what was about to happen to him. Verity learns his name is Auguste Dupont and he's a secretary at the embassy. At 30 years of age, he seems a little old to be a secretary. He's a civil servant, a low man on the ladder but has worked his way up from clerk. Formerly Dupont worked for the Ministry of Police compiling information on Royalist plotters. Hmm now we may be getting somewhere because the ambassador, Comte de Morny was the head of the French police and a Bonapartist who has changed his loyalties. Maybe? Morny is Dupont's patron and perhaps directed the kidnapping for some reason? Morny is super arrogant and assumes Verity, in disguise again, as a reporter, is there to see HIM! He expounds at length on himself and nothing at all of substance. He could be a clever and cunning villain and this pompous windbag could be his cover. I would expect Verity to see through that though.
When Mr. Dupont meets his fate, there were several people milling about who could have done the deed. Matthias Farrow, a clerk, was in the right place at the right time. He was first on the scene after Dupont's death. Gardin and Ardisson were next on the scene. Ardisson seems unnaturally distraught. That could be because he committed a foul deed or simply because he's never seen a dead body before. They were followed by Guillaume Beaufoy, the voice of reason who refused to gawk at the unsightly scene. He is also the only one with a legitimate reason to be in the right place at the right time. Beaufoy, envoy extraordinary to the Court of St. James, is a family man. He has a nice house where he resides with his wife and children and they all attend church on Sundays. Sure the children are a little unruly but they're small and have a nanny and an attentive mother. Madame Beaufoy might be a social climber though. At best she's just a harried wife and mother who actually does NEED more than she has. Don't they all? Mr. Beaufoy kind of rolls his eyes at his chatty wife and winces at his kids' noise but I get the impression he's just a man trying to support his family in a foreign country and he keeps his head down and his mouth shut. I suspect at home his wife calls the shots and she'll get what she wants sooner or later! Perrault was another gawker at the scene of Dupont's death. Could he be the villain?
Benson, the barkeep, surely must know who the Bonapartists are. He must know who the kidnapper was too and why. He claims he doesn't know what the plot was and a claims ignorance about everything but Verity and Hardwicke seem to think otherwise. The man is an oily weasel who is out to earn some coins any way he can. He doesn't seem to have any loyalties or any honor. I suspect he may be the Bonapartist in on the plot after all.
The real villain of the piece is that fellow Kingsley, a civil servant formerly with the Home Office, who is disgruntled after losing his job and has now blabbed state secrets to all and sundry. Because he is angry and can't hold his brandy, people's lives are in danger! I don't trust Grint, the under-secretary for the Home Office. He's an ally of Hardwicke but I fear he may blame Verity and Hardwicke for losing Kingsley and for chastising him for not punishing Kingsley further. I suspect Grint may put politics first. But he did fire Kingsley so maybe he's not so bad.
Verity's best friend Delphine is lovely and gracious. She's eager to promote a match between Verity and Hardwicke but is a true and loyal friend to Verity. Delphine is passionate and when she feels strongly, she doesn't hesitate to speak up. While Freddie is a good friend, he's a man and doesn't quite understand the undercurrents of the Hardwicke situation.
Lynn Messina almost never misses and she has another winner on her hands with this one. I hope there will be more Verity adventures. She has yet to meet Bea!
February 7, 2024
A Cozy Mystery for a cold day? Yes please! A Regency Cozy Mystery? Oho, what is this? Um, yes please! So, full disclosure, I love my cozy mysteries that are based in the Victorian era and the 1900s, but going back to Regency? I should think so! Sign me up!
This is the tird book in the series and I will certainly be getting the previous two as I am besotted. Double underline, highlighter, bold font besotted with Verity Lark. An absolute firecracker of a female sleuth and such a bright and sparkly personality! If you can imagine a light-hearted, comical yet intrepid sleuthing version of Bridgerton's Lady Whistleton, then you will adore Verity Larke (Bear in mind, the book is not a Bridgerton style romance, it is a cozy mystery and the two things are worlds apart, I was just seeking a fictional character that bore a similarity)
I digress;
Verity Lark is a corker, a bright wit, a voracious gossip and as such, a natural reporter. She does not have it easy writing for the London Gazette in a world dominated by men, but she perseveres. There is more to Verity Lark than meets the eye after all
Following a break-in and capture of the infiltrator, Verity is none the wiser as to why they are trying to capture her of all people! Lark decides to let the would-be kidnapper thinks they have escaped and follows them, to find out what the crikey is going on!
Lynn Messina is a fantastic writer and this glorious caper is at once fun and intrepid. The writing flow is authentic to the era but with a lighter prose more suited to the 21st century reader. The character building is fantastic and I have to say, the interactions between Verity and Colson Hardwick are glorious! An absolute winner for me!
