Christmas crime books to read in 2026

Reading lists

12 Christmas murder mystery books to get you feeling festive

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Features

Before Bridgerton: how Georgette Heyer re-invented Regency

A photograph of Lord Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma from Bridgerton.

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What to read if you love Bridgerton

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What to read if you’re loving Bridgerton

The Quiet Gentleman

Gossip, scandal and an unforgettable Regency historical romance

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' ANTONIA FRASER 
'A rollicking good read that will be of particular joy to Bridgerton viewer!' INDEPENDENT 
'Heyer's books are as incisively witty and quietly subversive as any of Jane Austen's' JOANNE HARRIS 
_____________ 
 
Returning home from the battle of Waterloo to claim his title as the new Seventh Earl of St Erth, Gervase Frant is met with surprising hostility from his family. 
 
Only Theo, a cousin even quieter than himself, is there to greet him - and when he meets his stepmother and young half-brother he detects open disappointment that he survived the wars. 
 
The tensions in the household only worsen as the beautiful Mariann, the intended bride of Gervase's half-brother, catches his eye - and his heart. 
 
Gervase may be off the battlefield, but his life is still threatened, as it becomes increasingly clear that someone wants him dead... 
_____________ 
 
Readers love The Quiet Gentleman ... 
 
***** 'Absolutely nothing beats a Heyer Regency romance for the sheer enjoyment factor and witty, intelligent humor.' 
***** 'Love, love, love! Ahhh, Heyer does it again.' 
***** 'Excellent Heyer romance, with a bit of mystery thrown in.' 
***** 'There's lots to laugh at in this book and a mystery as well. Thoroughly enjoyable.' 
***** 'Loved it! One of my top three Heyers, in fact, my no. 1.'

Author of over fifty books, Georgette Heyer is the best-known and best-loved of all historical novelists, making the Regency period her own. Her first novel, The Black Moth, published in 1921, was written at the age of fifteen to amuse her convalescent brother; her last was My Lord John. Although most famous for her historical novels, she also wrote eleven detective stories. Georgette Heyer died in 1974 at the age of seventy-one. 
 
Also available soon in Arrow by Georgette Heyer: 
June 2005 
A Civil Contract (ISBN 0099474441) 
The Spanish Bride (ISBN 009947445X) 
Lady of Quality (ISBN 0099474468) 
False Colours (ISBN 0099476339) 
April Lady (ISBN 0099476347) 
Sprig Muslin (ISBN 0099476355) 
October 2005 
The Toll-Gate (0099476363) 
Pistols for Two (ISBN 009947638X) 
Royal Escape (ISBN 0099476398) 
Cousin Kate (ISBN 0099490951) 
Masqueraders (ISBN 0099476436) 
Jennifer Kloester: Georgette Heyer's Regency World (William Heinemann) 
January 2006 
My Lord John (ISBN 0099476428) 
The Conqueror (ISBN 0099490927) 
Simon the Coldheart (ISBN 0099490943) 
Beauvallet (ISBN 0099490935)

Returning home from the battle of Waterloo to claim his title as the new Seventh Earl of St Erth, Gervase Frant is met with surprising hostility from his family. 
 
Only Theo, a cousin even quieter than himself, is there to greet him - and when he meets his stepmother and young half-brother he detects open disappointment that he survived the wars. 
 
The tensions in the household only worsen as the beautiful Mariann, the intended bride of Gervase's half-brother, catches his eye - and his heart. 
 
Gervase may be off the battlefield, but his life is still threatened, as it becomes increasingly clear that someone wants him dead...

The Talisman Ring

Gossip, scandal and an unforgettable Regency romance

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 
'As incisively witty and quietly subversive as any of Jane Austen's novels' Joanne Harris 
'Triumphantly good' India Knight 
_____________ 
 
Neither Sir Tristram Shield nor his beautiful young cousin, Eustacie, share the slightest inclination to marry one another. 
 
Yet it is Eustacie's grandfather's dying wish, made on his deathbed. 
 
For there is no one else to look after and provide for Eustacie while his heir, Ludovic, remains a fugitive from justice after allegedly murdering a man in a dispute over a priceless family heirloom. 
 
And so the hunt is on - to find Ludovic and bring him home as well as the Talisman Ring ... 
 
Romance, a murder mystery, a proposed marriage of convenience, and the hunt for a golden ring lie at the heart of one of Georgette Heyer's funniest and fastest-paced romantic comedies to date. 
_____________ 
 
Readers love The Talisman Ring . . . 
 
***** 'Fantastic rip roaring comedy- mystery- farce, with not one romance, but two!' 
***** 'I love this book. I love the characters; I love the plot.' 
***** 'I know I'll be rereading it whenever I need a good laugh.' 
***** 'I could not put this book down.' 
***** 'It's hilarious and made me laugh out loud. Definitely one of Heyer's best.'

