Georgette Heyer

They all wanted him dead...but which one turned hatred into murder? Slumped on a seat under an oak tree is local solicitor Sampson Warrenby, stone cold dead, with a bullet in his brain. And everybody in the village seems ready to tell Chief Inspector Hemingway who murdered him. Could the killer have been the dead man's niece, who found him in the first place? The couple at the farm had a guilty secret--what was it? And why is it someone else actually wants to be the prime suspect? Detection is unlimited when everyone in the tiny village has a theory about who murdered the socially pushy newcomer. With no shortage of motives and means, it's up to Chief Inspector Hemingway to uncover which of the villagers is guilt of the crime. A classic country house mystery, perfect for readers of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers

'Tis the season--to be dead... A holiday party takes on a sinister aspect when the colorful assortment of guests discovers there is a killer in their midst. The owner of the substantial estate, that old Scrooge Nathaniel Herriard, is found stabbed in the back. While the delicate matter of inheritance could be the key to this crime, the real conundrum is how any of the suspects could have entered a locked room to commit the foul deed. For Inspector Hemingway of Scotland Yard, the investigation is complicated by the fact that every guest is hiding something--throwing all of their testimony into question and casting suspicion far and wide. The clever and daring crime will mystify readers, yet the answer is in plain sight all along... Praise for Georgette Heyer: "Miss Heyer's characters and dialogue are an abiding delight to me... I have seldom met people to whom I have taken so violent a fancy from the word 'Go'." -- Dorothy L. Sayers "A writer of great wit and style." -- Daily Telegraph "Ms. Heyer is one of the most entertaining writers I have ever ready." -- Reading Extravaganza "Miss Heyer has the delightful talent of blending humor with mystery." -- Boston Evening Transcript

Who would kill the perfect gentleman? When Ernest Fletcher is found bludgeoned to death in his study, everyone is shocked and mystified: Ernest was well liked and respected, so who would have a motive for killing him? Superintendent Hannasyde, with consummate skill, uncovers one dirty little secret after another, and with them, a host of people who all have reasons for wanting Fletcher dead. Then, a second murder is committed, giving a grotesque twist to a very unusual case, and Hannasyde realizes he's up against a killer on a mission... "Ranks alongside such incomparable whodunnit authors as Christie, Marsh, Tey, and Allingham."--San Francisco Chronicle "Given the chance I could happily devour a stack of her novels one after the other."--A Work In Progress "A few things that you are guaranteed when you pick up a Georgette Heyer novel of any kind are unique characters and a fast-paced plot."--We Be Reading

Georgette Heyer, bestselling author and the Queen of Regency Romance, delights readers with this charming story of a heroine who learns a valuable lesson about being careful what she wishes for. For her, he would do anything... Plainspoken country gentleman Philip Jettan won't bother with a powdered wig, high heels, and fashionable lace cuffs, until he discovers that his lovely neighbor is enamored with a sophisticated man-about-town... But what is it that she really wants? Cleone Charteris sends her suitor Philip away to get some town polish, and he comes back with powder, patches, and all the manners of a seasoned rake. Does Cleone now have exactly the kind of man she's always wanted, or was her insistence on Philip's remarkable transformation a terrible mistake? What readers say: "Georgette Heyer is unbeatable "--Sunday Telegraph"Charming, charming, charming. And highly readable ""Witty dialogue and well-developed storylines--even Jane Austen could do no better.""Scintillating and very human love story by an author of exceptional talents.""Ms Heyer's effervescent wit and obvious ability to tell a good and humorous story is already evident, making Powder and Patch an enjoyable and worthwhile read."

"Stylish, romantic, sharp, and witty."? Margaret DrabbleA disgraced lord, a notorious highwaymanJack Carstares, the disgraced Earl of Wyndam, left England seven long years ago, sacrificing his honor for that of his brother when he was accused of cheating at cards. Now Jack is back, roaming his beloved South Country in the disguise of a highwayman. And the beauty who would steal his heartNot long after Jack's return, he encounters his old adversary, the libertine Duke of Andover, attempting the abduction of the beautiful Diana Beauleigh. At the point of Jack's sword, the duke is vanquished, but foiled once, the "Black Moth" has no intention of failing again? This is Georgette Heyer's first novel?a favorite of readers and a stirring tale to be enjoyed again and again." A tale of love and adventure, clearness and charm, and an originality to delight?a tale to stir one's blood." BOSTON EVENING TRANSCRIPT"A romance of the eighteenth century, with a wicked Duke, self-sacrificing elder brother, weak younger brother, highwayman, gambling, abduction, and rescue all complete." THE SATURDAY REVIEW"A well-filled story which keeps the reader pleased." THE TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT"Wonderful characters, elegant, witty writing, perfect period detail, and rapturously romantic. Georgette Heyer achieves what the rest of us only aspire to." KATIE FFORDE