Thankyou very much to Netgalley, Book Whisperer and Lynn Messina for this delightful ARC! My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
This is the tird book in the series and I will certainly be getting the previous two as I am besotted. Double underline, highlighter, bold font besotted with Verity Lark. An absolute firecracker of a female sleuth and such a bright and sparkly personality! If you can imagine a light-hearted, comical yet intrepid sleuthing version of Bridgerton's Lady Whistleton, then you will adore Verity Larke (Bear in mind, the book is not a Bridgerton style romance, it is a cozy mystery and the two things are worlds apart, I was just seeking a fictional character that bore a similarity)
I digress;
Verity Lark is a corker, a bright wit, a voracious gossip and as such, a natural reporter. She does not have it easy writing for the London Gazette in a world dominated by men, but she perseveres. There is more to Verity Lark than meets the eye after all
Following a break-in and capture of the infiltrator, Verity is none the wiser as to why they are trying to capture her of all people! Lark decides to let the would-be kidnapper thinks they have escaped and follows them, to find out what the crikey is going on!
Lynn Messina is a fantastic writer and this glorious caper is at once fun and intrepid. The writing flow is authentic to the era but with a lighter prose more suited to the 21st century reader. The character building is fantastic and I have to say, the interactions between Verity and Colson Hardwick are glorious! An absolute winner for me!
Thankyou very much to Netgalley, Book Whisperer and Lynn Messina for this delightful ARC! My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
February 28, 2024
I haven't read the first two books in this series, but I have read The Duke and Duchess of Kesgrave books, and enjoy them. I love the Historical Mystery Genre, this is a touch beyond that for me. Verity is a feminist straight out of 2024 and placed in the Regency Era, where she has many personalities. There is some witty dialogue, but it could use a tad more if this is the type stories that are planned. I like Lord Colson Hardwicke, he makes my Yes! List. Verity is awake, unable to sleep, angry at being dumped by her handsome hero in a tersely worded note when a creaking stair alerts her to an intruder, who is it and what do they want? Where is Hardwicke when you need him? Of course, being a feminist in the Regency Era, she doesn't need any help with this late-night intruder, she captures him, lets him go, in order to follow him, and where does he go? The French Embassy! The Game Is Afoot! If you can suspend all reality, you will enjoy this book, I highly recommend reading the first two. 3.5
Thank you #Netgalley #LynnMessina #BookWhisperer
carolintallahassee
Thank you #Netgalley #LynnMessina #BookWhisperer
carolintallahassee
March 7, 2024
A really wonderful chapter in Lark story.
March 11, 2024
Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Verity Lark Mystery #3
Publication Date: 2/29/24
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 333
Verity Lark and her many alter egos are in a snit. If you remember, we ended the last book with Colson Hardwicke very boldly pledging to his pursuit of Verity. It seems he carried through on that pledge – until he didn’t. This book begins just a few days after the other one ends – and already Colson is feckless. Or is he? Verity has nothing but his own words to judge by – and those words say he is. First, he cancels their outing – then, he seemingly cancels their relationship. Oh! My! Word! Colson, Colson, Colson, you really should know better.
As Verity lies abed one evening, unable to drift off to sleep, she hears a floorboard creak. With all her senses alert, she lies there in the dark awaiting her attacker. She’s prepared and isn’t fearful, but maybe her attacker should be. She quickly disables the man and takes him captive. Since he won’t tell her anything, she contrives to hold him until she is prepared to follow, then allows him to escape. She follows him to, of all places, the French embassy. What in the world could they want with her?
Verity quickly begins her investigation into her attempted kidnapping only to discover Hardwicke is also investigating the goings-on in the embassy. Do their two cases intersect? Of course, they do. Can Verity relent enough to work with him? Maybe? To some degree anyway – but she will not trust him. Even after he gives his reason, she is unrelenting. Working together to thwart the French won’t be easy, but surely their combined talents will prevail.
So far, I am not a fan of Verity. I understand her horrible beginnings – but her friends had those same beginnings and they aren’t like her. I agree with Hardwicke when he says, “You are being deliberately obtuse and you bloody well know it. You think nothing is beyond your abilities. You think you can overcome any challenge, master any difficulty, solve any problem, find any buggering priest hole in any buggering cellar! You admit no frailties, allow no weaknesses, and are seemingly incapable of asking for help. And your confidence—it is astounding. I am sorry, Verity, but no, you are not as remarkable as you believe you are. Nobody is, for your conceit is beyond anything the human world can contain.” I was delighted to see what I thought could be some character growth for Verity in this book and I am looking forward to getting to know a more open and trusting Verity – if it lasts.
Filled with this author’s signature wit and humor, along with a first-rate mystery, this book will suck you in and not let you go until the last page. I believe there is character growth for Verity and that is a good thing for her because she cannot possibly live a happy life long-term with the kinds of trust issues she has. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have. Happy Reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: A Verity Lark Mystery #3
Publication Date: 2/29/24
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 333
Verity Lark and her many alter egos are in a snit. If you remember, we ended the last book with Colson Hardwicke very boldly pledging to his pursuit of Verity. It seems he carried through on that pledge – until he didn’t. This book begins just a few days after the other one ends – and already Colson is feckless. Or is he? Verity has nothing but his own words to judge by – and those words say he is. First, he cancels their outing – then, he seemingly cancels their relationship. Oh! My! Word! Colson, Colson, Colson, you really should know better.