Author of over fifty books, Georgette Heyer is the best-known and best-loved of all historical novelists, who made the Regency period her own. Her first novel, The Black Moth, published in 1921, was written at the age of fifteen to amuse her convalescent brother; her last was My Lord John. Although most famous for her historical novels, she also wrote eleven detective stories. Georgette Heyer died in 1974 at the age of seventy-one.

'As incisively witty and quietly subversive as any of Jane Austen's novels' Joanne Harris 
'Triumphantly good' India Knight 
'Rapturously romantic' Katie Fforde 
_____________ 
 
Neither Sir Tristram Shield nor his beautiful young cousin, Eustacie, share the slightest inclination to marry one another. 
 
Yet it is Eustacie's grandfather's dying wish, made on his deathbed. 
 
For there is no one else to look after and provide for Eustacie while his heir, Ludovic, remains a fugitive from justice after allegedly murdering a man in a dispute over a priceless family heirloom. 
 
And so the hunt is on - to find Ludovic and bring him home as well as the Talisman Ring ... 
 
Romance, a murder mystery, a proposed marriage of convenience, and the hunt for a golden ring lie at the heart of one of Georgette Heyer's funniest and fastest-paced romantic comedies to date.

A Civil Contract

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 
'[My] generation's Julia Quinn' Adjoa Andoh, star of Bridgerton 
'One of my perennial comfort authors. Heyer's books are as incisively witty and quietly subversive as any of Jane Austen's' Joanne Harris 
_____________ 
 
Adam Deveril returns from the Peninsula War a hero, only to find his family on the brink of ruin and his much-loved ancestral home mortgaged to the hilt. 
 
It is Lord Oversley, father of Adam's first love, who introduces him to Mr. Chaleigh, a City man of apparently unlimited wealth, with his eyes firmly fixed on a suitable match for his one and only beloved daughter. 
 
Though this civil contract may work on paper, saving one from ruin and bringing the other desired social status, there is only one way to find out if it can really work . . . 
_____________ 
 
Readers love A Civil Contract ... 
 
***** 'A wonderful tale - recommended for those who want some variation in the romances they read.' 
***** 'A Civil Contract is a departure from her usual formula, and it knocked my socks off.' 
***** 'Very touching, with a dose of humour.' 
***** 'One of my all-time favourites among her many brilliant and enduring books.' 
***** 'Amazingly good characters, lots of interior dialogue and character development, lots of humour.' 
_____________ 
 
'Elegant, witty and rapturously romantic' Katie Fforde 
'Utterly delightful' Guardian 
'Absolutely delicious tales of Regency heroes. . . Utter, immersive escapism' Sophie Kinsella 
'Georgette Heyer's Regency romances brim with elegance, wit and historical accuracy, and this is one of her finest and most entertaining ... Escapism of the highest order' Daily Mail 
'If you haven't read Georgette Heyer yet, what a treat you have in store!' Harriet Evans

Author of over fifty books, Georgette Heyer is the best-known and best-loved of all historical novelists, who made the Regency period her own. Her first novel, The Black Moth, published in 1921, was written at the age of fifteen to amuse her convalescent brother; her last was My Lord John. Although most famous for her historical novels, she also wrote eleven detective stories. Georgette Heyer died in 1974 at the age of seventy-one.

Adam Deveril, the new Viscount Lynton and a hero at Salamanca, returns from the Peninsula War to find his family on the brink of ruin and the broad acres of his ancestral home mortgaged to the hilt. It is Lord Oversley, father of Adam's first love, who tactfully introduces him to Mr Jonathan Chaleigh, a City man of apparently unlimited wealth with no social ambitions for himself, but with his eyes firmly fixed on a suitable match for his one and only daughter. 
 
For more than fifty years Georgette Heyer brought romance and adventure to a worldwide readership and Civil Contarct shows how she continues to be loved today.

Cousin Kate

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 
'My generation's Julia Quinn' Adjoa Andoh 
'Utterly delightful' Guardian 
'If you haven't read Georgette Heyer yet, what a treat you have in store' Harriet Evans 
______________ 
 
Tragically left an orphan after her father's death, Kate Malvern is taken under the wing of her forbidding aunt Minerva and brought to the grand house of Staplewood, where Minerva rules the roost. 
 
Her uncle lives in one wing, while her handsome, moody cousin occupies another; guests are few and far between, and even family dinners are rigidly formal. 
 
But the sudden arrival of Cousin Philip throws Minerva's control over the household into doubt, and soon Kate begins to suspect the shocking reason for Minerva's generosity. 
 
