RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars
LOVELY DIGITS by Jeanine Englert is a historical romantic suspense that I feel is perfect in every way. The romance and suspense/mystery were both perfectly balanced and intriguing. This book has a heroine with a unique occupation, a constable hero trying to right a past wrong while both work together to solve a series of murders in 1849 Clun, England.
Miss Lucy Wycliffe is a spinster, who has for the last ten years been Clun’s layer out of the dead. She ignores the gossip from the town people who feel she is unnatural for she has to support herself and help her sister who is a widow and her niece since the death of their parents. Lucy takes pride in the job she does for the dead even as she knows no man will be interested in her.
John Brodie is the new constable. He is no stranger to Clun and his acceptance of this position is meant to correct old wrongs and help him move on in the future. He wishes to help Lucy by paying her to be his assistant as they work to find the killer of Lucy’s childhood friends. He never thought he would fall in love with the beautiful and intelligent “Lovely Digits”.
The killer knows secrets from the past and has come back to not only reveal truths that could end Lucy and John’s relationship, but also their lives.
I loved this book! This historical romantic suspense focuses on a small town in England of regular people and there are no princes or dukes in sight. The clothes, language and interactions are era appropriate. Lucy’s occupation is unique, but it is also plausible. I love that Lucy is also an intelligent, strong heroine who is as heroic as John. No sex. Hand holding and a few kisses only. The murders are investigated with old-fashioned leg work, clues obtained from the bodies and clues left by the killer.
Set time aside because I know once you start this book you will not be able to put it down! There is no cliffhanger and the story is complete, but there does seem to be a possibility of more books following John and Lucy in the future and I can only say to Ms. Englert, “Yes, please”!
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.