As Verity lies abed one evening, unable to drift off to sleep, she hears a floorboard creak. With all her senses alert, she lies there in the dark awaiting her attacker. She’s prepared and isn’t fearful, but maybe her attacker should be. She quickly disables the man and takes him captive. Since he won’t tell her anything, she contrives to hold him until she is prepared to follow, then allows him to escape. She follows him to, of all places, the French embassy. What in the world could they want with her?
Verity quickly begins her investigation into her attempted kidnapping only to discover Hardwicke is also investigating the goings-on in the embassy. Do their two cases intersect? Of course, they do. Can Verity relent enough to work with him? Maybe? To some degree anyway – but she will not trust him. Even after he gives his reason, she is unrelenting. Working together to thwart the French won’t be easy, but surely their combined talents will prevail.
So far, I am not a fan of Verity. I understand her horrible beginnings – but her friends had those same beginnings and they aren’t like her. I agree with Hardwicke when he says, “You are being deliberately obtuse and you bloody well know it. You think nothing is beyond your abilities. You think you can overcome any challenge, master any difficulty, solve any problem, find any buggering priest hole in any buggering cellar! You admit no frailties, allow no weaknesses, and are seemingly incapable of asking for help. And your confidence—it is astounding. I am sorry, Verity, but no, you are not as remarkable as you believe you are. Nobody is, for your conceit is beyond anything the human world can contain.” I was delighted to see what I thought could be some character growth for Verity in this book and I am looking forward to getting to know a more open and trusting Verity – if it lasts.
Filled with this author’s signature wit and humor, along with a first-rate mystery, this book will suck you in and not let you go until the last page. I believe there is character growth for Verity and that is a good thing for her because she cannot possibly live a happy life long-term with the kinds of trust issues she has. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have. Happy Reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 3, 2024
A Lark’s Conceit
(Verity Lark Mysteries 3)
Lynn Messina
Lynn Messina is the author of more than 25 books, by my count. A significant acheivement!
Her best known series are Love Takes Root, Beatrice Hyde-Clare mysteries, and the Verity Lark mysteries.
This is the third book in the Verity Lark series, but it is my first. Its main character is a spinster by the name of Verity Lark, who has multiple personas and likes to work out complicated situations. Her mother is a former woman of ill repute, who married a Duke. She has recently met her half brother for the first time. Verity was raised in an asylum for orphans that sounds more like an institute for the torture of children. While she has the facts about her birth mother she has no information on her father.
She shares a residence with Delphine, their cook, and the maid. Verity grew up with Freddie and Delphine, who are still her family unit. Delphine, is championing Hardwicke, as an acceptable suitor for Verity. Hardwicke understands her because his job and her pastimes align. In this episode, Verity is upset with him. I thought I understood why only to find out at the end that I only had a small portion of the issue. There is one murder, no gore.
The book begins with a glimpse of the end. That was one of many instances of Ms. Messina doing things differently. I enjoyed it, the book wasn’t an easy read though. I would advise anyone to read the first two books in the series as there are many confusing moments where people or events are referenced but we receive no backstory. There are also tie-ins to the Beatrice Hyde-Clare mystery series. Again, I greatly caution any newbie to please read the first two books!
Due to this I am troubled with how to rate this book. I did not enjoy being left out of the references and jokes, or the scenes where a previous event was central to what was happening but a catch up/review wasn’t given. The mystery was unexpected and enjoyable. 3*** from the new confused reader.
4**** from the reader who went to read books 1-2 and then re-read book three, now capable of truly understanding the story. My only disappointment after that was how it ended. It’s not a cliffhanger, the mystery is solved. But it ends with plans being made and revenge being sought. I am looking forward to book four!
Thank you to Netgalley, Ms. Messina, and the publisher for the ARC.
February 28, 2024
Although I haven't had the chance to read the first two books in this series, I'm already a fan of The Duke and Duchess of Kesgrave books and I must say, I truly enjoyed them. As an avid reader of the Historical Mystery genre, I found this book to be slightly different from what I'm used to. The protagonist, Verity, is a strong-willed feminist character with a modern-day mindset who's placed in the Regency Era, and has a range of different personalities.
The author has done a great job of creating a believable and engaging storyline that keeps you hooked from the start. The book has some witty dialogue, which I found to be entertaining and engaging, but it could benefit from a bit more if the author intends to make it a hallmark of their work. I particularly enjoyed the character of Lord Colson Hardwicke; he's definitely on my "Yes!" list. His character is well-developed and adds depth to the story.
In the story, Verity is unable to sleep and is feeling frustrated after being dumped by her handsome hero in a terse note. Suddenly, she hears a creaking sound coming from the stairs. She wonders what's going on, who could be there, and where is Hardwicke when she needs him. Despite the challenges of being a feminist in the Regency Era, she's not afraid to confront this late-night intruder. Verity captures him, releases him, and then follows him all the way to the French Embassy. The game is afoot!
The author has done an excellent job of creating suspense and intrigue throughout the book, which builds towards an exciting conclusion. If you're willing to suspend reality and immerse yourself in the story, you'll find this book to be an enjoyable read. I highly recommend reading the first two books in the series, as it will give you a better understanding of the characters and their motivations.