She has no-one to confide in but Cousin Philip who - for reasons unknown - seems to have taken an unaccountable dislike to her... 
 
A rich and classic Regency Romance, Cousin Kate is replete with the sparkling humour, memorable characters and intricate plots that will delight Heyer fans the world over. 
______________ 
 
Readers love Cousin Kate ... 
 
***** 'Great read with gothic flare!' 
***** 'If you love a good romance, you can't go wrong with a Georgette Heyer novel.' 
***** 'I truly enjoyed this and will read more Heyer novels with pleasure. 
***** 'A delightful read from start to finish. 
***** 'Second, in my opinion, only to Jane Austen.'

Author of over fifty books, Georgette Heyer is the best-known and best-loved of all historical novelists, making the Regency period her own. Her first novel, The Black Moth, published in 1921, was written at the age of fifteen to amuse her convalescent brother; her last was My Lord John. Although most famous for her historical novels, she also wrote eleven detective stories. Georgette Heyer died in 1974 at the age of seventy-one. 
 
Also available soon in Arrow by Georgette Heyer: 
June 2005 
A Civil Contract (ISBN 0099474441) 
The Spanish Bride (ISBN 009947445X) 
Lady of Quality (ISBN 0099474468) 
False Colours (ISBN 0099476339) 
April Lady (ISBN 0099476347) 
Sprig Muslin (ISBN 0099476355) 
October 2005 
The Toll-Gate (0099476363) 
The Quiet Gentleman (0099476371) 
Pistols for Two (ISBN 009947638X) 
Royal Escape (ISBN 0099476398) 
Masqueraders (ISBN 0099476436) 
Jennifer Kloester: Georgette Heyer's Regency World (William Heinemann) 
January 2006 
My Lord John (ISBN 0099476428) 
The Conqueror (ISBN 0099490927) 
Simon the Coldheart (ISBN 0099490943) 
Beauvallet (ISBN 0099490935)

Tragically left an orphan after her father's death, Kate Malvern is taken under the wing of her foreboding aunt Minerva and brought to the grand house of Staplewood, where Minerva rules the household. 
 
Her uncle lives in one wing, while her handsome, moody cousin occupies another; guests are few and far between, and even family dinners are rigidly formal. 
 
But the sudden arrival of Cousin Philip throws Minerva's control over the household into doubt, and soon Kate begins to suspect the shocking reason for Minerva's generosity. 
 
She has no-one to confide in but Cousin Philip who - for reasons unknown - seems to have taken an unaccountable dislike to her... 
 
A rich and classic Regency Romance, Cousin Kate is replete with the sparkling humour, memorable characters and intricate plots that will delight Heyer fans the world over. 
 
___________ 
 
'My generation's Julia Quinn' Adjoa Andoh 
 
'Utterly delightful' Guardian 
 
'If you haven't read Georgette Heyer yet, what a treat you have in store' Harriet Evans

Simon The Coldheart

Gossip, scandal and an unforgettable historical adventure

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 
'Heyer was the master' India Knight 
'If you haven't read Heyer yet, what a treat you have in store' Harriet Evans 
'Brims with elegance, wit and historical accuracy' Daily Mail 
__________ 
 
Even as a fourteen-year-old orphan, Simon Beauvallet knows his own mind. 
 
Later, friend and foe alike will know better than to cross the flaxen-haired mountain of a man whose exploits in battle have earned him knighthood, lands and gilded armour. 
 
However, his close circle of friends know him by another name: Simon the Coldheart. 
 
He seems to be a man incapable of love - until in Normandy he meets Lady Margaret, the so-called spitfire of Belremy. 
 
Can she melt Simon's icy demeanour and quench his fiery rage? 
__________ 
 
Readers love Simon the Coldheart ... 
 
***** 'A masterpiece of genre.' 
***** 'I really love this book.' 
***** 'Georgette Heyer always writes a great tale, well researched and always enjoyable.' 
***** 'For all my friends that like high adventure, chivalry, history, romance, and good writing, you have found what you are looking for.' 
***** 'The characters are living and breathing, and each of them stands out.'

Author of over fifty books, Georgette Heyer is the best-known and best-loved of all historical novelists, making the Regency period her own. Her first novel, The Black Moth, published in 1921, was written at the age of fifteen to amuse her convalescent brother; her last was My Lord John. Although most famous for her historical novels, she also wrote eleven detective stories. Georgette Heyer died in 1974 at the age of seventy-one. 
 
