The Fateful Marriage by Elizabeth Bailey

The Fateful Marriage by Elizabeth Bailey ISBN-13: 978-1913518295 ebook: 353 pages Publisher: Sapere Books Released: March 23rd 2020

Source: Rented ebook.

Book Description from Goodreads:
1791, England. Lady Ottilia and Lord Francis Fanshawe are holidaying in Tunbridge Wells when they stumble across the scene of a horrific accident. While visiting the High Rocks, a local tourist spot, a young woman falls to her death from the top of the climb. It soon becomes clear that the woman is linked to the infamous Dowager Viscountess Lady Wem – an indomitable matriarch visiting Tunbridge with her extended family. The young woman was at the centre of a scandal – Lady Wem’s grandson, Daniel, eloped with her three years prior.

As Lady Fan is introduced to the family her suspicions are aroused. Was the fall a devastating mishap? Or could the woman have been pushed? Lady Fan must unravel dark family secrets in her quest for the truth…


My Review:
The Fateful Marriage is a mystery set in 1791. This novel is the 6th in the series, but you don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one. This story didn't spoil the whodunit of the previous books.

This was a clue-based mystery. Since the witnesses were also potential suspects and were being bullied by other members of their extended family, there was some difficulty discovering what happened. Lady Fan asked plenty of questions and used her observational skills, but she also got help from her husband and niece. I spotted the critical clue at the same time that Lady Fan did.

The characters were interesting, and I cared about what happened to them. Historical details were woven into the story to create the feeling of a specific time and place. There was a couple of uses of bad language. There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.