Overall, I give this book a rating of 3.5. It's a well-written and engaging book that's perfect for anyone who loves historical mysteries. I would like to express my gratitude to #Netgalley, #LynnMessina, and #BookWhisperer for giving me the opportunity to review this book and share my thoughts.
carolintallahassee
The author has done a great job of creating a believable and engaging storyline that keeps you hooked from the start. The book has some witty dialogue, which I found to be entertaining and engaging, but it could benefit from a bit more if the author intends to make it a hallmark of their work. I particularly enjoyed the character of Lord Colson Hardwicke; he's definitely on my "Yes!" list. His character is well-developed and adds depth to the story.
In the story, Verity is unable to sleep and is feeling frustrated after being dumped by her handsome hero in a terse note. Suddenly, she hears a creaking sound coming from the stairs. She wonders what's going on, who could be there, and where is Hardwicke when she needs him. Despite the challenges of being a feminist in the Regency Era, she's not afraid to confront this late-night intruder. Verity captures him, releases him, and then follows him all the way to the French Embassy. The game is afoot!
The author has done an excellent job of creating suspense and intrigue throughout the book, which builds towards an exciting conclusion. If you're willing to suspend reality and immerse yourself in the story, you'll find this book to be an enjoyable read. I highly recommend reading the first two books in the series, as it will give you a better understanding of the characters and their motivations.
Overall, I give this book a rating of 3.5. It's a well-written and engaging book that's perfect for anyone who loves historical mysteries. I would like to express my gratitude to #Netgalley, #LynnMessina, and #BookWhisperer for giving me the opportunity to review this book and share my thoughts.
carolintallahassee
February 27, 2024
I thank NetGalley and Potatoworks Press for an advance reader copy of A Lark’s Conceit. All opinions and comments are my own.
A Lark’s Conceit by Lynn Messina is a busy book. One has to understand this is a romance, a psychological portrait of a very unusual heroine, a history lesson, and a historical mystery all rolled into one book. Not all the parts will be of interest to every reader. And there’s a need for a lot of suspension of disbelief. Indeed, for all the “persona changes” that our girl Verity Lark goes through, she’s obviously gone to the Clark Kent school of becoming someone else.
Let’s get the mystery/history part out of the way first. In London, the secretary to the French Envoy Extraordinary comes flying out of the embassy building and lands at Verity’s feet. Well, she’s not “Verity” at the time, she’s somebody else, but you’ll have to read the book to find out who. And that would be something in itself, but the man’s also tried to kidnap Verity not long before. The whys and wherefores of this are all worked out by the end, not without a whole lot of confusion, which may include the reader.
And that brings on the reason for the psychological portrait. Verity’s battle of wills with her would-be suitor Lord Colson -- Hardwicke -- which goes on throughout, and I do mean throughout, the book. Oh boy, does this woman have issues, and do we hear about it on every page. I could have done with a lot, and I mean a lot, less of this. It got old really fast.
We have mentions of the Duke and Duchess of Kesgrave, the Dowager Duchess makes a (striking) appearance, and Mr. Twaddle-Thum gets to play a very important part via his column. And after all is said and done, fans of the series will find A Lark’s Conceit offering new information for what’s going on with Miss Verity Lark.
A Lark’s Conceit by Lynn Messina is a busy book. One has to understand this is a romance, a psychological portrait of a very unusual heroine, a history lesson, and a historical mystery all rolled into one book. Not all the parts will be of interest to every reader. And there’s a need for a lot of suspension of disbelief. Indeed, for all the “persona changes” that our girl Verity Lark goes through, she’s obviously gone to the Clark Kent school of becoming someone else.
Let’s get the mystery/history part out of the way first. In London, the secretary to the French Envoy Extraordinary comes flying out of the embassy building and lands at Verity’s feet. Well, she’s not “Verity” at the time, she’s somebody else, but you’ll have to read the book to find out who. And that would be something in itself, but the man’s also tried to kidnap Verity not long before. The whys and wherefores of this are all worked out by the end, not without a whole lot of confusion, which may include the reader.
And that brings on the reason for the psychological portrait. Verity’s battle of wills with her would-be suitor Lord Colson -- Hardwicke -- which goes on throughout, and I do mean throughout, the book. Oh boy, does this woman have issues, and do we hear about it on every page. I could have done with a lot, and I mean a lot, less of this. It got old really fast.
We have mentions of the Duke and Duchess of Kesgrave, the Dowager Duchess makes a (striking) appearance, and Mr. Twaddle-Thum gets to play a very important part via his column. And after all is said and done, fans of the series will find A Lark’s Conceit offering new information for what’s going on with Miss Verity Lark.
March 8, 2024
A Lark’s Conceit By Lynn Messina is a good series. It has excellent characters with different points of view: Verity Lark was raised in an orphanage. To be better put, she got out of the orphanage with her life. Her friends, Freddie and Delphine, were there with her and have escaped to relatively successful lives as well. Freddie is the editor of a newspaper and as such has hired Robert Lark as a reporter. Lark is seldom seem, but does an excellent job for them. He’s not seen because he does not exist. Verity writes for Robert and has escapades in his name. She also writes a gossip column which is wildly popular.. She has recently met her half-brother, the Duke of Kesgrave, sho has disclosed her existence to their grandmother. The Dowager Duchess expedited Verity’s dismissal to the orphanage as she did not approve of her son’s choice of consort and so the resulting grandchild was beneath her notice. She did, however, provide funds to the proprietress of the orphanage to make Verity’s life better. She has just discovered the woman kept the money for herself and wants to make amends.