Also available soon in Arrow by Georgette Heyer: 
June 2005 
A Civil Contract (ISBN 0099474441) 
The Spanish Bride (ISBN 009947445X) 
Lady of Quality (ISBN 0099474468) 
False Colours (ISBN 0099476339) 
April Lady (ISBN 0099476347) 
Sprig Muslin (ISBN 0099476355) 
October 2005 
The Toll-Gate (0099476363) 
The Quiet Gentleman (0099476371) 
Pistols for Two (ISBN 009947638X) 
Royal Escape (ISBN 0099476398) 
Cousin Kate (ISBN 0099490951) 
Masqueraders (ISBN 0099476436) 
Jennifer Kloester: Georgette Heyer's Regency World (William Heinemann) 
January 2006 
My Lord John (ISBN 0099476428) 
The Conqueror (ISBN 0099490927) 
Beauvallet (ISBN 0099490935)

Even as a fourteen-year-old orphan, Simon Beauvallet knows his own mind. 
 
Later, friend and foe alike will know better than to cross the flaxen-haired mountain of a man whose exploits in battle have earned him knighthood, lands and gilded armour. 
 
However, his close circle of friends know him by another name: Simon the Coldheart. 
 
He seems to be a man incapable of love - until in Normandy he meets Lady Margaret, the so-called spitfire of Belremy. 
 
Can she melt Simon's icy demeanour and quench his fiery rage?

The Reluctant Widow

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 
'Brims with elegance, wit and historical accuracy' Daily Mail 
'Heyer's books are as incisively witty and quietly subversive as any of Jane Austen's' Joanne Harris 
_____________ 
 
When she steps inside the wrong carriage in a Sussex village, Elinor Rochdale little knows that she is about to embark on a thrilling and dangerous adventure. 
 
Overnight the would-be governess becomes the mistress of a ruined estate and partner in a secret conspiracy to save a family's name. 
 
By midnight she is a bride; by dawn a widow. 
_____________ 
 
Readers love The Reluctant Widow ... 
 
***** 'I love Georgette Heyer - fun plots, fun characters,good dialogue. This is one of my favourites.' 
***** '[The Reluctant Widow] made such an impression on me that I still remember it after all these years.' 
***** 'This was an absolute delight.' 
***** 'Fun, unexpected plot that continues through the whole book.' 
***** 'Georgette Heyer is still the best; this has a real plot, an unusual one at that, characters that are interesting as individuals, and is still a really good read.'

Author of over fifty books, Georgette Heyer is the best-known and best-loved of all historical novelists, who made the Regency period her own. Her first novel, The Black Moth, published in 1921, was written at the age of fifteen to amuse her convalescent brother; her last was My Lord John. Although most famous for her historical novels, she also wrote eleven detective stories. Georgette Heyer died in 1974 at the age of seventy-one.

When she steps inside the wrong carriage in a Sussex village, Elinor Rochdale little knows that she is about to embark on a thrilling and dangerous adventure. 
 
Overnight the would-be governess becomes the mistress of a ruined estate and partner in a secret conspiracy to save a family's name. 
 
By midnight she is a bride; by dawn a widow. 
 
A sweeping and romantic tale of romance and tragedy, The Reluctant Widow is Georgette Heyer at her best as a young woman's life is dramatically changed in a single instant. 
 
_______ 
 
'Brims with elegance, wit and historical accuracy' Daily Mail 
 
'Heyer's books are as incisively witty and quietly subversive as any of Jane Austen's' Joanne Harris 
 
'Absolutely delicious. Utter immersive escapism' Sophie Kinsella

The Conqueror

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 
'Fabulously witty' Stephen Fry 
'Incisively witty, quietly subversive' Joanne Harris 
'If you haven't read Georgette Heyer yet what a treat you have in store' Harriet Evans 
____________ 
 
Born the illegitimate son of the future Duke of Normandy, William must fight the King of France to regain his Duchy. 
 
Spurned in love by the lovely Princess Matilda, William argues hard to make her his bride. 
 
Thwarted by the Saxon Earl Harold of a promise of the throne of England, William the Conqueror sails to Hastings to claim the King's crown and sceptre for his own. 
 
Written in Heyer's inimitable style, The Conqueror dives deep into William's complex character, his ruthless ambition and both the physical and mental battles he must endure in order to claim King Harold's crown and sceptre for his own. 
____________ 
 
Readers love The Conqueror ... 
 
***** 'I enthusiastically recommend this novel! Heyer's writing is impeccable and her research is without a doubt one of the best.' 
***** 'This was always my favourite of GH's historicals.' 
***** 'Loved this book and am now looking to read more Heyer historicals.' 
***** 'I first read this novel many years ago and enjoyed it this time as much as I did the first time.' 
***** 'Overall the Conqueror is the best of Georgette Heyer's pre-Georgian novels.'

