Gravesyde Village Mysteries Books
Bestselling author Patricia Rice brings you another romantic, small-town mystery in Regency England. . . He's looking for a future - she must escape the past. . . if only they can survive the present. In the derelict village of Gravesyde Priory, newly-arrived Verity Palmer discovers her beloved former governess poisoned, her dying breath a whispered confidence. Shaken and alone, cautious Verity fears trusting total strangers with a dangerous secret. Seeking work and a roof over his head, bluff ex-mess sergeant Rafe Russell accepts the position of bailiff, tasked with uncovering the truth about the governess’s untimely demise. Caught in a web of suspicious characters, he discovers an unexpected ally in his best suspect, perspicacious Verity. She possesses a sharp mind that cuts through nets of intrigue, while hiding behind a cloak of mystery. With no choice but to share a cottage—and a kitchen that quickly becomes his, not hers—Verity and Rafe piece together clues to save lives, including their own. As violent incidents escalate, Verity has to confront her own past and learn to trust if they are to expose the shadowy villains stalking their every move. If they’re to have any hope for a future, they must unveil the truth before the killer strikes again. Lovers of mystery and romance will delight in this romantic small town historical cozy whodunnit. ~~~~~~~~~ a spin off from the GRAVESYDE PRIORY MYSTERY series--Regency romantic mysteries set in a haunted manor
“ Patricia Rice writes stories with so much attention to detail the characters truly seem to come to life.” Booklist The past rarely gives second chances—and neither do killers Damien Sutter fled his abusive family and the decaying village of Gravesyde at age twenty, abandoning his first love without a second look back. Fifteen years later, he’s a respected solicitor, returning only to sell his inherited property, never expecting to find the best part of his childhood still unmarried—and believing him capable of treachery. Despite her humiliating spinsterhood, fiery Brydie Calhoun refuses to marry any man who doesn't appreciate her spirited temperament. Nor should she be forced to pair with someone possessing fewer wits than her own. But when her childhood sweetheart returns, Brydie is forced to deal with the devil… and his troubled past. Alarmed that a traveling camp of political and religious zealots will cause difficulty in selling his inheritance, Damien approaches them, only to watch in horror as his estranged mother is shot before his eyes. After another murderous attack on a prominent citizen, it becomes clear that the town he despises is under siege. With Brydie in his reach again—and possibly in danger—he can’t walk away this time. Damien and Brydie must unravel a tangled tale of rivalry and greed before tragedy strikes again. Can they confront his past and stop the killer before it’s too late for reconciliation--or even survival? GRAVESYDE VILLAGE MYSTERY BOOKS Book #1 The Villain’s Fatal Plot Book #2 The Scoundrel’s Deadly Deed