Because she doesn’t have enough to do, Verity is also a sleuth, unable to keep wrongs from being righted. This is the third mystery in the series and although I love the characters, I had a little trouble getting into it. The mystery is a good one, complicated and interesting. Colson Hardwicke has made it known his interest in her has been revived and as much as she should be angry over his previous treatment of her, she is interested, too. It is an intriguing story with twists and turns and even more interesting characters. Thanks Lynn Messina for creating these characters!
I was invited to read A Lark’s Conceit by Book Whisperer. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #LynnMessina #ALarksConceit
Because she doesn’t have enough to do, Verity is also a sleuth, unable to keep wrongs from being righted. This is the third mystery in the series and although I love the characters, I had a little trouble getting into it. The mystery is a good one, complicated and interesting. Colson Hardwicke has made it known his interest in her has been revived and as much as she should be angry over his previous treatment of her, she is interested, too. It is an intriguing story with twists and turns and even more interesting characters. Thanks Lynn Messina for creating these characters!
I was invited to read A Lark’s Conceit by Book Whisperer. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #LynnMessina #ALarksConceit
March 1, 2024
Verity Lark returns for her third outing in this book, which is just as enjoyable as its predecessors. This time, there's a kidnap attempt on Verity from her own bedroom. The question is why? Verity devotes her time to working out the answer. She's helped along by more of her disguises and also her friends, Freddie and Daphne. Colson Hardwicke is also involved, in between his attempts to court Verity, which is definitely not an easy thing to do. Of course, there is a murder involved, even though Verity claims she's not keen on going around solving them. And just around the edges of the story, the connection with her half-brother, the Duke of Kesgrave is explored just a bit more.
One thing I noticed more in this book was the internal dialogue of Verity, particularly when it comes to Colson Hardwicke and his interaction with her. I don't know if there was more this time or if it just seemed more extreme or what. It was kind of maddening at times to listen in, because she did sometimes create mountains out of molehills. I was pleased to see a bit of progress in the pair and their understanding of each other. I am curious to see how it will affect the future stories too.
This really is an interesting series, interwoven with the Beatrice Hyde-C;lare books. Ideally it would be good to at least read some of that series to understand this one more fully. I just don't think you can have Verity Lark without BHC. As always Lynn Messina writes an amusing tale and it's always sure to be a fun excursion.
One thing I noticed more in this book was the internal dialogue of Verity, particularly when it comes to Colson Hardwicke and his interaction with her. I don't know if there was more this time or if it just seemed more extreme or what. It was kind of maddening at times to listen in, because she did sometimes create mountains out of molehills. I was pleased to see a bit of progress in the pair and their understanding of each other. I am curious to see how it will affect the future stories too.
This really is an interesting series, interwoven with the Beatrice Hyde-C;lare books. Ideally it would be good to at least read some of that series to understand this one more fully. I just don't think you can have Verity Lark without BHC. As always Lynn Messina writes an amusing tale and it's always sure to be a fun excursion.
March 28, 2024
In the latest Verity Lark mystery, Lynn Messina picks up right where she left off -- with Verity seething over Hardwicke’s treatment of her. Verity’s musings, however, are abruptly stopped with an assassination attempt on her life! Bringing Verity and her many aliases into contact with the French embassy, foreign affairs, and a series of conspiracies against Verity and Hardwicke, the two must stop these conspiracies and figure out who is behind the attempts on both their lives -- and that’s not even including unraveling their hot and cold relationship! Messina brings various narrative threads back into this novel -- particularly the threads of Verity’s childhood and parentage and the lingering traumas from both -- and how others perceive these aspects of Verity’s character, resolving some unanswered questions nicely. Of course, Messina’s characters are wonderfully developed, and these new murderers and antagonists are particularly complex and devious, which readers will enjoy. Other relationships and characters continue to develop throughout this novel, and these existing relationships and established characters’ development are the highlight of this novel. Another strong period piece and cozy mystery, Lynn Messina continues to bring this world to life through her complex and enjoyable protagonist, Verity Lark, and her shenanigans and investigations with the rest of her close circle of friends.
February 29, 2024
Another great installment in the Verity Lark series, which is also becoming even more linked up with the Beatrice Hyde-Clare mystery series!
Every time I read one of Lynn Messina's books, I am astounded at the level of detail in the writing. There isn't a lot of dialogue in the book and the reader spends A LOT of time in Verity Lark's head, but it works well. We are able to better understand how and why she processes information as she receives it, thinks through possibilities, and, critically, how she perceives and engages in the world around her. In this book, Verity's worldview results in misunderstanding her love interest's intentions, which, when confronted about this, forces her to really rethink how she approaches life and the people in it.
The mystery itself is quite engaging and I felt the complexity was explained exceptionally well such that when the culprit is revealed, it just makes sense. And the climatic scene when they apprehend the culprit has a delightful twist that was set up in the opening pages of the book.
