The Diamond of London

(Paperback)

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Born into an illustrious family of swashbuckling war heroes and brilliant political leaders, Lady Hester Stanhope was a Regency-era adventuress who lived on her own terms and refused to conform. Fans of Shana Abe, Theresa Ann Fowler, and Fiona Davis will be captivated by the unforgettable spirit at the heart of USA Today bestselling author Andrea Penrose's dazzling new historical novel based on the real life of Lady Hester Stanhope (1776-1839), a British aristocrat, antiquarian, and adventurer who defied all conventional strictures of what a woman could and couldn't do during the Regency era. Even with her privileged life, Lady Hester Stanhope knows that claiming the adventurous life she truly wants will not be easy, thanks to her eccentric father's stifling grip. With the help of her renowned statesman uncle William Pitt the Younger, she takes on the glittering, treacherous heights of London Society. Her formidable intelligence, outspoken opinions, and headstrong determination gain the favor of the beau monde's leading taste-maker Beau Brummell-and she quickly learns to bend the rules of the ton to her own advantage. And as her uncle's hostess, she astutely uses her skills to preside over-and give advice to-the most influential figures of her day, rising to a position unequaled in society . . . But when it comes to holy matrimony, Hester will settle for no less than a passionate match of equals-a search marked by challenges and heartbreak. Her affair with a charismatic naval officer tempts her with forbidden pleasures-even as it threatens her reputation. Her love for a sophisticated, brilliant diplomat offers the marriage of her dreams . . . and unsuspected betrayal. And as England is plunged into war, Hester's world changes forever, causing her to find courage and strength amid loss, chart a completely unexpected future-and make a glorious legacy forever hers . . .

Reviews

Praise for Andrea Penrose

A Regency lady with a hidden past joins forces with an irritable aristocrat to solve a dastardly series of crimes[Charlottes] burgeoning awareness of her love for Wrexford is just one of many unpredictable complications in the search for a clever and ruthless killer. Science and romance meet in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game.Kirkus Reviews

"Compelling...anintricately plotted mystery set in Regency England. Its complex story line and authentic historical details bring the early days of the Industrial Revolution vividly to life. Bound to fascinate readers of C.S. Harris and even fans of Victorian mysteries."Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW for Murder at Half Moon Gate

[Penrose] mixes well thought out mysteries, early forensic science, great details of the era and a slow burning attraction creating a compulsive read. The New York Public Library

Fascinating and well-researched historic events a colorful depiction of Regency England.Publishers Weekly on Murder at the Serpentine Bridge

Andrea Penrose is skillful at incorporating the scientific discoveries of the day into her plots.Criminal Element onMurder at the Royal Botanic Gardens

"Penrose deftly intertwines the politics of navigating Regency-era society, scientific progress, and the deepening relationship between the protagonists. Series fans will enjoy revisiting the lively cast of characters, while historical fiction readers will be satisfied by the immersive, richly detailed mystery." Library Journal on Murder at Kensington Palace

An unusually rich look at Regency life. Publishers Weekly on Murder at Kensington Palace

This book is very suspenseful and takes many turns, as the clues point first to one person, then another. Penrose is excellent at conveying the details of early 19th-century science and experiments with electricity. This was the era of Frankenstein, after all. The relationship between Wrexford and Charlotte is further developed in this book, and I am looking forward to seeing where it leads next. Historical Novel Society on Murder at Kensington Palace

"Andrea Penrose masterfully weaves the numerous plotlines ofMurder atKensington Palaceinto a scintillating whole."Criminal Element on Murder at Kensington Palace

Author Bio

Andrea Penrose is the acclaimed author of Regency-era historical fiction, including the USA Today bestselling Wrexford & Sloane mystery series, as well as Regency romances written under the names Cara Elliott and Andrea Pickens. Published internationally in ten languages, she is a three-time RITA Award-finalist and the recipient of numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery and two Gold Leaf Awards. A graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Art and an M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Andrea fell in love with Regency England after reading Pride and Prejudice, and has maintained a fascination with the era's swirling silks and radical new ideas throughout her writing career. She lives in Connecticut and blogs with a community of historical fiction authors at WordWenches.com. She also can be found at AndreaPenrose.com