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Julian Kestrel Mysteries #1
Cut to the Quick
THERE'S A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMAN IN JULIAN KESTREL'S BED. UNFORTUNATELY, SHE'S DEAD.
Add the unflappable Julian Kestrel to the ranks of great sleuths of ages past. He's the very model of a proper Beau Brummell--except for his unusual willingness to plunge headlong into murder investigations. And an investigation's hard to avoid when, during an elegant weekend at a friend's country estate, a murder victim turns up in his bed. With the help of his Cockney manservant, Dipper, Kestrel sets out to find the killer among the glittering denizens of 1820s London's social stratosphere.
Add the unflappable Julian Kestrel to the ranks of great sleuths of ages past. He's the very model of a proper Beau Brummell--except for his unusual willingness to plunge headlong into murder investigations. And an investigation's hard to avoid when, during an elegant weekend at a friend's country estate, a murder victim turns up in his bed. With the help of his Cockney manservant, Dipper, Kestrel sets out to find the killer among the glittering denizens of 1820s London's social stratosphere.
337 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
63 people are currently reading
7418 people want to read
About the author
Kate Ross
6 books121 followersKate Ross, born Katherine Jean Ross, was an American mystery author who wrote four books set in Regency-era England about dandy Julian Kestrel. The novels in the series are Cut to the Quick (1994), which won the 1994 Gargoyle award for Best Historical Mystery, A Broken Vessel (1995), Whom the Gods Love (1996), and The Devil in Music (1997), which won the 1997 Agatha Award for Best Novel. The Lullaby Thief (1997), a short story featuring Kestrel, is included in the mystery anthology Crime Through Time, edited by Miriam Grace Monfredo and Sharan Newman. Ross was also a trial lawyer for the Boston law firm of Sullivan & Worcester and a graduate of Wellesley College and the Yale Law School. She died of cancer in 1998.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 392 reviews
July 9, 2012
Implausible but entertaining Regency mystery of the traditional English sort: house parties, family secrets, engagements, silly servants, bumbling local authorities, ridiculous webs of lies, lots of descriptions of clothing, many cups of tea.
It's obvious that Ross is steeped in both the mystery and Regency romance traditions. Her lovers misunderstand one another, her local gentry are haughty, and her detective is smarter than anyone else around. Julian Kestrel is almost too much of a good thing -- as well-dressed as Beau Brummel, as smart as Peter Whimsey, unfailingly gentlemanly, kind, and loyal.
Ross is kind, too -- she displays a charity, a humaneness, towards even the least sympathetic of her characters that is rather touching. Even though they didn't really convince me as Regency era people (I think Ross is more heavily influenced by the golden age mysteries of the 1930s) I bought them as individuals with complex and sometimes contradictory behavior.
Sometimes the clues were a little too obvious. The coincidences were too contrived (why was the protagonist even AT this family gathering of complete strangers?). Overall, I didn't believe a word of it. But I'll still be picking up the next book.
It's obvious that Ross is steeped in both the mystery and Regency romance traditions. Her lovers misunderstand one another, her local gentry are haughty, and her detective is smarter than anyone else around. Julian Kestrel is almost too much of a good thing -- as well-dressed as Beau Brummel, as smart as Peter Whimsey, unfailingly gentlemanly, kind, and loyal.
Ross is kind, too -- she displays a charity, a humaneness, towards even the least sympathetic of her characters that is rather touching. Even though they didn't really convince me as Regency era people (I think Ross is more heavily influenced by the golden age mysteries of the 1930s) I bought them as individuals with complex and sometimes contradictory behavior.
Sometimes the clues were a little too obvious. The coincidences were too contrived (why was the protagonist even AT this family gathering of complete strangers?). Overall, I didn't believe a word of it. But I'll still be picking up the next book.
December 3, 2020
I cannot say that this is a bad book, but I didn't enyoued it as much as other historical mysteries and not because here there's no hint of romance, but because of the way it was written!
To me this appeared like reading a screenplay. It was dry, like he-said-she-said...
The story could have been much more lively if more attantion was dedicated to other than plain act.
Oh, I'm making a mess here because I'm actually unable to explain what I mean...
The plot was intriguing and Julian was an inetersting character, but I just wasn't fully involved.
Yes, I wanted to know who was the killer and why, but when I got there it was just like: "What? That's why? Meh..."
MAybe I'll try another one of this series, but not right now...
To me this appeared like reading a screenplay. It was dry, like he-said-she-said...
The story could have been much more lively if more attantion was dedicated to other than plain act.
Oh, I'm making a mess here because I'm actually unable to explain what I mean...
The plot was intriguing and Julian was an inetersting character, but I just wasn't fully involved.
Yes, I wanted to know who was the killer and why, but when I got there it was just like: "What? That's why? Meh..."
MAybe I'll try another one of this series, but not right now...
May 11, 2020
As soon as Julian Kestrel pops up on the page, the book just lights up. I have never met a more endearing character. The mystery is simple but well developed. Ross is very comfortable writing in this time period. Looking forward to reading the next book in this four book series.
November 22, 2021
1824, London
CUT TO THE QUICK introduced the well-dressed Julian Kestrel; a gentleman without a formal education or prospects. He had no money to speak of but his strength was his common sense and shrewd judge of character. It also didn't hurt that he was popular, and young noblemen tended to imitate his style of dress.
'Prinny' was now King George IV. Obese and aging rapidly, his years were numbered and he had become somewhat of a recluse. But London was still a hotspot and the ton were a gossipy lot. They thrived on their own misfortune.