I'm really excited to see what comes next in this series and I really hope that one day, Verity and Beatrice interact because that will be the ultimate payoff for fans of the two series!!!
Thanks to the author for an eARC of the book; all thoughts are my own.
Every time I read one of Lynn Messina's books, I am astounded at the level of detail in the writing. There isn't a lot of dialogue in the book and the reader spends A LOT of time in Verity Lark's head, but it works well. We are able to better understand how and why she processes information as she receives it, thinks through possibilities, and, critically, how she perceives and engages in the world around her. In this book, Verity's worldview results in misunderstanding her love interest's intentions, which, when confronted about this, forces her to really rethink how she approaches life and the people in it.
The mystery itself is quite engaging and I felt the complexity was explained exceptionally well such that when the culprit is revealed, it just makes sense. And the climatic scene when they apprehend the culprit has a delightful twist that was set up in the opening pages of the book.
I'm really excited to see what comes next in this series and I really hope that one day, Verity and Beatrice interact because that will be the ultimate payoff for fans of the two series!!!
Thanks to the author for an eARC of the book; all thoughts are my own.
March 1, 2024
Verity Lark has burrowed her way into my Regency-loving heart, not that there was ever any doubt she would do so. I fell in love immediately after reading the first book in the Verity Lark Mysteries series, and I've been a devout follower ever since.
In this third installment, Verity finds herself caught in the middle of a murder plot in the French Embassy during the post-Napoleonic War era, which naturally causes quite the political scandal between France and England. Verity and her friends will have to dig into their usual bag of tricks (and disguises) in order to salvage the relationship between the two countries and save the day.
One thing I love about the Verity Lark Mysteries is the way they're fully integrated into the Regency Era, and Lynn Messina's beautiful writing perfectly captures the time period with the witty banter, the mannerisms of "polite society," and the balance between comedy and manners. There were some grammar and formatting issues I noted when reading the Kindle edition, which is perhaps my only nitpicking point to address. But, overall another great adventure for Verity Lark and her companions, and hopefully not the last.
In this third installment, Verity finds herself caught in the middle of a murder plot in the French Embassy during the post-Napoleonic War era, which naturally causes quite the political scandal between France and England. Verity and her friends will have to dig into their usual bag of tricks (and disguises) in order to salvage the relationship between the two countries and save the day.
One thing I love about the Verity Lark Mysteries is the way they're fully integrated into the Regency Era, and Lynn Messina's beautiful writing perfectly captures the time period with the witty banter, the mannerisms of "polite society," and the balance between comedy and manners. There were some grammar and formatting issues I noted when reading the Kindle edition, which is perhaps my only nitpicking point to address. But, overall another great adventure for Verity Lark and her companions, and hopefully not the last.
March 1, 2024
Verity Lark has burrowed her way into my Regency-loving heart, not that there was ever any doubt she would do so. I fell in love immediately after reading the first book in the Verity Lark Mysteries series, and I've been a devout follower ever since.
In this third installment, Verity finds herself caught in the middle of a murder plot in the French Embassy during the post-Napoleonic War era, which naturally causes quite the political scandal between France and England. Verity and her friends will have to dig into their usual bag of tricks (and disguises) in order to salvage the relationship between the two countries and save the day.
One thing I love about the Verity Lark Mysteries is the way they're fully integrated into the Regency Era, and Lynn Messina's beautiful writing perfectly captures the time period with the witty banter, the mannerisms of "polite society," and the balance between comedy and manners. There were some grammar and formatting issues I noted when reading the Kindle edition, which is perhaps my only nitpicking point to address. But, overall another great adventure for Verity Lark and her companions, and hopefully not the last.
In this third installment, Verity finds herself caught in the middle of a murder plot in the French Embassy during the post-Napoleonic War era, which naturally causes quite the political scandal between France and England. Verity and her friends will have to dig into their usual bag of tricks (and disguises) in order to salvage the relationship between the two countries and save the day.
One thing I love about the Verity Lark Mysteries is the way they're fully integrated into the Regency Era, and Lynn Messina's beautiful writing perfectly captures the time period with the witty banter, the mannerisms of "polite society," and the balance between comedy and manners. There were some grammar and formatting issues I noted when reading the Kindle edition, which is perhaps my only nitpicking point to address. But, overall another great adventure for Verity Lark and her companions, and hopefully not the last.