Author of over fifty books, Georgette Heyer is the best-known and best-loved of all historical novelists, making the Regency period her own. Her first novel, The Black Moth, published in 1921, was written at the age of fifteen to amuse her convalescent brother; her last was My Lord John. Although most famous for her historical novels, she also wrote eleven detective stories. Georgette Heyer died in 1974 at the age of seventy-one. 
 
Also available soon in Arrow by Georgette Heyer: 
June 2005 
A Civil Contract (ISBN 0099474441) 
The Spanish Bride (ISBN 009947445X) 
Lady of Quality (ISBN 0099474468) 
False Colours (ISBN 0099476339) 
April Lady (ISBN 0099476347) 
Sprig Muslin (ISBN 0099476355) 
October 2005 
The Toll-Gate (0099476363) 
The Quiet Gentleman (0099476371) 
Pistols for Two (ISBN 009947638X) 
Royal Escape (ISBN 0099476398) 
Cousin Kate (ISBN 0099490951) 
Masqueraders (ISBN 0099476436) 
Jennifer Kloester: Georgette Heyer's Regency World (William Heinemann) 
January 2006 
My Lord John (ISBN 0099476428) 
Simon the Coldheart (ISBN 0099490943) 
Beauvallet (ISBN 0099490935)

Born the illegitimate son of the future Duke of Normandy, William must fight the King of France to regain his Duchy. 
 
 Spurned in love by the lovely Princess Matilda, William argues hard to make her his bride. 
 
 Thwarted by the Saxon Earl Harold of a promise of the throne of England, William the Conqueror sails to Hastings to claim the King's crown and sceptre for his own. 
 
Written in Heyer's inimitable style, The Conqueror dives deep into William's complex character, his ruthless ambition and both the physical and mental battles he must endure in order to claim King Harold's crown and sceptre for his own. 
 
'Fabulously witty' Stephen Fry 
 
'Incisively witty, quietly subversive' Joanne Harris 
 
'If you haven't read Georgette Heyer yet what a treat you have in store' Harriet Evans

My Lord John

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 
'Fabulously witty' Stephen Fry 
'Incisively witty, quietly subversive' Joanne Harris 
'If you haven't read Georgette Heyer yet what a treat you have in store' Harriet Evans 
_________________ 
 
Growing up in England's most turbulent era on the wild and lawless Northern Marches, John Duke of Bedford grew to manhood fighting for his father, King Henry IV. 
 
Through his loyalty, strength, and superb fighting power, he would go on to became the greatest ally his brother, King Henry V, could have asked for. 
 
Filled with the clash of bitter rivalries and deadly power struggles, this is Georgette Heyer's final and most ambitious novel. 
_________________ 
 
Readers love My Lord John ... 
 
***** 'I found this book absolutely incredible.' 
***** 'Truly brilliant.' 
***** 'She truly knew how to bring history to life.' 
***** 'A brilliant, well-researched, beautifully written yet sadly unfinished novel.'

Author of over fifty books, Georgette Heyer is the best-known and best-loved of all historical novelists, making the Regency period her own. Her first novel, The Black Moth, published in 1921, was written at the age of fifteen to amuse her convalescent brother; her last was My Lord John. Although most famous for her historical novels, she also wrote eleven detective stories. Georgette Heyer died in 1974 at the age of seventy-one.

John, Duke of Bedford, grew to manhood fighting for his father, King Henry IV of England, on the wild and lawless Northern Marches. A prince of the royal blood, loyal, strong, the greatest ally that his brother - the future Henry V - was to have. Filled with the clash of bitter rivalries and deadly power struggles, this is Georgette Heyer's last and most ambitious novel.

Masqueraders

Author of over fifty books, Georgette Heyer is the best-known and best-loved of all historical novelists, who made the Regency period her own. Her first novel, The Black Moth, published in 1921, was written at the age of seventeen to amuse her convalescent brother; her last was My Lord John. Although most famous for her historical novels, she also wrote eleven detective stories. Georgette Heyer died in 1974 at the age of seventy-one.

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 
'One of the wittiest, most insightful and rewarding prose writers imaginable' Stephen Fry 
'All hail Georgette Heyer ... devilish good fun' Guardian 
___________ 
 
1745: Robin and Prudence Merriot have been adventurers and dissemblers since they were children. 
 
And as escaped Jacobites, they need to be. 
 
Forced to go on the run, they disguise themselves and make their way to London where they witness the abduction of a beautiful heiress. 
 
They rescue her, but in so doing Robin's real identity is revealed, and both he and Prudence find themselves in terrible danger ... 
___________ 
 
Readers love Masqueraders . . . 
 
