Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey /

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

In this new Regency romance, a young unwed mother must protect her heart from the charms of her convenient new husband, Lord Torrington. She is not, however, prepared to protect her life.

When the widowed Lord Torrington agreed to spy for the crown, he never planned to impersonate a highwayman, let alone rob the wrong carriage. Stranded on the road with an unconscious young woman, he is forced to propose marriage to protect his identity and her reputation, as well as his dangerous mission.

Trapped not only by her duty to her country but also by her limited options as an unwed mother, Miss Elizabeth Cantrell and her infant son are whisked away to Middlecrest Abbey by none other than the elder brother of her son's absent father. There she is met by Torrington's beautiful grown daughters, a vicious murder, and an urgent hunt for the missing intelligence that could turn the war with France. Meanwhile she must convince everyone that her marriage is a genuine love match if her new husband has any hope of uncovering the enemy.

Determined to keep her son's true identity a secret, Elizabeth will need to remain one step ahead of her fragile heart, her uncertain future, and the relentless fiend bent on her new family's ruin.

Early Praise for Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey:

"Murder is far from no one's thoughts in this delicious new romantic mystery from Abigail Wilson. With scandal dodging every turn of the page, mystery hiding behind the visage of each character, and a romance brewing with an English rake of the worse--and best--sorts, readers will find nothing lacking! I was entranced, mesmerized, addlepated, and not a little bit bewildered as I wandered the halls of Middlecrest Abbey." --Jaime Jo Wright, author of the Christy Award-winning novel, The House on Foster Hill

"From the very first page, I was enraptured! Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey has intrigue, mystery, and suspense beautifully enhanced by the vulnerability revealed through memorable characters making this story impossible to put down. A must-read recommendation, this story is exactly what makes me love reading!" --Natalie Walters, author of the Harbored Secrets series

"Suspicion shades the affluent grounds of Middlecrest Abbey in this riveting novel by Abigail Wilson. The artful balance of mystery and romance cleverly blends with the Gothic tones of Regency England. With exquisite prose and a layered plot, Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey is a compelling story not to be missed." --Rachel Scott McDaniel, award-winning author of Above the Fold

Full-length Regency romance mystery (c. 90,000 words) Perfect for fans of Sarah Ladd, Deanna Raybourn, Julie Klassen, Tasha Alexander, and Lauren Willig Also by Abigail Wilson: In the Shadow of Croft Towers Midnight on the River Grey The Vanishing at Loxby Manor (available January 2021) Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

When Elizabeth's carriage is robbed, she finds herself agreeing to a marriage of convenience to Lord Torrington in order to protect both her reputation and her son. Complicating their relationship are secrets they both wish to keep: Lord Torrington is spying for the British government, and Elizabeth's young son, who was born out of wedlock, is actually his nephew. Lord Torrington also has two teenage daughters; the eldest is planning a wedding for later in the week when her fiancé, Giles, is killed in what appears to be an accident. As Elizabeth and her new husband investigate Giles's death, which seems to be a murder related to Lord Torrington's spying activities, more secrets are revealed. At the same time, Elizabeth and Lord Torrington learn to trust each other. Subplots involving Elizabeth's relationships to the family and servants further enhance the story. VERDICT This latest from Wilson (Midnight on the River Grey) has all the elements of a classic Regency romance, but the mystery adds another layer, enriching the plot. As well, there should be plenty of crossover appeal, since the Christian influences are very subtle. Recommended for fans of Tasha Alexander and Lauren Willig.--Margaret Bentley, Shiawassee Dist. Lib., Owosso, MI

Publishers Weekly Review

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