Deadly Engagement by Lucinda Brant is the first book of the Alec Halsey Mystery series. Set in the 1700s, Alec Halsey returns to London only to find that his brother is engaged to the woman he loves, and a dear friend is dead under mysterious circumstances. During his brother's engagement party, events take a turn for the worst with murder, assault, and family secrets uncovered.
This is not a book for the faint of heart, or for readers who expect everyone to behave with high ethics, and that sex is something only discussed in the bedroom between spouses. On the outside, the life of a member of the gentry is ideal, but Lucinda Brant goes beyond appearances and digs deep into the sordid secrets that people through the ages have always sought to keep hidden. In Deadly Engagement, Brant delves into the family dynamics and social niceties while setting up and resolving a series of crimes that are intricately entwined and liberally dosed with romance.
I have nothing but good things to say about Deadly Engagement. The superior plot and expert characterization was professionally performed by Alex Wyndham, whose vocal talents allowed me to stay engrossed in the history-enriched era. I was reminded of my youth when I inhaled historical romances and books of intrigue as if they were air. I challenge anyone to read this first book of the Alec Halsey Mystery series and not crave more from the handsome Alec Halsey with his high sense of morals, dark good looks, and divine analytical mind.