Julian briefly met the naive Hugh Fontclair when the young man's cousin, Guy, brought him to London to celebrate his impending and arranged marriage. The son of Sir Robert and Lady Fontclair, Hugh was honor-bound to save the family name by marrying the meek daughter of a wealthy tradesman.
In his short acquaintance, Julian managed to help the young man out of a potentially embarrassing situation. Days later, Julian was culling his post when he did a double-take. His valet was present when he posed a question.
"Dipper, what would you do if a fellow you've only met once, and hardly knew from Adam, suddenly wrote and asked you to be best man at his wedding?"
The possibilities latched on to his curiosity and Dipper reminded him that he had no pressing engagements. So they travelled to the country. If only it had been so simple. But then, murder never was.
A woman was found dead and no one claimed to know her identity. Unfortunately, the young lady's death occurred in Julian's guest room and both he and Dipper were considered suspects.
I loved Julian's sense of fair play. He was very human. He used reason and logic while questioning the others including Sir Robert, the magistrate and man-in-charge.
The mystery was both clever and entertaining and the pacing was consistent. Julian won over the Fontclair family friend and pessimistic Dr. MacGregor. He was also aware that the killer had to be a member of the household, including Hugh's immediate family.
Just as I was saying to myself that Julian needed to find the answer to ......, he did. Too often, when I read a mystery, I wonder why the character acting as detective doesn't see a glaring problem. But Julian did every time; it was refreshing and a boon to his genius. And the answer to the who-done-it? Well, you will just have to read the story.
One star was knocked off for minor editing issues that I found annoying, especially towards the end.
CUT TO THE QUICK introduced the well-dressed Julian Kestrel; a gentleman without a formal education or prospects. He had no money to speak of but his strength was his common sense and shrewd judge of character. It also didn't hurt that he was popular, and young noblemen tended to imitate his style of dress.
'Prinny' was now King George IV. Obese and aging rapidly, his years were numbered and he had become somewhat of a recluse. But London was still a hotspot and the ton were a gossipy lot. They thrived on their own misfortune.
Julian briefly met the naive Hugh Fontclair when the young man's cousin, Guy, brought him to London to celebrate his impending and arranged marriage. The son of Sir Robert and Lady Fontclair, Hugh was honor-bound to save the family name by marrying the meek daughter of a wealthy tradesman.
In his short acquaintance, Julian managed to help the young man out of a potentially embarrassing situation. Days later, Julian was culling his post when he did a double-take. His valet was present when he posed a question.
"Dipper, what would you do if a fellow you've only met once, and hardly knew from Adam, suddenly wrote and asked you to be best man at his wedding?"
The possibilities latched on to his curiosity and Dipper reminded him that he had no pressing engagements. So they travelled to the country. If only it had been so simple. But then, murder never was.
A woman was found dead and no one claimed to know her identity. Unfortunately, the young lady's death occurred in Julian's guest room and both he and Dipper were considered suspects.
I loved Julian's sense of fair play. He was very human. He used reason and logic while questioning the others including Sir Robert, the magistrate and man-in-charge.
The mystery was both clever and entertaining and the pacing was consistent. Julian won over the Fontclair family friend and pessimistic Dr. MacGregor. He was also aware that the killer had to be a member of the household, including Hugh's immediate family.
Just as I was saying to myself that Julian needed to find the answer to ......, he did. Too often, when I read a mystery, I wonder why the character acting as detective doesn't see a glaring problem. But Julian did every time; it was refreshing and a boon to his genius. And the answer to the who-done-it? Well, you will just have to read the story.
One star was knocked off for minor editing issues that I found annoying, especially towards the end.
May 17, 2013
Do you know what it is to love someone unworthy? When you can't respect the person you love, you can't respect yourself.
This is a good start to a Regency mystery series featuring Julian Kestrel. It is well-written, the plot is reasonable and moves in a believable pace and direction. Without modern detective tools, the people involved in solving the mystery use mainly deduction, reason, and observation to solve the case.
The characters were mostly well-written, none were so outlandish as to be unbelievable, and though some characters are rather cliques of their time (for example, the extremely snobbish Lady Tarleton), they all proved to have a reason for their action and reaction by the end of the book.
The main character, Julian Kestrel, is supposed to be a very well-known dandy. His company is supposedly quite sought after by the gentlemen of the Ton, but little is given about his background or his parentage besides the fact that he is unashamed of what others might think. For someone of that reputation, we don't see much of the dandy in him at all. When I think "Regency dandy," I picture Beau Brummel, and similar gentlemen with powdered faces, dressed like peacocks in all their strutting, colorful glory. Julian is dressed conservatively, hates to be thanked for his kind actions, and acts more like a well-respected gentleman about town than a rake.
The supporting cast is enjoyable, and while there is a large group of people assembled, we get enough of a sense of personality with each character as to have a clear picture of each in our mind. My favorite characters and subplot are Hugh and Maud. Hugh is a very respectable young man, determined to do the right thing for his family's sake, and even for a future bride with whom he is not in love. Maud is a very shy character who incidentally has more character than she is able to show her forced fiancée. Their burgeoning relationship is sweet, easily foreseeable, and while not complex, entirely enjoyable. To see Maud's weak character opening up and showing so much insight into the situation is a delightful thing, but I've always had a special place in my heart for underdogs.