February 17, 2024
Verity and Hardwicke are at it again
This is a fun continuation of the escapades of Verity Lark aka Mr. Twaddle-Thum, aka Robert Lark, aka any number of characters she adopts as needed. Someone has attempted to kidnap Verity from her own home in the middle of the night. Fortunately, she hears him and is able not only to thwart his plans but take him hostage. Allowing the hostage to escape, Verity follows him to the French Embassy. As she begins gathering information and clues, Hardwicke arrives on the scene in time to save her from a body falling out a window. As things begin to unfold, Hardwicke reveals that there have been five attempts on his life that he is aware of and he is concerned that the attacks on Verity may be a ruse to get to him. As they join forces to unravel the mysteries not only do they have to contend with the people wishing them harm but their own feelings and struggles. A very engaging read. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
This is a fun continuation of the escapades of Verity Lark aka Mr. Twaddle-Thum, aka Robert Lark, aka any number of characters she adopts as needed. Someone has attempted to kidnap Verity from her own home in the middle of the night. Fortunately, she hears him and is able not only to thwart his plans but take him hostage. Allowing the hostage to escape, Verity follows him to the French Embassy. As she begins gathering information and clues, Hardwicke arrives on the scene in time to save her from a body falling out a window. As things begin to unfold, Hardwicke reveals that there have been five attempts on his life that he is aware of and he is concerned that the attacks on Verity may be a ruse to get to him. As they join forces to unravel the mysteries not only do they have to contend with the people wishing them harm but their own feelings and struggles. A very engaging read. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
March 2, 2024
Verity and Hardwicke are at it again
This is a fun continuation of the escapades of Verity Lark aka Mr. Twaddle-Thum, aka Robert Lark, aka any number of characters she adopts as needed. Someone has attempted to kidnap Verity from her own home in the middle of the night. Fortunately, she hears him and is able not only to thwart his plans but take him hostage. Allowing the hostage to escape, Verity follows him to the French Embassy. As she begins gathering information and clues, Hardwicke arrives on the scene in time to save her from a body falling out a window. As things begin to unfold, Hardwicke reveals that there have been five attempts on his life that he is aware of and he is concerned that the attacks on Verity may be a ruse to get to him. As they join forces to unravel the mysteries not only do they have to contend with the people wishing them harm but their own feelings and struggles. A very engaging read. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
This is a fun continuation of the escapades of Verity Lark aka Mr. Twaddle-Thum, aka Robert Lark, aka any number of characters she adopts as needed. Someone has attempted to kidnap Verity from her own home in the middle of the night. Fortunately, she hears him and is able not only to thwart his plans but take him hostage. Allowing the hostage to escape, Verity follows him to the French Embassy. As she begins gathering information and clues, Hardwicke arrives on the scene in time to save her from a body falling out a window. As things begin to unfold, Hardwicke reveals that there have been five attempts on his life that he is aware of and he is concerned that the attacks on Verity may be a ruse to get to him. As they join forces to unravel the mysteries not only do they have to contend with the people wishing them harm but their own feelings and struggles. A very engaging read. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
March 5, 2024
Book #3 in this cozy mystery with a twist series. Each book can be read as a stand alone but I'm pretty sure if you read one of them, you'll want to read them all. The titled Lark is Verity Lark, a woman of many personalities that has survived an unusual upbringing that makes her the perfect character in a cozy mystery. Her mystery this time is both personal and professional, or professional and personal, whichever one works best to describe Lynn Messina's unusual plotting. Verity is puzzling her relationship (?) with Colson Hardwicke when an attempt is made to kidnap her. Turning the tables, she will find herself smack in the middle of Harwicke's latest espionage.
The Lark series is an unusual cozy series that is entertaining as well as different from any other cozy I've ever read. In a good way.....
The Lark series is an unusual cozy series that is entertaining as well as different from any other cozy I've ever read. In a good way.....
February 12, 2024
I love both Beatrice Hyde-Clare and Verity Lark's series so I could not wait to jump into the third installment of Verity's.
As usual, I was not disappointed and I am eagerly waiting for Verity and Hardwicke's next adventure.
The bickering between the 2 is really fun to read and never fails to amuse me. Delphine and Freddie 2 amazing sparring partners.
I find myself growing to like more and more the character of Delphine. The way she is always speaking her mind and trying to make Verity see reason
is always so enjoyable.
The appearance of the Dowager Duchess of Kesgrave made my day.
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.
As usual, I was not disappointed and I am eagerly waiting for Verity and Hardwicke's next adventure.
The bickering between the 2 is really fun to read and never fails to amuse me. Delphine and Freddie 2 amazing sparring partners.
I find myself growing to like more and more the character of Delphine. The way she is always speaking her mind and trying to make Verity see reason
is always so enjoyable.
The appearance of the Dowager Duchess of Kesgrave made my day.
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.
February 12, 2024
A reporter and renowned gossip, Verity is surprised by an intruder after being dumped by Hardwicke. She discovers a complex scheme involving the French embassy, a spy, and a murder. As she investigates, Hardwicke reappears, reawakening her complicated feelings.