Bestselling author Georgette Heyer, the Queen of Regency Romance, introduces the most daring and dashing hero of all." Mad Nicholas" to his friends, "Scourge of Spain" to his enemies, Sir Nicholas Beauvallet is one of Queen Elizabeth's most dashing buccaneers and has never been known to resist a challenge. When Beauvallet captures the galleon carrying Do a Dominica de Rada y Sylvan and her father, he vows to return them safely to the shores of Spain. But he has no sooner done so than he proposes a venture more reckless than any of his exploits on the high seas--he will return to Spain, where there's a price on his head, and claim Dominica as his bride... Praise for Georgette Heyer and Beauvallet: "Cinematographic with escapes, kidnapping, galloping sword play, and a breathless elopement."--The Times Literary Supplement"Georgette Heyer was one of the great protagonists of the historical novel in the post-war golden age of the form. Her regency romances are delightful light reading, and her historical novels such as The Spanish Bride and An Infamous Army demonstrate how fiction and history can work together to make a valuable literary form."--Philippa Gregory, New York Times bestselling author

An exciting and thrilling story from bestselling author Georgette Heyer, known as the Queen of Regency romance, legendary for her research, historical accuracy, and her extraordinary plots and characterizations. Such a daring escape... Their infamous adventurer father has taught Prudence Tremaine and her brother Robin to be masters of disguise. Ending up on the wrong side of the Jacobite rebellion, brother and sister flee to London, Prudence pretending to be a dashing young buck, and Robin a lovely young lady. Could cost them both their hearts... Then Prudence meets the elegant Sir Anthony Fanshawe, and Robin becomes the mysterious hero of the charming Letitia Grayson, and in order to have what they truly want, the two masqueraders must find a way to unmask themselves without losing their lives... Praise for Georgette Heyer and The Masqueraders: "A treasure beyond price. The Masqueraders is a wicked delight, worth more than its weight in gold."--Anne Stuart"Reading Georgette Heyer is the next best thing to reading Jane Austen."--Publishers Weekly"Wonderful characters, elegant, witty writing, perfect period detail, and rapturously romantic. Georgette Heyer achieves what the rest of us only aspire to."--Katie Fforde"What with elopements, rescues, duels, and cards, the story goes excitingly; and finally the magnificent but dubious father proves himself a Viscount. It is a picturesque and engaging story."--The Spectator

A USA Today Bestseller One heir after another turns up dead... Silas Kane's sixtieth birthday party is marred by argument and dissension amongst his family, and then the next morning, Kane is found dead. The coroner's verdict of death by misadventure would seem to confirm that Silas accidentally lost his way in the fog. But then his heir is shot, and threats are made against the next in line to inherit his fortune. The formidable Superintendent Hannasyde is called in to investigate. All clues point to an apparently innocuous eighty-year-old woman, but as the Inspector delves further into the case, he discovers that nothing is quite as it seems...

Georgette Heyer's bestselling historical romance featuring a dashing and wild young nobleman and the gently bred young lady, both chasing happiness on a collision course with destiny. A rogue on a rampage... The Marquis of Vidal is a notorious rake, impossible to tame. Any night of the week you can find him wenching, gambling, or fighting, much to the dismay of his parents the Duke and Duchess of Avon. Forced to leave England after nearly killing his man in a duel, he decides to take a beautiful girl with him. In his rush, however, he runs off with the wrong woman. This lady is not a doormat... Determined to save her sister from the scandalous Marquis, Miss Mary Challoner throws herself into his path, hoping he'll release her when they get to Paris. But Vidal is intrigued by the unexpected young lady, who's not particularly impressed with him. The devilish rake has apparently met his match. And as Mary finds herself more and more entangled with the fascinating rogue, her reputation and her future are on the line. Take a deep breath and don't trip over your petticoats: This best-selling historical Regency romance features mistaken identities, a dashing rake, and a very smart young lady on a collision course with a marriage made in scandal.