"If I marry Mr. Fontclair, he'll be saddled with a wife he never wanted, one he—he's probably ashamed of. But if I don't marry him, he'll be miserable, too. He pleaded with me to accept him; he said I had the honour of his family in my hands. So it seems that, whether I marry him or not, I can only make him unhappy. And that's hard, Mr. Kestrel—that's very hard!—when his happiness means more to me than anything in the world!"
So much insight from a character I fully expected to fade into the background.
The mystery plot itself and the eventual villain was well-written, if easy to guess. The pacing, the writing were all excellent, and the main character immensely likeable. I look forward to reading the next books in this series.
This is a good start to a Regency mystery series featuring Julian Kestrel. It is well-written, the plot is reasonable and moves in a believable pace and direction. Without modern detective tools, the people involved in solving the mystery use mainly deduction, reason, and observation to solve the case.
The characters were mostly well-written, none were so outlandish as to be unbelievable, and though some characters are rather cliques of their time (for example, the extremely snobbish Lady Tarleton), they all proved to have a reason for their action and reaction by the end of the book.
The main character, Julian Kestrel, is supposed to be a very well-known dandy. His company is supposedly quite sought after by the gentlemen of the Ton, but little is given about his background or his parentage besides the fact that he is unashamed of what others might think. For someone of that reputation, we don't see much of the dandy in him at all. When I think "Regency dandy," I picture Beau Brummel, and similar gentlemen with powdered faces, dressed like peacocks in all their strutting, colorful glory. Julian is dressed conservatively, hates to be thanked for his kind actions, and acts more like a well-respected gentleman about town than a rake.
The supporting cast is enjoyable, and while there is a large group of people assembled, we get enough of a sense of personality with each character as to have a clear picture of each in our mind. My favorite characters and subplot are Hugh and Maud. Hugh is a very respectable young man, determined to do the right thing for his family's sake, and even for a future bride with whom he is not in love. Maud is a very shy character who incidentally has more character than she is able to show her forced fiancée. Their burgeoning relationship is sweet, easily foreseeable, and while not complex, entirely enjoyable. To see Maud's weak character opening up and showing so much insight into the situation is a delightful thing, but I've always had a special place in my heart for underdogs.
"If I marry Mr. Fontclair, he'll be saddled with a wife he never wanted, one he—he's probably ashamed of. But if I don't marry him, he'll be miserable, too. He pleaded with me to accept him; he said I had the honour of his family in my hands. So it seems that, whether I marry him or not, I can only make him unhappy. And that's hard, Mr. Kestrel—that's very hard!—when his happiness means more to me than anything in the world!"
So much insight from a character I fully expected to fade into the background.
The mystery plot itself and the eventual villain was well-written, if easy to guess. The pacing, the writing were all excellent, and the main character immensely likeable. I look forward to reading the next books in this series.
January 18, 2020
"THERE'S A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMAN IN JULIAN KESTREL'S BED. UNFORTUNATELY, SHE'S DEAD."
Whoever marketed this book is a genius. I just cannot get over that line. I laugh every time.
I guess now knowing Julian it makes it funnier too.
The poor man has no luck with women. He's suave, he's dapper, they all like him...but they're just not interested.
Meet Julian Kestrel. He's a Beau Brummell-type who sets the fashions for the ton.
When a chance acquaintance he met once asks him to be best man in an upcoming wedding, he feel intrigued enough to go.
But alas, nothing is as it seems at this country house. And that is before the unknown dead woman ends up in his bed!
I rather enjoyed the story. Though numerous, the characters were fairly distinct and easy to sort out. Lots of proper clues and dead ends for the reader to consider. It didn't feel like 'well, we haven't heard anything from X in a while, so X it must be.' It generally took a little puzzling to reach the conclusion.
I liked Julian Kestrel a lot. This is a great introduction to him and I can only imagine his character grows. (Though it is sad to see only four books emerged from this series because of the author's untimely demise.) He somehow walks the line of being the calm and collected hero of every fanboy in London and a cinnamon roll who doesn't know what to do with a weeping lady.
Overall, an unexpected delight. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
Whoever marketed this book is a genius. I just cannot get over that line. I laugh every time.
I guess now knowing Julian it makes it funnier too.
The poor man has no luck with women. He's suave, he's dapper, they all like him...but they're just not interested.
Meet Julian Kestrel. He's a Beau Brummell-type who sets the fashions for the ton.
When a chance acquaintance he met once asks him to be best man in an upcoming wedding, he feel intrigued enough to go.
But alas, nothing is as it seems at this country house. And that is before the unknown dead woman ends up in his bed!
I rather enjoyed the story. Though numerous, the characters were fairly distinct and easy to sort out. Lots of proper clues and dead ends for the reader to consider. It didn't feel like 'well, we haven't heard anything from X in a while, so X it must be.' It generally took a little puzzling to reach the conclusion.
I liked Julian Kestrel a lot. This is a great introduction to him and I can only imagine his character grows. (Though it is sad to see only four books emerged from this series because of the author's untimely demise.) He somehow walks the line of being the calm and collected hero of every fanboy in London and a cinnamon roll who doesn't know what to do with a weeping lady.
Overall, an unexpected delight. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
March 5, 2012
A few months after Julian Kestral, a fashionable lounger, helps Hugh Fontclair out of a scrape, he's invited to be best man at Hugh's wedding. Kestral is surprised--he's only met Hugh that once--but intrigued. He travels to the Fontclair estate, hoping for a restful vacation in the country, only to find that the family members are all at each others' throats. Then someone is found murdered. First because he's curious, then because he's worried for his manservant, Kestral insists on investigating.