***** 'One of the best books ever. Recommended, over and over again!' 
***** 'I am in ecstasy over this book' 
***** 'The dialogue in this book absolutely rocks.' 
***** 'It's very good fun, and it may be one of my favourite Heyer books so far.' 
***** 'One of Heyer's more fantastical stories'

Royal Escape

Gossip, scandal and an unforgettable Regency adventure romance

Author of over fifty books, Georgette Heyer is the best-known and best-loved of all historical novelists, making the Regency period her own. Her first novel, The Black Moth, published in 1921, was written at the age of fifteen to amuse her convalescent brother; her last was My Lord John. Although most famous for her historical novels, she also wrote eleven detective stories. Georgette Heyer died in 1974 at the age of seventy-one. 
 
Also available soon in Arrow by Georgette Heyer: 
June 2005 
A Civil Contract (ISBN 0099474441) 
The Spanish Bride (ISBN 009947445X) 
Lady of Quality (ISBN 0099474468) 
False Colours (ISBN 0099476339) 
April Lady (ISBN 0099476347) 
Sprig Muslin (ISBN 0099476355) 
October 2005 
The Toll-Gate (ISBN 0099476363) 
The Quiet Gentleman (ISBN 0099476371) 
Pistols for Two (ISBN 0099476398) 
Cousin Kate (ISBN 0099490951) 
Masqueraders (ISBN 0099476436) 
Jennifer Kloester: Georgette Heyer's Regency World (William Heinemann) 
January 2006 
My Lord John (ISBN 0099476428) 
The Conqueror (ISBN 0099490927) 
Simon the Coldheart (ISBN 0099490943) 
Beauvallet (ISBN 0099490935)

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 
'Georgette Heyer will not let you down' Jenny Colgan 
'One of my perennial comfort authors' Joanne Harris 
_________ 
 
Dispossessed of crown and kingdom, the young Charles II is forced to flee for his life. 
 
Out of the heat of battle, the outlaw King and his tiny party must journey across Cromwell's England to a Channel port and a ship bound for France and safety. 
 
But the King, with his love of adventure, his irrepressible humour and his unmistakeable looks, is no easy man to hide... 
_________ 
 
Reader's love Royal Escape ... 
 
***** 'I adored this book finding it nonstop fascinating.' 
***** 'A suspenseful tale.' 
***** 'Great read!' 
***** 'Heyer is a favourite.' 
***** 'Her historical novels are so well researched I feel transported back into time.'

Powder And Patch

My favourite historical novelist -- stylish, romantic, sharp, and witty. Her sense of period is superb, her heroines are enterprising, and her heroes dashing. I owe her many happy hours

A writer of great wit and style ... I've read her books to ragged shreds

Wonderful characters, elegant, witty writing, perfect period detail, and rapturously romantic. Georgette Heyer achieves what the rest of us only aspire to

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 
'I could mainline Heyer's Regency romances until the end of time and still not get bored!' India Knight 
 'Utter, immersive escapism.' Sophie Kinsella 
__________ 
 
To win her hand, he must become what he despises ... 
 
In an eighteenth-century England of wit, womanising and powdered wigs, provincial Philip Jettan runs the risk of irreproachability. Cleone Charteris stands in no such danger. The golden-haired, headstrong despair of men, she seeks a husband who can duel and dice with the best of them. 
 
So Philip leaves for Paris, where his father's hopes and his lover's ideals are realised but with unforeseen consequences for them both . . . 
__________ 
 
Reader's love Powder and Patch . . . 
 
***** 'Simply hilarious!' 
***** 'Witty and fast paced' 
***** 'What a fun read!' 
***** 'Georgette Heyer, I love you.' 
***** 'If you are a fan of Jane Austen and haven't read Miss Heyer yet then what are you waiting for.'

Beauvallet

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 
'When it comes to Regency novels, Heyer was The Master' India Knight 
'One of the wittiest, most insightful and rewarding prose writers imaginable' Stephen Fry 
__________ 
 
Sir Nicholas Beauvallet has never been known to resist a challenge. 
 
When he captures a galleon at sea, and the treasure turns out to be the lovely Dona Dominica de Rada y Silva, he vows to return her and her father to the shores of Spain. 
 
But, upon his immediate return, he proposes another venture; one more reckless than any of his exploits on the high seas which have made him the equal of Sir Francis Drake and a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. 
 
He will take Dominica as his bride, even if it leads him into peril ... 
__________ 
 
Reader's love Beauvallet. . . 
 
***** 'There was nothing I didn't love about this tale. Five stars all the way!' 
***** 'In a word, wonderful!' 
***** 'I loved this story so much!' 
***** 'A nail biter, this story is filled with interesting characters and humour.' 
***** 'This is one I reread and enjoy often.'

Sir Nicholas Beauvallet has never been known to resist a challenge. 
 