"Heyer was one of the great protagonists of the historical novel in the post-war golden age..." --Philippa GregoryConsidered the book that launched Gerogette Heyer's career, These Old Shades features two of Heyer's most memorable characters: Justin Alastair, the Duke of Avon, and Leonie, whom he rescues from a life of ignominy and comes to love and marry. The Duke is known for his coldness of manner, his remarkable omniscience, and his debauched lifestyle. Late one evening, he is accosted by a young person dressed in ragged boy's clothing running away from a brutal rustic guardian. The Duke buys "Leon" and makes the child his page. "Leon" is in fact Leonie, and she serves the Duke with deep devotion. When he uncovers the true story of her birth, he wreaks an unforgettable revenge on her sinister father in a chilling scene of public humiliation. PRAISE FOR GEORGETTE HEYER: "Our Georgette Heyer display of the Sourcebooks reprints has been a huge success, not only to those early fans like myself, but to many new readers who appreciate her style and wit." Nancy Olson, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC"Reading Georgette Heyer is the next best thing to reading Jane Austen." Publishers Weekly"Wonderful characters, elegant, witty writing, perfect period detail, and rapturously romantic. Georgette Heyer achieves what the rest of us only aspire to." Katie Fforde "Absolute monarch of the Regency romance." Kirkus Reviews

The Queen of Regency Romance, Georgette Heyer, delights readers with a charming tale of a duke who is tired of playing by the rules. The Duke of Sale is out to prove himselfThe shy, young Duke of Sale has never known his parents. Instead, his Grace Adolphus Gillespie Vernon Ware, Gilly for short, has endured twenty-four years of rigorous mollycoddling from his uncle and valet. But his natural diffidence conceals a rebellious spirit. A mysterious beauty provides the perfect opportunityWhen Gilly hears of Belinda, the beautiful foundling who appears to be blackmailing his cousin, he escapes with glee. But he has no sooner entered this new and dangerous world than he is plunged into a frenzy of intrigue, kidnapping, adventure, and surprises at every turn. Praise for Georgette Heyer and The Foundling: "What happens when a many-titled Duke decides to play hooky from his suffocating dignity..."--Kirkus Reviews"Reading Georgette Heyer is the next best thing to reading Jane Austen."--Publishers Weekly

A reader favorite from the Queen of Regency Romance, The Grand Sophy is an utterly hilarious and completely endearing story of a charming young heroine and the outrageous lengths she goes to solve everyone else's problems, and the surprises in store for everyone When Sir Horace Stanton-Lacy is ordered to South America on diplomatic business, he parks his only daughter, Sophy, with his sister in Berkeley Square. Forward, bold, and out-spoken, Sophy sweeps in and immediately takes the ton by storm. Upon her arrival, Sophy can see that her cousins are in a sad tangle: Ceclia is in love with a poet, Charles is engaged to a dour bluestocking, her uncle is of no use at all, and the younger children are in desperate need of some fun and freedom. They all need her help and it's providential that Sophy arrives when she does. What reviewers are saying about The Grand Sophy: "The Grand Sophy was an exciting, charming read. The characters grab you and don't let go." --Anna's Book Blog "Fun, engaging and hilarious, I cannot recommend it more highly. Sophy is a devilishly fine girl." -- AustenProse "The Grand Sophy is a very entertaining Regency romance with wonderfully eccentric characters and a very humorous plot."--Once Upon a Romance "Georgette Heyer is the Queen of the Regency Romance. Long may she reign " --New York Times bestselling author LAUREN WILLIG

Bestselling author Georgette Heyer, the Queen of Regency Romance, brings her sparkling wit to this story with a Shakespearean twist. A daring escapePenelope Creed will do anything to avoid marrying her repulsive cousin. Dressed in boy's clothing, she's fleeing from London when she's discovered by Sir Richard Wyndham, himself on the verge of the most momentous decision of his life. And a heroic rescueWhen Sir Richard encounters the lovely young fugitive, he knows he can't allow her to travel to the countryside all alone, so he offers himself as her protector. As it happens, at that very moment Sir Richard could use an escape of his own... Praise for Georgette Heyer: "A writer of great wit and style... I've read her books to ragged shreds."--Kate Fenton, Daily Telegraph"Triumphantly good... Georgette Heyer is unbeatable."--India Knight, Sunday Telegraph"Her books sparkle with wit and style."--Publishers Weekly