The mystery itself is meaty and delightfully difficult. I guessed a few hints of it, but the resolution was a total surprise to me. But although her plot is excellent, where Ross really shines is her characters. The supporting cast is unique and interesting, each a well-rounded character in their own right. (The women are particularly good. Every single one of them was someone I'd have read an entire book about.) But Julian Kestral is the one that truly shines; he's like a Regency-era Peter Wimsey, but without the education or blue-blood. He's too smart and perceptive for his own good, and far too tender-hearted to do well in the maneuvering Regency society.
I love him beyond all reason, and hanker for more.
The mystery itself is meaty and delightfully difficult. I guessed a few hints of it, but the resolution was a total surprise to me. But although her plot is excellent, where Ross really shines is her characters. The supporting cast is unique and interesting, each a well-rounded character in their own right. (The women are particularly good. Every single one of them was someone I'd have read an entire book about.) But Julian Kestral is the one that truly shines; he's like a Regency-era Peter Wimsey, but without the education or blue-blood. He's too smart and perceptive for his own good, and far too tender-hearted to do well in the maneuvering Regency society.
I love him beyond all reason, and hanker for more.
November 3, 2010
Originally read in 2/2003 - Re-read and re-reviewed 2/2010
First Sentence: Mark Craddock paced slowly, deliberately, back and forth behind the desk in his study.
Regency dandy and detective Julian Kestrel rescues young Hugh Fontclair from embarrassment at a gambling hell and, in turn, is asked to serve as best man for Hugh’s forced marriage to Maud Craddock. Kestral, along with is man Dipper, travels to the Fontclair country home for a weekend with both families. The last thing he expected was to find the body of an unknown murdered woman in his bed or having to provide Dipper innocent of the act.
For those of us who love period mysteries, Ross is one of the best. She captures the period with exquisite detail from dress, manners, speech. Her characters are wonderfully drawn portraying all levels of society.
Kestrel is the character at center stage. He is the personification of the Regency dandy exhibiting droll cynicism and detachment. Upon meeting Hugh’s young sisters, he comments “…I rather like making friends with women before they’re old enough to be dangerous.” However, under the veneer, is a consideration for others, an admiration for goodness, awareness of people’s natures and a determination for justice. Although there are quite a number of characters in the story, each is so well drawn as never become confused.
The plot is very strong. It’s not a locked-room mystery as the key is on the hall table. It is very much a case of who is the victim, how did she get there and what was her relationship to the people in the house. It’s a step-by-step investigation with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Best of all, I certainly did not predict the killer.
While sadly, Kate Ross only published four books before her death, this, as are all of her books, is very well worth reading and reading again.
CUT TO THE QUICK (Hist Mys-Julian Kestrel-England-Regency) – VG+
Ross, Kate – 1st in series
Penguin Books, ©1993, US Paperback – ISBN: 014023946
First Sentence: Mark Craddock paced slowly, deliberately, back and forth behind the desk in his study.
Regency dandy and detective Julian Kestrel rescues young Hugh Fontclair from embarrassment at a gambling hell and, in turn, is asked to serve as best man for Hugh’s forced marriage to Maud Craddock. Kestral, along with is man Dipper, travels to the Fontclair country home for a weekend with both families. The last thing he expected was to find the body of an unknown murdered woman in his bed or having to provide Dipper innocent of the act.
For those of us who love period mysteries, Ross is one of the best. She captures the period with exquisite detail from dress, manners, speech. Her characters are wonderfully drawn portraying all levels of society.
Kestrel is the character at center stage. He is the personification of the Regency dandy exhibiting droll cynicism and detachment. Upon meeting Hugh’s young sisters, he comments “…I rather like making friends with women before they’re old enough to be dangerous.” However, under the veneer, is a consideration for others, an admiration for goodness, awareness of people’s natures and a determination for justice. Although there are quite a number of characters in the story, each is so well drawn as never become confused.
The plot is very strong. It’s not a locked-room mystery as the key is on the hall table. It is very much a case of who is the victim, how did she get there and what was her relationship to the people in the house. It’s a step-by-step investigation with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Best of all, I certainly did not predict the killer.
While sadly, Kate Ross only published four books before her death, this, as are all of her books, is very well worth reading and reading again.
CUT TO THE QUICK (Hist Mys-Julian Kestrel-England-Regency) – VG+
Ross, Kate – 1st in series
Penguin Books, ©1993, US Paperback – ISBN: 014023946
May 28, 2012
I give up. After procrastinating for almost a week, I'm still no nearer articulating my reaction to this book. Instead, I keep recalling Northwest Smith's reaction to transcendental beauty in C. L. Moore's "Black Thirst" — a mind-disorienting sense of vertigo.
Cut to the Quick is a Regency murder mystery in the tradition of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction adhering, consciously or unconsciously, to Knox's Rules or Van Dine's Commandments. No twists, no plot holes, no omniscient narrator sleights-of-hand. Just a perfectly crafted murder mystery, sparkling with unexpected delights.
Foppish dandy Julian Kestrel is invited to a country house party, where he uses his powers of observation and deduction to solve murder most foul.
Like a mephistophelian crossword or a 2,000-piece jigsaw, the narrative is meticulously plotted and carefully constructed. Once the mystery is unveiled, the reader realises that every single hint, every single clue, to the solution was provided earlier in the book.
I have no idea how Ms Ross researched this book, but the depth and breadth of the historical detail makes other Regency novels look shabby in comparison. Not only the detail, but the style and register of the prose is utterly in character.