This is the third book in a series best read in order. The novel is fast-paced with numerous characters, so don’t blink or you’ll miss something. Verity has a huge chip on her shoulder, believing that everyone misjudges her, when half the time she’s the one misjudging others. Hardwicke seems to be gradually wear down her walls, but he’s still got a way to go.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is the third book in a series best read in order. The novel is fast-paced with numerous characters, so don’t blink or you’ll miss something. Verity has a huge chip on her shoulder, believing that everyone misjudges her, when half the time she’s the one misjudging others. Hardwicke seems to be gradually wear down her walls, but he’s still got a way to go.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
February 14, 2024
*eARC review*
This is the third in the series, a spin-off from her Bea & Damien collection
A cozy regency mystery, we follow Verity Lark as she sorts through French politicians, spies, murder, and her realization that she has feelings beyond scheming. Characters from the Bea & Damien series make more appearances which is fun, and so reading the other series will provide somewhat needed context
The side characters are great, especially Verity's life long friends, bringing humor and support to the main cast. And I always love the Dowager Duchess
Like the Bea series, this had a lot of internal thoughts so be prepared for long sections between dialog progression. But you get used to it the longer you read these series
Recommended to cute cozy mystery fans
This is the third in the series, a spin-off from her Bea & Damien collection
A cozy regency mystery, we follow Verity Lark as she sorts through French politicians, spies, murder, and her realization that she has feelings beyond scheming. Characters from the Bea & Damien series make more appearances which is fun, and so reading the other series will provide somewhat needed context
The side characters are great, especially Verity's life long friends, bringing humor and support to the main cast. And I always love the Dowager Duchess
Like the Bea series, this had a lot of internal thoughts so be prepared for long sections between dialog progression. But you get used to it the longer you read these series
Recommended to cute cozy mystery fans
February 12, 2024
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“A Lark’s Conceit” is the third in the Verity Lark Mysteries by Lynn Messina. Although it may not be necessary to read the first two books in this series, I found myself needing to read the first bit of the first book in order to understand who was who in the beginning part of this book. This is what I’d call a Cozy Regency Mystery type of book, so if you like those two genres, this book series will be up your alley. I liked the supporting characters Delphine and Freddie a lot - they’re a good balance to Verity, the main character. Very well written and a great new installment in this series.
“A Lark’s Conceit” is the third in the Verity Lark Mysteries by Lynn Messina. Although it may not be necessary to read the first two books in this series, I found myself needing to read the first bit of the first book in order to understand who was who in the beginning part of this book. This is what I’d call a Cozy Regency Mystery type of book, so if you like those two genres, this book series will be up your alley. I liked the supporting characters Delphine and Freddie a lot - they’re a good balance to Verity, the main character. Very well written and a great new installment in this series.
February 19, 2024
The novel is well written and fast-paced with numerous characters involved so the books are best read in order to keep track. The banter is a treat as usual and this book feels more about the attempted courting of Verity by Hardwicke where he seems to be gradually wearing down her walls but he’s still got a way to go as her childhood leaves her unable to trust easily. This causes lots of angst and misunderstandings which seemed to take over more than the mystery. Can't wait for further developments. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 22, 2024
Verity has more identities than letters in her name. She is a reporter in a man’s world, but with her wit and intelligence, plus self confidence and courage, she pulls it off. Hardwicke is of the nobility and therefore, isn’t trustworthy in Verity’s thinking. When she is almost kidnapped and finds her would be kidnapper dead, she definitely has her work cut out for her. The two main characters are very entertaining and need to learn to communicate. If they knew each other’s backgrounds it would help. This is a humorous regency murder mystery with many twists.
March 1, 2024
understanding Verity
The author does such a great job of letting us know what Verity is thinking. It is what makes her so special. How she handled such a horrible past and yet is able to function not only well, but spectacularly. However, book 3 looks at what happens when a new relationship tries to become part of her life and all the baggage that she has to re-evaluate. I
The mystery played second fiddle, yet I still had trouble putting the book down to sleep or go to work. Throughly enjoyed!
The author does such a great job of letting us know what Verity is thinking. It is what makes her so special. How she handled such a horrible past and yet is able to function not only well, but spectacularly. However, book 3 looks at what happens when a new relationship tries to become part of her life and all the baggage that she has to re-evaluate. I
The mystery played second fiddle, yet I still had trouble putting the book down to sleep or go to work. Throughly enjoyed!
March 7, 2024
This book is the third book in the series. It did take me a few chapters to start to figure out what was going on, that being said the dialogue with the heroine did keep me interested as she was thirty unwed, and an illegitimate child which I would imagine for that time would be a scandal. But she was quick-witted with the comebacks and smart. This book turned out to be a mystery and once I realized that this only made the story that much more interesting. A very good book with very good characters and worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com
March 22, 2024
I Love These Books and Characters
These books are so interesting, with so much going on, I carefully read them instead of rushing on to the end. Verity has so much going on in her own mind, so many roles she plays, so many mysteries to figure out. Add in her faithful friends, and now Hardwick, and it's almost too much to keep straight. Now, we add in the Dowager Duchess from the beginning, reappearing at the end, and the story brings one surprise after another, and they're all good. I look forward to the next Bea book as well as Verity's next adventure!
These books are so interesting, with so much going on, I carefully read them instead of rushing on to the end. Verity has so much going on in her own mind, so many roles she plays, so many mysteries to figure out. Add in her faithful friends, and now Hardwick, and it's almost too much to keep straight. Now, we add in the Dowager Duchess from the beginning, reappearing at the end, and the story brings one surprise after another, and they're all good. I look forward to the next Bea book as well as Verity's next adventure!
February 19, 2024
After finding the second installment of this series to be delightfully funny, I felt the third book lagged somewhat. Although there were still a few chuckle-worthy moments, I was hoping for more laughs. Also, the world the author created remains a bit daunting to navigate, with a huge list of characters that it can be challenging to recall from one book to the next.
Thanks to Netgalley and Book Whisperer for this digital review copy.
Thanks to Netgalley and Book Whisperer for this digital review copy.
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