Georgette Heyer, bestselling Queen of Regency Romance, invites readers to an extraordinary Gothic tale of love, mystery, and intrigue. A surprising invitationKate Malvern is rescued from penury by her aunt Minerva, who brings her to stay at Staplewood. But the household is strange and strained--Kate's uncle lives in his own private wing, and her handsome, moody cousin Torquil lives in another. A dark family secretAs bizarre events unfold and Kate begins to question the reasons for her aunt's unexpected generosity, she has no one to confide in but her cousin Philip. Sympathetic though he may appear, will he tell her what she most needs to know... before it's too late? Praise for Cousin Kate: "Miss Heyer serves up a very different sort of tale in the same period setting, nothing less than a full-fledged Gothic. And a very expert job she does of it, too, complete with a remote and forbidding country house, screams in the night, dark hints of something best left unmentioned... nicely leavened with wit, romance, and wonderful period slang."--Publishers Weekly

A New York Times and USA Today Bestseller "Miss Heyer's characters and dialogue are an abiding delight to me." --Dorothy L. Sayers Every family has secrets, but the Fountains' are turning deadly? On a dark night, along a lonely country road, barrister Frank Amberley stops to help a young lady in distress and discovers a sports car with a corpse behind the wheel. The girl protests her innocence, and Amberley believes her?at least until he gets drawn into the mystery and the clues incriminating Shirley Brown begin to add up? In an English country-house murder mystery with a twist, it's the butler who's the victim, every clue complicates the puzzle, and the bumbling police are well-meaning but completely baffled. Fortunately, in ferreting out a desperate killer, amateur sleuth Amberley is as brilliant as he is arrogant, but this time he's not sure he wants to know the truth? PRAISE FOR WHY SHOOT A BUTLER? "If genteel mysteries are your cup of tea, you have here a steaming teapot just waiting to be poured."-- Bestsellers "Georgette Heyer is second to none."-- Sunday Times "Heyer is an author to read ? this means you "--New York Herald Tribune "Sharp, clear, and witty"-- New Yorker

Readers continue to be charmed by bestselling author Georgette Heyer, the Queen of Regency Romance, and her flashes of wit, wonderful dialogue, and delightful intrigue. An impetuous flight... Tiffany Wield's bad behavior is a serious trial to her chaperone. "On the shelf" at twenty-eight, Ancilla Trent strives to be a calming influence on her tempestuous charge, but then Tiffany runs off to London alone and Ancilla is faced with a devastating scandal. A gallant rescue... Sir Waldo Hawkridge, confirmed bachelor and one of the wealthiest men in London, comes instantly to the aid of the intrepid Ancilla to stop Tiffany's flight, and in the process discovers that it's never too late for the first bloom of love. Praise for Georgette Heyer: "A writer of great wit and style... I've read her books to ragged shreds."--Kate Fenton, Daily Telegraph"Triumphantly good... Georgette Heyer is unbeatable."--India Knight, Sunday Telegraph

A houseful of people he loathes is not Sir Arthur's worst problem? It should have been a lovely English country-house weekend. But the unfortunate guest-list is enough to exasperate a saint, and the host, Sir Arthur Billington-Smith, is an abusive wretch hated by everyone from his disinherited son to his wife's stoic would-be lover. When Sir Arthur is found stabbed to death, no one is particularly grieved--and no one has an alibi. The unhappy guests fi nd themselves under the scrutiny of Scotland Yard's cool-headed Inspector Harding, who has solved tough cases before--but this time, the talented young inspector discovers much more than he's bargained for. PRAISE FOR GEORGETTE HEYER: "Miss Heyer has the delightful talent of blending humor with mystery."--Boston Evening Transcript "Heyer is an author to read--this means you "--New York Herald Tribune "Miss Heyer's characters and dialogue are an abiding delight to me... I have seldom met people to whom I have taken so violent a fancy from the word 'Go.'"--Dorothy L. Sayers

One of beloved, bestselling author Georgette Heyer's funniest Regency romances, and one of readers' favorites. An impetuous young lady and a fugitive nobleman... When spirited Eustacie stumbles into a band of smugglers, she is delighted to be having an adventure at last. Their leader, young heir Ludovic Lavenham, is in hiding, falsely accused of murder. Pursued by the law, Eustacie and Ludovic find refuge at an unassuming country inn. And the delightfully sensible couple who try to keep them out of trouble... The resourceful Miss Sarah Thane and the clear-thinking Sir Tristram Shield gamely endeavor to prevent Ludovic's arrest and Eustacie's ruin as the four conspire to recover the missing talisman ring that will clear Ludovic's name. Praise for The Talisman Ring: "... A long-lost family heirloom, a young heir falsely accused of murder, a band of smugglers, two utterly delightful Heyer heroines, a taciturn, but highly resourceful older gentleman--all play their parts in a tale funny enough to have you laughing aloud."--Publishers Weekly