It doesn't get much better than this. I've already purchased two other books in the Kestrel series and am hunting around for the fourth.
Cut to the Quick is a Regency murder mystery in the tradition of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction adhering, consciously or unconsciously, to Knox's Rules or Van Dine's Commandments. No twists, no plot holes, no omniscient narrator sleights-of-hand. Just a perfectly crafted murder mystery, sparkling with unexpected delights.
Foppish dandy Julian Kestrel is invited to a country house party, where he uses his powers of observation and deduction to solve murder most foul.
Like a mephistophelian crossword or a 2,000-piece jigsaw, the narrative is meticulously plotted and carefully constructed. Once the mystery is unveiled, the reader realises that every single hint, every single clue, to the solution was provided earlier in the book.
I have no idea how Ms Ross researched this book, but the depth and breadth of the historical detail makes other Regency novels look shabby in comparison. Not only the detail, but the style and register of the prose is utterly in character.
It doesn't get much better than this. I've already purchased two other books in the Kestrel series and am hunting around for the fourth.
January 3, 2010
"You're cynical. I thought you would be. Can you sneer?"
"With terrifying effect."
Hugh Fontclair finds himself drunk and seriously out of his depth at a gaming hell where he is taken by his feckless cousin to celebrate his engagement. He is rescued by a gentleman of the dandy set named Julian Kestrel and is sent home safe and sound. Thankful, Hugh invites Julian to his family home, a gorgeous mansion & estate that dates back to Elizabethan times, for a house party to celebrate his nuptials.
Julian, bemused at the idea of becoming a groomsman to a young man he's just met, nevertheless accepts and finds himself thrust in the middle of a polite family war and old secrets. It seems Hugh's fiancee, a young woman by the name of Maud Craddock is the daughter of a wealthy cit who has some hold over the Fontclairs and is forcing the marriage. To preserve the Fontclair honor, Hugh must marry Maud.
For Julian, at first the houseparty is an amusing lark. He is able to observe the various members of the Fonclair family: Serious patriarch Robert; his doting and correct wife, Lady Fontclair; the old war hero uncle the Colonel; his son the lazy, bon vivant Guy; Isabelle, the beautiful, contained orphan cousin; and Lady Tarleton, a dragon of an aunt who is vocal in her disdain of the Craddocks and in her fierce pride in her family past. But soon enough the clashing personalities and viperous duelling between Mr. Craddock and Lady Tarelton are cast in the shade when an unknown woman is murdered in Julian's bedroom.
Things turn even grimmer when Julian's valet Dipper is quickly singled out as the likely suspect. Julian decides that he must clear Dipper's name and his own honor by finding out the identity of the the killer.
Julian Kestrel is just the type of character I love to read about in a book that is set in a time and place that I enjoy visiting. Set during the Regency period, this book features introduces and new amateur detective, Julian Kestrel. He is an Exquisite. A handsome dandy with polished boots, impeccable clothing and who has some reputation as being a 'Top of the Tree' in London. He is also witty with great conversation. But that is just surface. He is also very intelligent, observant and very honorable. He treats Maud with chivalry and respect when the others at the houseparty either ignore her or treat her with a mild contempt. He is considered a great gun by the younger set and manages to win over the mistrust of the village's Doctor (who dismisses Julian as a coxcombe upon first sight) with his shrewd insights, piercing observations and probing questions of the murder.
I like how the story unfolded. Julian wasn't just some bored aristocrat who decided to be nosy and try to solve a murder. His motives for doing it had everything to do with clearing his valet's name and his own when it seemed like they would both be likely scapegoats. They were the outsiders where suspicion would fall on first. Luckily, Julian himself had an airtight alibi and his polite and obviously gentlemanly demeanor wins over the elder Fontclairs and allows him to take a lead in the investigation.
The mystery was also satisfying. As it turns out there wasn't just a murder mystery but also other smaller mysteries that involves Julian ferreting out the huge secret at the heart of the whole engagement in the first place and even the identity of the victim. Are these all connected? Possibly.
The writing was crisp and lively with a style that was very close to Georgette Heyer's.
"With terrifying effect."
Hugh Fontclair finds himself drunk and seriously out of his depth at a gaming hell where he is taken by his feckless cousin to celebrate his engagement. He is rescued by a gentleman of the dandy set named Julian Kestrel and is sent home safe and sound. Thankful, Hugh invites Julian to his family home, a gorgeous mansion & estate that dates back to Elizabethan times, for a house party to celebrate his nuptials.
Julian, bemused at the idea of becoming a groomsman to a young man he's just met, nevertheless accepts and finds himself thrust in the middle of a polite family war and old secrets. It seems Hugh's fiancee, a young woman by the name of Maud Craddock is the daughter of a wealthy cit who has some hold over the Fontclairs and is forcing the marriage. To preserve the Fontclair honor, Hugh must marry Maud.
For Julian, at first the houseparty is an amusing lark. He is able to observe the various members of the Fonclair family: Serious patriarch Robert; his doting and correct wife, Lady Fontclair; the old war hero uncle the Colonel; his son the lazy, bon vivant Guy; Isabelle, the beautiful, contained orphan cousin; and Lady Tarleton, a dragon of an aunt who is vocal in her disdain of the Craddocks and in her fierce pride in her family past. But soon enough the clashing personalities and viperous duelling between Mr. Craddock and Lady Tarelton are cast in the shade when an unknown woman is murdered in Julian's bedroom.
Things turn even grimmer when Julian's valet Dipper is quickly singled out as the likely suspect. Julian decides that he must clear Dipper's name and his own honor by finding out the identity of the the killer.
Julian Kestrel is just the type of character I love to read about in a book that is set in a time and place that I enjoy visiting. Set during the Regency period, this book features introduces and new amateur detective, Julian Kestrel. He is an Exquisite. A handsome dandy with polished boots, impeccable clothing and who has some reputation as being a 'Top of the Tree' in London. He is also witty with great conversation. But that is just surface. He is also very intelligent, observant and very honorable. He treats Maud with chivalry and respect when the others at the houseparty either ignore her or treat her with a mild contempt. He is considered a great gun by the younger set and manages to win over the mistrust of the village's Doctor (who dismisses Julian as a coxcombe upon first sight) with his shrewd insights, piercing observations and probing questions of the murder.
I like how the story unfolded. Julian wasn't just some bored aristocrat who decided to be nosy and try to solve a murder. His motives for doing it had everything to do with clearing his valet's name and his own when it seemed like they would both be likely scapegoats. They were the outsiders where suspicion would fall on first. Luckily, Julian himself had an airtight alibi and his polite and obviously gentlemanly demeanor wins over the elder Fontclairs and allows him to take a lead in the investigation.
The mystery was also satisfying. As it turns out there wasn't just a murder mystery but also other smaller mysteries that involves Julian ferreting out the huge secret at the heart of the whole engagement in the first place and even the identity of the victim. Are these all connected? Possibly.
The writing was crisp and lively with a style that was very close to Georgette Heyer's.
September 1, 2012
These excellent Regency historical mysteries get even better as they go along. The sleuth, Julian Kestrel, is a dandy with a mysterious past, and there are many memorable supporting characters: Dipper, Kestrel's manservant and former pickpocket; Sally, Dipper's sister (whom I wanted to see more of after her initial appearance in A Broken Vessel); MacGregor, the crusty Scottish doctor; and young Philippa Fontclair (and I wonder if her name is meant as a homage to Dorothy Dunnett's Philippa Somerville, in the Lymond Chronicles). I only wish there were more of the series, as Ross sadly died after writing The Devil in Music.
February 1, 2022
Julian Kestrel--dandy, man about town. Devoted to the gaming tables and the latest Regency-era fashion. Underneath his dandified pose, he's also a man of honor with more concern for others than he cares to let on. And now--he's about to turn amateur detective. When Kestrel rescues young, inexperienced Hugh Fontclair from entangling himself too deeply at the gaming tables, he never dreamed he'd wind up invited to the man's wedding...and not as a guest, but as best man! Since he doesn't really know Fontclair from Adam, Kestrel is tempted to say no, but his curiosity gets the better of him. If he doesn't go to the Fontclair's country estate he'll never know why he's been asked.
From the moment he arrives it becomes obvious that there is more to this wedding than meets the eye. Mark Craddock, the bride's father, has some sort of secret hold over the Fontclairs and he's using it to force a marriage between his daughter and Hugh. The secret is so terrible that Hugh is willing to sacrifice his happiness to save the family honor. But--whatever that secret is, could it possibly be worse than murder? For on the evening of the second day, Kestrel returns from an afternoon of exploring the grounds (with Hugh) to find a dead girl tucked up in his bed.
Initially, his manservant is arrested. Dipper, a former pickpocket with an instinct for lying under pressure, is caught out in a few mild untruths and suspected of lying about something much worse. Even Kestrel, as an outsider, is preferable as a suspect. With his own honor at stake and his servant already arrested, Julian dives into the investigation. He soon discovers the dreadful secret behind the arranged marriage--but that isn't the only secret being kept hidden in the confines of the Fontclair estate. In order to save Dipper from the hangman, Kestrel will have to decide which secret was worth killing for.
Kestrel makes for a very clever and humane investigator. While he has no qualms about questioning his host's family in the effort to exonerate his innocent servant, he regrets the pain he has to cause others in the search for the truth. It was also interesting to watch him go through several rounds of thinking he had finally gotten to the bottom of who-dunnit only to discover that the secret the current suspect was hiding wasn't the ultimate secret of murder. I thoroughly enjoyed his interactions with the doctor and the way he won over the crusty, country medico. It would be nice if Dr. MacGregor would become his Watson, but I don't believe that's in the cards.
A highly entertaining historical mystery. Kate Ross does an excellent job with this series. Julian Kestrel is a marvelous addition to the ranks of gentlemen detectives. Ms. Ross was taken from us way too soon. More books would have been very welcome.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
From the moment he arrives it becomes obvious that there is more to this wedding than meets the eye. Mark Craddock, the bride's father, has some sort of secret hold over the Fontclairs and he's using it to force a marriage between his daughter and Hugh. The secret is so terrible that Hugh is willing to sacrifice his happiness to save the family honor. But--whatever that secret is, could it possibly be worse than murder? For on the evening of the second day, Kestrel returns from an afternoon of exploring the grounds (with Hugh) to find a dead girl tucked up in his bed.
Initially, his manservant is arrested. Dipper, a former pickpocket with an instinct for lying under pressure, is caught out in a few mild untruths and suspected of lying about something much worse. Even Kestrel, as an outsider, is preferable as a suspect. With his own honor at stake and his servant already arrested, Julian dives into the investigation. He soon discovers the dreadful secret behind the arranged marriage--but that isn't the only secret being kept hidden in the confines of the Fontclair estate. In order to save Dipper from the hangman, Kestrel will have to decide which secret was worth killing for.
