The Regency Intrigue Series

To escape her cruel uncle’s guardianship, a debutante agrees to marry a man she despises in this regency romance from a New York Times–bestselling author.   After her parents’ death, Elizabeth Markham is reduced to the unspeakable class of poor relation. Forced to live with her cruel, miserly uncle, Elizabeth is forbidden to participate in the season’s festivities. Realizing that marriage is her only escape, she enacts a daring plan to trick her way into the Duke of Dunster’s exclusive house party and snare one of the eligible bachelors.   At the party, Elizabeth flirts with all but the arrogant Lord Charles Lufford, though he’s considered to be quite a catch. But when her uncle discovers her deception, it is Charles who comes to her rescue—by announcing their engagement!   Meanwhile, Elizabeth has come into an inheritance. And her uncle, along with another sinister party, would rather see her dead than receive it. Even if she begins to see Charles for the kindhearted man he is, will their match be enough to save her?   A Regency Intrigue novel from Marion Chesney, writing as M.C. Beaton, New York Times–bestselling author of the popular Hamish Macbeth and Agatha Raisin series, both of which have been adapted for TV by the BBC and PBS.

A Regency-era tale of romance and suspense, from the New York Times–bestselling author of the Agatha Raisin series.   Beautiful young Polly grew up with Meg, the woman she knew as her aunt. But upon Meg’s death, Polly discovers she was a foundling . . . and learns she is about to be cast out of her humble cottage.   There’s nothing to do but leave the village and set out for London—for Meg harbors deep suspicions about the elderly woman’s demise. Only a day before she died, Meg had journeyed to Meresly Manor, and came back from the earl’s estate with ugly bruises. Before she can untangle the dark secrets at the heart of this mystery, Polly will stand accused of murder and sentenced to hang—until a dashing nobleman offers to help her find the real killer . . .   Previously published under the name Marion Chesney

A widow in reduced circumstances makes a desperate offer—and discovers romance and danger—in a suspenseful tale by a New York Times–bestselling author.   Annabelle Carruthers could only dream of being kissed by a man as dashing as Lord Darkwood. Instead, she remained locked in misery, married to a rakish drunk who gambled their lives into financial and social ruin. But his sudden death—and rumors of spies and treachery—only made matters worse.   Burdened with gambling debts, Annabelle feared she was on her way to the poorhouse. The only solution she could see was to offer herself up as mistress to the mysterious Lord Darkwood. Darkwood, however, was too much of a gentleman to take advantage of a lady such as Annabelle. Still, he was quite interested in rumors of her husband’s espionage—a curiosity that would soon place them both in grave danger . . .   This tale of love and intrigue in Regency England, originally published under the name Marion Chesney, comes from the beloved bestselling author of the Hamish Macbeth and Agatha Raisin mystery series.

What began as a desperate bargain may become an affair of the heart in this novel by “a romance writer who deftly blends humor and adventure” (Booklist).   Lady Lucinda Esmond’s swine of a father was forever fleecing young bucks in London’s gaming halls—until he met Cpt. Mark Chamfrey, who, having been once cheated, would not be made a fool of again and promptly kidnapped ten-year-old Lucinda for ransom . . .   But when Chamfrey thought better of it and returned the girl, Esmond nonetheless exacted his own price: Chamfrey could redeem himself and save his skin by agreeing to marry his little victim nine years hence, just time enough for Chamfrey to inherit a title and fortune. Lucinda’s father could not have foreseen what a beauty Lucinda would become as those years passed—nor that Chamfrey, a newly made marquess, would actually come to welcome his so-called punishment . . .   Originally published under the name Marion Chesney, this twist-filled tale of Regency romance is by the New York Times–bestselling author of the Hamish Macbeth and Agatha Raisin series.

A sudden inheritance puts a young woman in danger in this novel from “the best of the Regency writers” (Kirkus Reviews).   Jean Lindsay lives a rather dismal life with her nasty, drunken uncle, and has little to live on but her romantic daydreams—which frequently star the dashing Marquess of Fleetwater.   She was used to being an object of others’ ridicule. Then she received an unexpected inheritance—and as news of her good fortune spread, suddenly her worn dresses became “quaint,” and her forthright manner turned magically into “charming.” But while some seek to flatter her, one person seems to want her dead—and she may need the marquess to save her pretty neck . . .   Originally published under the name Marion Chesney, this is a twist-filled tale of romance and suspense in Regency England by a beloved New York Times–bestselling author.

A mistreated maid may be transformed into a lady—with the help of a departed duke in this novel from the New York Times–bestselling author.   Alice Lovesey, a poorly treated scullery maid, makes a desperate plea for help—which miraculously summons Wadham Hall’s rakish eighth duke. Summons him from the dead, that is . . .   The duke is delighted to be newly materialized, and promises to return the favor by helping Alice become a lady of quality. But Alice’s heart may not stand a ghost of a chance, now that she’s lost it to a restless spirit . . .   Originally published under the name Marion Chesney, this heartwarming and hilarious story is by the beloved author of the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth series.

A beautiful widow is accused of her late husband’s murder in this Regency-set story of romantic suspense by a New York Times–bestselling author.   The upper class regarded Sir Benjamin Wright with utmost honor and respect. Yet Lady Emma knew her husband was, in fact, a drunken, jealous brute who delighted in humiliating her both in and out of the bedroom.   His murder had been a blessing, she thought—that is until the constable’s accusing finger pointed to her.   But it soon becomes apparent that her late husband hid many secrets and had many enemies. When the practical Comte Saint-Juste arrives on the scene offering his services, Lady Emma is about to discover what the French dedication to l’amour really means . . .   Originally published under the name Marion Chesney, this is a suspenseful love story from an author who “delivers top-notch Regency fare” (RT Reviews).

A suspenseful tale of love lost and found in Regency England, by the New York Times–bestselling author of the Hamish Macbeth novels.   Quiet, reserved Miss Constance Lamberton came to the household of the haughty but beautiful Lady Amelia to serve as the lady’s chaperone throughout the season’s many festivities—and soon found herself an unwitting accomplice in the lady’s scheme to trap the very eligible Lord Philip into marriage. But it was not Lady Amelia who won his heart. . . .   The pale, golden-eyed Constance was to become his wife. And when she disappeared without explanation, Lord Philip was willing to move heaven and earth to find her . . .   Previously published under the name Marion Chesney