A Lark’s Tale
By Lynn Messina. The Book Whisperer
Verity Lark’s alter ego, Mr. Twaddle Thum the gossip columnist, is being impersonated around town and that’s a problem. Much of Verity’s time is spent in various disguises to find out what’s really going on among the ton. But it seems this imposter is in danger and it’s her duty to keep that person safe, even if they have stolen her name. And so Verity embarks on a mystery-solving adventure in the same universe as the Beatrice Hyde Clare mysteries. In fact, Beatrice Hyde-Clare is one of Mr. Twaddle Thum’s favourite targets, not to mention Verity’s connection with the duke that Beatrice is married to.
I started reading this just after finishing the most recent Beatrice Hyde-Clare mystery and the side characters from that series form a more central part of this book. I find they fit in well and there’s some overlap but also an interesting point of view when having a different sleuth from the same universe solving the case. For the most part, I really enjoyed this as much as the other series. I am curious to learn more, especially with regard to Verity’s connection to the duke. I imagine, though, that a newcomer to this world might find it a bit overwhelming to have references to the other series flooding the story.
One thing I like is that despite Verity’s ingenuity in disguise and sneaking about, she is not beyond notice in her activity. Sometimes these books show the detective as going through the motions without failure when the reality is usually very different. In any case, Verity and company are all just as interesting as Beatrice and the Duke of Kesgrave and company. I am curious as to the directions these books will take. Does this mean an end to the other series or will there be co-occurring stories? And will the two sleuths come together at some point in the future? So many questions!
Overall, I give this 3.5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and The Book Whisperer for providing an advanced reader copy with no obligation. I have written this review voluntarily.