Kestrel makes for a very clever and humane investigator. While he has no qualms about questioning his host's family in the effort to exonerate his innocent servant, he regrets the pain he has to cause others in the search for the truth. It was also interesting to watch him go through several rounds of thinking he had finally gotten to the bottom of who-dunnit only to discover that the secret the current suspect was hiding wasn't the ultimate secret of murder. I thoroughly enjoyed his interactions with the doctor and the way he won over the crusty, country medico. It would be nice if Dr. MacGregor would become his Watson, but I don't believe that's in the cards.
A highly entertaining historical mystery. Kate Ross does an excellent job with this series. Julian Kestrel is a marvelous addition to the ranks of gentlemen detectives. Ms. Ross was taken from us way too soon. More books would have been very welcome.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
February 27, 2014
Pretty sure I must have read this a long time ago. Upon reading, a lot seemed familar.
Odd Observation:
You know, from reading Georgette Heyer, I picture "Dandies" as being overly decorated and obsessed with fad and fashion to the point of effemininity--someone of whom manly men make fun. (Which, I assume, is not what Kate Ross was referencing?)
As per descriptions, Kestrel seems much more likely to be what Heyer calls a "Corinthian", a fashionable man-about-town, in the manner of Beau Brummel. Restrained, elegant, a sportsman... No hint of effeminism at all.
Surely, this is what Ross was intending? Or not? (It certainly puts a different 'slant' on Kestrel's character if this word choice--dandy-- was intentional. But I assume Ross would have been more explicit if that was the case?) Someone who handles this kind of a plot really well, imo, is Diana Gabaldon in her Lord John Grey mysteries.
This website http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com...
has some interesting pictures and cartoons that illustrate what I refer to above. The first photo there is what I would picture of as a Corinthian (note the restrained elegance), while the cartoons below mock the over-the-top fashion extremes of Dandies.
Did anyone else find this word choice odd? I'd be interested in seeing what other readers think about this. Please reply in the comments if you feel to.
Odd Observation:
You know, from reading Georgette Heyer, I picture "Dandies" as being overly decorated and obsessed with fad and fashion to the point of effemininity--someone of whom manly men make fun. (Which, I assume, is not what Kate Ross was referencing?)
As per descriptions, Kestrel seems much more likely to be what Heyer calls a "Corinthian", a fashionable man-about-town, in the manner of Beau Brummel. Restrained, elegant, a sportsman... No hint of effeminism at all.
Surely, this is what Ross was intending? Or not? (It certainly puts a different 'slant' on Kestrel's character if this word choice--dandy-- was intentional. But I assume Ross would have been more explicit if that was the case?) Someone who handles this kind of a plot really well, imo, is Diana Gabaldon in her Lord John Grey mysteries.
This website http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com...
has some interesting pictures and cartoons that illustrate what I refer to above. The first photo there is what I would picture of as a Corinthian (note the restrained elegance), while the cartoons below mock the over-the-top fashion extremes of Dandies.
Did anyone else find this word choice odd? I'd be interested in seeing what other readers think about this. Please reply in the comments if you feel to.
November 24, 2008
The debut of Julian Kestrel and a very neatly done mystery. One of the great things about Kate Ross' writing is that while she creates a character with a number of extraordinary talents, she reveals the extent of them slowly of the course of the four books that she wrote so the reader is not overwhelmed by too much uniqueness. I always liked that Julian had enough personality quirks to be fascinating without being so overdone that his perfection was annoying. I also appreciated the little details, like Kestrel's friend the Scottish Dr. MacGregor, which is appropriate historically, and the pickpocket-turned-valet Dipper, whose background might initially seem romantic but comes to make much more sense later in the series.
July 7, 2015
An excellent whodunnit that contains some of my favorite mystery tropes (English country house setting, the locked room conundrum). A few small flaws with the writing, particularly the way Ross shifts POV (sometimes mid-scene, argh) seemingly arbitrarily -- I feel that mysteries are best when told from one point of view, or when the author very consciously offers up a bunch of unreliable narrators (cf. Wilkie Collins) as a way of making the style of the narrative suit the content. Including a few scenes from other perspectives simply as a way of delivering information to the reader that the detective isn't privy to just feels like lazy writing to me. There was also some over-dependence on coincidence when it came to the plot and unraveling the mystery. Having said that, I loved the character of Kestrel. Any fan of Peter Wimsey will like Kestrel's witty dandyism and powers of observation.
Also, this was a minor thing, but bonus points to Ross for
Also, this was a minor thing, but bonus points to Ross for
April 29, 2013
The mystery was plotted well and had a satisfying finish, though some of the clues jumped out at me. The investigation was also very, very talky, and I tend to prefer a faster pace.
Julian Kestrel was an interesting lead, though I think the idea of him was a little better than his execution. Other characters speak as if he's this fashion-obsessed dandy, but he doesn't act that way apart from the occasional throwaway quip. I think I'd have enjoyed him more if he'd truly been a frivolous gentleman with a surprising aptitude for investigation rather than someone obviously just doing what society expects.
His scenes with the youngest daughter of the family he was staying with were fantastic. Her last words to him were laugh-out-loud funny, but I also felt myself rooting for her.
Julian Kestrel was an interesting lead, though I think the idea of him was a little better than his execution. Other characters speak as if he's this fashion-obsessed dandy, but he doesn't act that way apart from the occasional throwaway quip. I think I'd have enjoyed him more if he'd truly been a frivolous gentleman with a surprising aptitude for investigation rather than someone obviously just doing what society expects.
