The Heir by Darcie Wilde (Austenprose PR Book Tour)

 

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Victoria has grown up at Kensington Palace under control of her mother and her advisor, Sir John Conroy.  She feels like a bird in a cage.  One afternoon, she is able to slip away for a horse ride.  While galloping across the palace green, she comes across the body of a dead man.  Who is this man and where did he come from?  Victoria sets her mind to solve this mystery.

My thoughts on this novel:

·       The Heir is a cozy historical mystery.  The mystery moves slowly at first but gains traction throughout the novel.  It’s set in the very real historical world of the future Queen Victoria and delves into the dynamics of her life.

·       This is the first in a new “A Young Queen Victoria” mystery series.  I am looking forward to the next novel in the series, especially with the hints that her mother is trying to find a match for her.

·       Victoria had a hard time with her mother and John Conroy controlling her every move.  I can’t imagine having to live like she did. 

·       I loved the character of Victoria.  She is spunky and wants to have her own autotomy.

·       Jane Conroy is Sir John’s daughter.  He brings her to the palace to be friends with Victoria.  He mistreats Jane.  Jane feels awkward and like she never quite knows how to behave.

·       Kensington Palace seems moldy and stifling.  It seems strange to grown up in a palace, but to have no control over your life.

·       Governess Lehzen is on Victoria’s side and assists her.  She was an interesting character.

·       The mystery involves the many royal bastards in the family.  It always intrigues me that there were so few legitimate heirs in this family.

·       I listened to part of the book on audio.  The narrator was excellent.  It was a very enjoyable audiobook.

Overall, The Heir by Darcie Wilde is an intriguing new historical mystery set in young Queen Victoria’s world.  I enjoyed the characters, and I learned a lot.

Book Source:  Thank-you to @darciewildeauthor @kensingtonbooks @austenprose for a review copy of this novel as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour.