Dive into the swirling silks and shadowy intrigues of Regency London with the Wrexford & Sloane series, where murder mysteries meet the dawn of the modern world! Penned by Andrea Penrose, this historical mystery saga follows the sharp-witted Earl of Wrexford and the fearless artist Charlotte Sloane as they unravel crimes amidst scientific breakthroughs and social upheaval. It’s a thrilling blend of intellectual sparring, gritty adventure, and slow-burn romance that captures the pulse of a transformative era.
Imagine a London where steam engines hum with promise and radical ideas challenge old traditions. Wrexford, a brilliant but reckless scientist, and Charlotte, a widowed artist hiding behind the satirical pen name A.J. Quill, form an unlikely duo whose chemistry crackles as they solve diabolical cases. With rich historical detail and a cast of quirky characters, this series is a must-read for fans of C.S. Harris or Deanna Raybourn.
How Wrexford & Sloane Began
Andrea Penrose, a USA Today bestselling author, crafted the Wrexford & Sloane series from her lifelong fascination with Regency England’s vibrant clash of old and new. A Yale graduate with a background in art and graphic design, Penrose was inspired by the era’s scientific revolutions and cultural shifts, sparked by her love for Jane Austen’s wit and the gritty realities beyond the ballrooms. Her goal was to weave mysteries that highlight the period’s intellectual ferment, resulting in a series that debuted with Murder on Black Swan Lane in 2017, blending historical authenticity with page-turning suspense.
The Heart of Wrexford & Sloane
The series kicks off with Murder on Black Swan Lane, where Wrexford is accused of a gruesome murder and enlists Charlotte’s help to clear his name. Their uneasy alliance uncovers a secret society dabbling in forbidden sciences. In Murder at Half Moon Gate, the duo investigates an inventor’s death tied to stolen steam engine designs, navigating London’s dark alleys and glittering salons. Murder at Kensington Palace delves into early electrical experiments, with Charlotte’s past threatening to unravel, while Murder at Queen’s Landing tackles corruption in the East India Company, blending mathematics and high-stakes intrigue.
Penrose’s series shines through its themes of innovation versus tradition, class divides, and the power of unlikely partnerships. The Regency setting, alive with the Industrial Revolution’s churn and Napoleonic War echoes, grounds the mysteries in authentic detail—think gas-lit streets, early forensic science, and scandalous cartoons. Charlotte’s double life as A.J. Quill adds a feminist edge, while Wrexford’s scientific logic balances her intuitive grit, creating a dynamic interplay that drives each twisty plot.
Why Wrexford & Sloane Resonates
The Wrexford & Sloane series has carved a niche in historical mystery, praised for its vivid portrayal of Regency London’s underbelly and intellectual elite. Fans love the slow-burn romance and Penrose’s knack for weaving real scientific advances—like steam power and electricity—into gripping whodunits. With starred reviews from Library Journal and endorsements from authors like Lauren Willig, the series appeals to readers craving smart, atmospheric tales that echo our own era’s tensions between progress and tradition.
Its growing fanbase cherishes the found-family dynamic, from Charlotte’s street-smart wards, Raven and Hawk, to the loyal Scottish medic Henning. As the series approaches its ninth book, Murder at Somerset House in 2025, its blend of historical depth and modern relevance keeps readers hooked, proving that a good mystery transcends time.
- First Book: Murder on Black Swan Lane (2017)
- Latest Book: Murder at King’s Crossing (2024)
- Awards: Two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery
- Book Count: 8 books, with a ninth releasing in 2025
Ready to chase killers through Regency London’s fog? Grab Murder on Black Swan Lane and join Wrexford & Sloane’s thrilling world of mystery and mayhem!