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Mary Lancaster
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Mysterious Lover (Crime & Passion Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Mary Lancaster (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 2,336 ratings
Welcome to a thrilling new series "Crime & Passion" from USA Today Bestselling Author Mary Lancaster.

London, 1851 In the shadow of the Great Exhibition, poverty and crime stalk the meaner backstreets of the city. But sin is not confined to the underworld. One couple passes seamlessly between the neighboring worlds of privilege and privation, solving crimes and enabling love to bloom.

An unforgettable night at the opera…

When she accompanies her family to Covent Garden, Lady Grizelda Niven does not expect to be discovered in a nearby back street, clutching a dagger over the dead body of her maid. However, she is even more surprised when the police arrest not her but the devastatingly handsome young man who found her. Clearly, it behoves her to have him released and to enlist his alliance in discovering who truly killed Nancy.

Dragan Tizsa, a Hungarian refugee doctor, revolutionary, and soldier, lives constantly with the anguish of loss. The death of one more acquaintance makes little difference to him, except that it brings the vital and eccentric Griz into his life. He is a man who likes puzzles, and the mystery that is Griz soon assumes as much importance as that of the murder.

As they work together to unravel the layers of Nancy’s life and discover why she died, friendship and attraction blossom, much to her family’s unease. From the danger of London’s underworld, to the glittering salons of her married sister, Griz and Dragan look out for each other. But is she right to believe in her new friend when the evidence begins to tell against him?

And as she comes face to face with the killer at last, is love and happiness forever beyond her reach?

Crime & Passion
Mysterious Lover
Letters to a Lover
Dangerous Lover
Lost Lover
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  1. Book 1 of 4
    Crime & Passion
  2. Print length
    280 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    February 23, 2021
  6. File size
    3.8 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

Regency couple from Mysterious Lover

An unforgettable night at the opera

Crime & Passion logo

The art of the timeless romance from Dragonblade Publishing

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08VL6H2D5
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 23, 2021
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.8 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 280 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ Crime & Passion
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 2,336 ratings

About the author

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Mary Lancaster

Mary Lancaster

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Mary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of award winning historical romance, historical mysteries and other historical fiction. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.

Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.

Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into the Victorian era, and the world of historical mysteries.

Connect with Mary on-line:

Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com

Newsletter sign-up: https://marylancaster.com/newsletter/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.lancaster.1656

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaryLancasterNovelist/

Twitter: @MaryLancNovels https://twitter.com/MaryLancNovels

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-lancaster

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,336 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging with interesting twists and turns that build to a suspenseful climax. They appreciate the wonderful characters, particularly the hero and heroine, and enjoy how it delivers both mystery and romance. Customers describe the writing as well-crafted and fast-paced, with one customer noting the attention to writing craft details. Customers praise the book's intelligence, with one review specifically mentioning its respect for the main character's intelligence.

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Story qualityCharacter developmentRomanceWriting qualityPaceIntelligenceMurder rate
55 customers mention "Story quality"55 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's story engaging, with interesting twists and turns that build to a suspenseful climax.

"...They are all readable and several were excellent. In this book she combined romance with a mystery plot and really blew it out of the water...." Read more

"The H/h were so good together. I did enjoy the mystery - cloak and dagger part of the story kept me guessing wrong - lol...." Read more

"...curiosity coupled with his common sense are a lethal combination for intriguing mysteries, even when they involve danger...." Read more

"Great read! It was full of adventure and intrigue! The plot had so many twists and turns I couldn't put the book down." Read more

27 customers mention "Character development"27 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, particularly the hero and heroine, and appreciate their strong personalities.

"...I loved the hero and the heroine, they were both strong personalities...." Read more

"...Good suspense, many villain and twists...." Read more

"A different look at romance for a duke's daughter. Loved all the characters...." Read more

"...good story full of Regency romance, mystery, dangers, and the best hero and heroine I’ve read in a long time...." Read more

27 customers mention "Romance"27 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, which delivers both mystery and love, with a delightful main couple.

"...In this book she combined romance with a mystery plot and really blew it out of the water...." Read more

"...The romance builds slowly and add to it the couple try and solve a murder and keep the H out of jail...." Read more

"A different look at romance for a duke's daughter. Loved all the characters...." Read more

"A very good story full of Regency romance, mystery, dangers, and the best hero and heroine I’ve read in a long time...." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, finding it well put together and readable, with one customer noting its attention to craft details.