When he captures a galleon at sea, and the treasure turns out to be the lovely Dona Dominica de Rada y Silva, he vows to return her and her father to the shores of Spain. 
 
But, upon his immediate return, he proposes another venture; one more reckless than any of his exploits on the high seas which have made him the equal of Sir Francis Drake and a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. 
 
He will take Dominica as his bride, even if it leads him into peril ... 
 
'When it comes to Regency novels, Heyer was The Master' India Knight 
 
'One of the wittiest, most insightful and rewarding prose writers imaginable' Stephen Fry

An Infamous Army

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' ANTONIA FRASER 
'My generation's Julia Quinn' ADJOA ANDOH 
'One of the wittiest, most insightful and rewarding prose writers imaginable' STEPHEN FRY 
___________ 
 
1815, and the British and French armies are massing ahead of one of the greatest battles of all time ... 
 
Occupied by the British, Brussels however is en fete. 
 
And Lady Barbara Childe, renowned for being as fashionable as she is beautiful, is at the centre of all that is fashionable and light-hearted. 
 
When she meets Charles Audley, the dashing aide de camp to the great Duke of Wellington, her sense of fun and mischief knows no bounds. 
 
But it is the eve of the Battle of Waterloo, and who knows whether they will ever meet again ... 
___________ 
 
Reader's love An Infamous Army . . . 
 
***** 'This was possibly Georgette Heyer's greatest book.' 
***** 'A truly incredible novel.' 
***** 'I love Georgette Heyer and so love all of her books. But this one is extra special.' 
***** 'A powerful read!' 
***** 'It is a good read for regency romance readers who would like a little more info on the battle that figures greatly in those novels.'

Gossip, scandal and an unforgettable Historical romance

The Spanish Bride

Author of over fifty books, Georgette Heyer is the best-known and best-loved of all historical novelists, who made the Regency period her own. Her first novel, The Black Moth, published in 1921, was written at the age of fifteen to amuse her convalescent brother; her last was My Lord John. Although most famous for her historical novels, she also wrote eleven detective stories. Georgette Heyer died in 1974 at the age of seventy-one.

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 
'Once you step into her world, you won't look back.' Katie Fforde 
'If you haven't ready Heyer yet, what a treat you have in store!' Harriet Evans 
_________ 
 
A veteran campaigner at the age of twenty-five, Brigade-Major Harry Smith is reputed to be the luckiest man in Lord Wellington's army. 
 
But at the siege of Badajos, his friends foretell the ruin of his career. For when Harry meets the defenceless Juana, he falls instantly in love. 
 
With the selfsame ardour he so frequently displays in battle, Harry dives happily into marriage. In his beautiful young bride, he finds a kindred spirit: bold and courageous, she is his perfect match. 
 
But for Juana, who chooses to accompany her new husband's army, a long, perilous year of war must follow ... 
_________ 
 
Readers love The Spanish Bride . . . 
 
***** 'I'm totally in awe of Georgette Heyer's ability to bring history to life.' 
***** 'Her books on the Peninsular War are just... brilliant.' 
***** 'Heyer did an amazing job on this one!' 
***** 'One of her most exciting books; I couldn't put it down.' 
***** 'This book is must read for anyone with a love of period drama, war and romance.'

Faro's Daughter

Author of over fifty books, Georgette Heyer is the best-known and best-loved of all historical novelists, who made the Regency period her own. Her first novel, The Black Moth, published in 1921, was written at the age of seventeen to amuse her convalescent brother; her last was My Lord John. Although most famous for her historical novels, she also wrote eleven detective stories. Georgette Heyer died in 1974 at the age of seventy-one.

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 
'One of my perennial comfort authors' Joanne Harris 
'I could mainline Heyer's Regency romances until the end of time and still not get bored' India Knight 
____________ 
 
Max Ravenscar is a renowned gamester. 
 
The first to admit he is entirely void of a romantic disposition, he regards all eligible females with indifference and unconcern. 
 
But then he meets the woman his young cousin is bent on marrying - the beautiful Deborah Grantham who also happens to be the mistress of her aunt's gaming establishment. 
 
And he finds that none of his experience in risk or gambling has prepared him for such a worthy or beguiling opponent ... 
____________ 
 
Readers love Faro's Daughter . . . 
 
***** 'I love it! One of the best Heyer books. I couldn't stop reading.' 
***** 'There's just something about Georgette Heyer novels that makes my heart happy and leaves me smiling.' 
***** 'It had me laughing several times!' 
***** 'Scrumptious.' 
***** 'I have to say I haven't laughed out loud this many times reading a book in ages!'

Envious Casca

Georgette Heyer's brilliant and highly acclaimed series of detective novels, now in a handsome new package. Also published as A CHRISTMAS PARTY

Brought to you by Penguin. 
 