His scenes with the youngest daughter of the family he was staying with were fantastic. Her last words to him were laugh-out-loud funny, but I also felt myself rooting for her.
June 9, 2019
Author Jenetta James gifted me this book, saying this series was a favorite, as was the protagonist, Julian. I must agree—I think I have found a new book series to devour. What a page turner this first was! And just as I kept thinking I had it all figured out, the author would add another layer of clues. When the mystery finally is solved, I confess I felt rather let down because of all the twist and turns in this who-dunnit...even our hero, Julian, says he felt like there was still a missing piece. BUT then Lo, the last two pages revealed that one final layer of intrigue! Excellent read! Excellent! Highly recommended. Despite the dodgy covers.
April 16, 2008
Good story, but I found the writing/dialogue to be ponderous. Am going to check out another one, because Ross came highly recommended, and it's possible that this is a first novel sort of problem that will shake out.
March 24, 2018
Loved this. Scratched my itch for a good tea cozy mystery and was charmingly written to boot.
November 29, 2008
I had stumbled across Kate Ross’s most recent novel Whom the Gods Love. Her detective is Julian Kestrel, a rake who, with the help of Dipper, a reformed pickpocket, solves crimes that leave the Bow Street Runners (Scotland Yard’s predecessors) baffled. Naturally, I wanted to read the earlier Kestrel novels and I’m pleased to report that Ross’s first novel, Cut to the Quick lived up to my expectations. Julian has been invited to be best man at the wedding of Hugh Fontclair. He soon realizes something is amiss. The wedding is a forced one. The Fontclairs, members of “quality,” the English upper crust, would normally never stoop so low as to have one of their members marry the daughter of a mere tradesman, and one who had been forced from their service years before. Dipper finds himself in a fix, when a young woman is found murdered in Kestrel’s bed, behind locked doors. No one knows who the woman is, and Dipper is imprisoned for the crime when it is revealed that he had lied about his location at the time of the murder. Julian’s investigation uncovers a myriad of motives and secrets in the lives of the Fontclairs that they would sooner have remain hidden. No more clues. Ross’s novels take place in the early nineteenth century, and she has obviously done a lot of research into the language and morals of the class-based and hypocritical English society. I’m sure Ross’s other Kestrel novel, A Broken Vessel, will be equally literate and entertaining. I’m looking forward to it.
March 17, 2012
A nice murder mystery set in England in the 1820’s. The sleuth, Julian, is immensely likable, and I really wanted the book to be more about him. We learn that he’s a Regency dandy, and we’re given a few facts about him, but he jumps into detective mode before we get a good idea of what his life is like.
The book is strongly focused on the mystery, and it’s carefully, almost too deliberately crafted. Early on, for instance, some casual asides stand out rather obviously as clues. It’s enjoyable, nevertheless, and kept my interest. The writing is quite good, especially for a first novel, so I look forward to the next book.
The book is strongly focused on the mystery, and it’s carefully, almost too deliberately crafted. Early on, for instance, some casual asides stand out rather obviously as clues. It’s enjoyable, nevertheless, and kept my interest. The writing is quite good, especially for a first novel, so I look forward to the next book.
August 11, 2010
I loved this book. Loved. It.
This is one of the few mystery books I've read in which I had absolutely no idea who the guilty party was. Just when I thought I had a handle on what was going on, the author very deftly threw in a monkey wrench that forced me to rethink my suspicions. It was fantastic!
Julian Kestrel is an intriguing character, one who presents himself as the prototypical dandy, but is so much more than that under the surface. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
This is one of the few mystery books I've read in which I had absolutely no idea who the guilty party was. Just when I thought I had a handle on what was going on, the author very deftly threw in a monkey wrench that forced me to rethink my suspicions. It was fantastic!
Julian Kestrel is an intriguing character, one who presents himself as the prototypical dandy, but is so much more than that under the surface. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
August 29, 2015
An excellent mystery set in the Regency period. Although I figured out who the killer was early on, there were enough red herrings thrown in that I was doubting myself. I enjoyed reading about Julian Kestrel and his ex-pick pocket valet, Dipper and look forward to revisiting them in the next three books.
July 28, 2018
Julian Kestrel is now added to my list of favorite detectives. He has a very cool way of going through the evidence in a mystery to find the solutions. His valet, Dipper, is a former pick pocket who brings an entertaining addition to the investigations. There was more than one mystery in this story, and I enjoyed every minute. I'm sure this series will be added to my list of favorites.
May 31, 2009
I'm not a real fan of mystery. I love Agatha Christie (who doesn't) but aside, I was swept away by the dandy Julian Kestrel from the start. It's very sad that this author passed away so early.
This is a very good series that had so much potential.
This is a very good series that had so much potential.
December 22, 2015
Plausible cast and plot, with a decent sense of period. However, I found Julian Kestrel himself to be less engaging than I'd hoped (having read other very positive reviews), so I felt a little distanced from the story.
August 16, 2017
Beautifully written, a pleasure to read. I loved the characters, setting and plot. The story unfolds very slowly, but I was okay with that, because the telling was so eloquent. The ending was satisfying and left me looking forward to the next installment so that I can spend more time with Julian.
August 9, 2018
August 2018 reread: Just as great as I had remembered it to be!
November 8, 2012
good book with great characters, looking forward to more of the same.
December 27, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed. Regency murder mystery. Julian Kestrel is an appealing protagonist. Mystery was well thought out and I found it satisfying. I'm ready to read #2 out of 4!
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