"...They are all readable and several were excellent. In this book she combined romance with a mystery plot and really blew it out of the water...." Read more

"A very interesting novel. Well written, suspenseful and the author did very well with the solving of the mystery...." Read more

"...I like: intelligent characters, masterful storytelling, attention to writing craft details, puzzles to be pulled apart and examined, interesting..." Read more

"...I very much appreciated no bad language nor lewd sex scenes." Read more

5 customers mention "Pace"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fast-paced and easy to read.

"...A fast paced book that keep you interested all the way through." Read more

"...Mysterious Lover is fast-paced, fun, and romantic. I loved getting sucked into Lady Griz and Dragan's story, and I can't wait to read more!" Read more

"Fun stuff. A fast read. A mystery with a solution not obvious to the reader...." Read more

"Nice change of pace to mix up some less common Victorian history in creating the romantic lead. Decent mystery development." Read more

3 customers mention "Intelligence"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the intelligence in the book, with one noting how the characters respect each other's intellectual capabilities.

"...are very likeable and the female main character is a woman with a great brain and knows how to use it...." Read more

"...She’s smart and caring, he seeks justice for all and respects her intelligence. There is a nice mix of mystery and romance...." Read more

"Two exceptionally interesting characters plus a clever, non-stop plot involving a mystery make this story entertainment of the first order...." Read more

3 customers mention "Murder rate"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the murder plot in the book.

"...This book has it all, murder, mystery, wonderful characters and of course friendship and love...." Read more

"A wonderful story! With interesting characters, adventure, murder, mystery, and love. I always love this author’s books...." Read more

"A MURDER IN COVENANT GARDEN..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Jersey Girl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dragan and Grizelda; a great couple!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I have enjoyed a number of Mary Lancaster books in the past. They are all readable and several were excellent. In this book she combined romance with a mystery plot and really blew it out of the water. I loved the hero and the heroine, they were both strong personalities. Grizelda is a bluestocking and she is who she is, she doesn't even try to play it sweet. The murder mystery is twisty and it was great how the H&h got to know each other and become friends before lovers as they search for clues. The story builds to a suspenseful climax, and I was only sorry when it ended because I wanted to spend more time with them. I don't know if Mary Lancaster is bringing them back, but I would happily read more books about the two of them solving mysteries.
    One more thing I liked, lots of romances have a heroine who wears glasses, but this is the first book I've seen where she's wearing them on the cover! For a change, the cover models really look like the characters in the book, not random pictures of a man and woman.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • NavyWave62
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4.25 STARS - GOOD START TO THE SERIES!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The H/h were so good together. I did enjoy the mystery - cloak and dagger part of the story kept me guessing wrong - lol. Good job ML on the twist which totally surprised me. Thought for sure I knew who did it - incorrect two times.

    The romance builds slowly and add to it the couple try and solve a murder and keep the H out of jail.

    Good suspense, many villain and twists. I felt the story, especially in the middle dragged, other than that, I highly recommend this author and story.

    Lovemaking not until 98%, outside of marriage and the bedroom door practically shut. We do get some passionate kisses.

    No cliffhanger, no cheating, HEA, romance and only kisses. (ljb)
    8 people found this helpful
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  • NM Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mystery and Love
    Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I adore historical mysteries that include a romantic interest where the H and h work together in mutual understanding. Dragan and Grizelda completely fit that bill. Her headstrong curiosity coupled with his common sense are a lethal combination for intriguing mysteries, even when they involve danger. I hope there are more engaging stories to follow.
    Helpful
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  • Mary T
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mystery and Romance
    Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great read! It was full of adventure and intrigue! The plot had so many twists and turns I couldn't put the book down.
    Helpful
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  • Susi Frances
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This was one of the most exciting of all the books I’ve read from this author. I was at the edge of my seat many times!
    Helpful
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  • ms girl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Murder to be solved.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A different look at romance for a duke's daughter. Loved all the characters. Would have liked an epilogue at the end to tell how the couple was doing. A fast paced book that keep you interested all the way through.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Lourena Phillips
    3.0 out of 5 stars A marvelous Adventure
    Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A very good story full of Regency romance, mystery, dangers, and the best hero and heroine I’ve read in a long time. No warning about the fairly graphic but short sex scene. It so hard to find clean romances these days, Was so sad the couples private moments were described in detail. Why?
    64 people found this helpful
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  • Lisa L. kindle customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed the book it was fun
    Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I have not read this author before, the story was engaging and kept my interest. I did realize who the main bad guy was early in the book. the twist at the end was worth it. I would recommend this book. 😊
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mary Lancaster is as brilliant as ever!
    Reviewed in Australia on August 30, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    After reading (and re-reading) the Blackhaven Brides series and the superb 'Vienna' trilogy, I thought M L might be losing her touch a little with the series about the framing of the Queen's maids. But now she's back as good as ever with the new Crime and Passion series. I won't add any spoilers, but if you enjoy a thumping good period murder mystery with plenty of romance and adventure, it doesn't get any better than this. I can't wait to read the upcoming titles in this series. Great work, Ms Lancaster. I'm a huge fan, and thanks for keeping me so well entertained during the pandemic. Keep it up!
    Report
  • Crystal Carr
    4.0 out of 5 stars A fire starter to the series 💥💥💥💥💥
    Reviewed in India on February 27, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Lady Grizelda is a spinster - confident in her life and happy . Her maid's murder lead her to a man exiled from his country for wanting justice - Dargan Tizsa.

    Together they weed out corruption and reveal a mad person who claims to be acting for their loved one.

    I loved this book and can't wait for the next installment.

    Romance Level: 3.8/5
    Steamy Level: hot kisses and an elegant lovemaking scene.
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  • La veneziana
    5.0 out of 5 stars Due ardimentosi investigatori
    Reviewed in Italy on August 18, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Con questo primo volume Mary Lancaster inizia una serie che somiglia molto a quella di Lady Julia Grey della Raebourn.
    I protagonisti sono Lady Grizelda (figlia di un duca) e l'esule politico ungherese Dragan Tizsa che si incontrano (come Julia e Brisbane) sopra un cadavere, che in questo caso è la cameriera di lei.
    Il mistero e i passi compiuti dai due per la soluzione sono spesso macchinosi ed improbabili ma la vicenda è gradevole e il ritmo buono e in mezzo alle diverse avventure i due protagonisti si rivelano nella loro personalità non banale o piatta. Grizelda ha una natura indipendente e temeraria e tutta la sicurezza che le deriva dalla sua posizione sociale. Dragan ha una innata curiosità verso la natura umana e gli intrighi politici. Insieme fanno una bella squadra. Certo, le convenzioni sociali e gli usi del tempo sono a volte bellamente bypassati, e questo fatto rovina un poco l'ambito in cui si muovono i personaggi. Tuttavia alla fine ho deciso di acquistare il secondo romanzo della serie, perché un solo volume è troppo poco per Grizelda e Dragan.
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  • Anna
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable - both romance and mystery
    Reviewed in Germany on December 14, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I have been reading a lot of regency romance recently, and at some point, they just seem to mingle with each other, making me unable to differentiate which wicked, sudden duke or earl seduced which lovely but impoverished lady, governess or friend of his sisters.

    This book was different, and it was amazing for it. The romance was very very cute, the mystery top notch and banter between the main characters made me laugh out loud on several occasions. 10/10 recommended!
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  • mya
    5.0 out of 5 stars 徒手空拳の亡命軍人と、自立自存をめざす令嬢と
    Reviewed in Japan on May 16, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    ハンガリーから亡命した元軍人のドラガン。果たせなかった革命、失った家族、友人、部下たち。過去に固執することを拒否し医者助手として尽くしつつも、未来の見えない日々を過ごしている。
    華々しい家族の影で暮らすグリゼ。密やかな自由を満喫しつつも未来は閉ざされたままだ。
    そんな二人が殺人事件を契機に出会い、真相解明に協力するうちに急速に惹かれていく。ドラガンの灰色の日常に鮮やかな色彩をもたらす彼女。世間になじめないグリゼの好奇心と独立心を称賛する彼。誰にも言えない感情や封じ込めた過去も、互いになら打ち明け支え合える。
    聡明で分別と共感力に満ちた若い二人の個性とロマンスがいい。ミステリ部分は牽引力としては評価しますが…総じて★4.5。
    Report

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