Also published as A CHRISTMAS PARTY 
 
It is no ordinary Christmas at Lexham Manor. Six holiday guests find themselves the suspects of a murder enquiry when the old Scrooge, Nathaniel Herriad, who owns the substantial estate, is found stabbed in the back. whilst the delicate matter of inheritance could be the key to this crime, the real conundrum is how any of the suspects could have entered the locked room to commit this foul deed. For Inspector Hemingway of Scotland Yard, 'tis the season to find whodunit. 
 
© Georgette Heyer 1941 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

We had better start ranking Heyer alongside such incomparable whodunit authors as Christie, Marsh, Tey and Allingham

Rarely have we seen humour and mystery so perfectly blended

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"

Author of over fifty books, Georgette Heyer is the best-known and best-loved of all historical novelists, making the Regency period her own. Her first novel, The Black Moth, published in 1921, was written at the age of fifteen to amuse her convalescent brother; her last was My Lord John. She wrote twelve detective stories, which earned her much critical acclaim and the title 'Queen of Crime.' Georgette Heyer died in 1974 at the age of seventy-one. 
 
Georgette Heyer's mystery novels: 
April 2006 
Death in the Stocks - 0099493624; Behold, Here's Poison - 0099493640; They Found Him Dead - 0099493632; A Blunt Instrument - 0099493659 
September 2006 
Envious Casca - 0099493667; Detection Unlimited - 0099493748; Duplicate Death - 0099493756; No Wind of Blame - 0099493675 
January 2007 
Penhallow - 0099493683; Footsteps in the Dark - 0099493691; Why Shoot a Butler? - 0099493721; The Unfinished Clue - 009949373X

Also published as A CHRISTMAS PARTY 
 
It is no ordinary Christmas at Lexham Manor. Six holiday guests find themselves the suspects of a murder enquiry when the old Scrooge, Nathaniel Herriad, who owns the substantial estate, is found stabbed in the back. whilst the delicate matter of inheritance could be the key to this crime, the real conundrum is how any of the suspects could have entered the locked room to commit this foul deed. For Inspector Hemingway of Scotland Yard, 'tis the season to find whodunit.

False Colours

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' ANTONIA FRASER 
'A rollicking good read that will be of particular joy to Bridgerton viewers ... the permanent glister of scandal [...] ties the whole thing together' INDEPENDENT 
'My generation's Julia Quinn' ADJOA ANDOH, star of Bridgerton 
_________________ 
 
When Kit Fancot returns on leave from the diplomatic service, he expects to find his loving family at home waiting for him. 
 
Instead, he is startled to find his alluring yet extravagant mother on the brink of financial and social ruin. Even more shocking, he is informed that his twin brother Evelyn has vanished without a trace. 
 
It's not long before Kit realises the true extent of his family's tangled affairs; it's left to him to set things right. 
 
But in the face of Evelyn's continued absence, Kit's ingenuity is stretched to the limit . . . 
_________________ 
 
'One of my perennial comfort authors. Heyer's books are as incisively witty and quietly subversive as any of Jane Austen's' JOANNE HARRIS 
'Elegant, witty and rapturously romantic' KATIE FFORDE 
'Utterly delightful' GUARDIAN 
'Absolutely delicious tales of Regency heroes. . . Utter, immersive escapism' SOPHIE KINSELLA 
'Georgette Heyer's Regency romances brim with elegance, wit and historical accuracy, and this is one of her finest and most entertaining ... Escapism of the highest order' DAILY MAIL 
'If you haven't read Georgette Heyer yet, what a treat you have in store!' HARRIET EVANS 
'Georgette Heyer is unbeatable.' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 
_________________ 
 
Readers love False Colours ... 
 
***** 'Love, love, love!!' 
***** 'Omigod this book was SO FUN. It was just pure delight and put a smile on my face more than once.' 
***** 'Five well-earned stars.' 
***** 'Georgette Heyer is the queen of Regency comedy of errors, and this story is one of her best.' 
***** 'I love this book so much. It's definitely made my top 10 by Heyer list. And the characters! The plot! I love False Colours so much.'

The Unknown Ajax

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' ANTONIA FRASER 
'A rollicking good read that will be of particular joy to Bridgerton viewers ... the permanent glister of scandal [...] ties the whole thing together' INDEPENDENT 
'My generation's Julia Quinn' ADJOA ANDOH, star of Bridgerton 
________________ 
 
The Lofty, isolated Darracott Place is beset with tragedy. 
 
And when the contemptible Lord Darracot's eldest son meets an awful death, the family are left with no other choice than to invite mysterious heir apparent Hugo to stay. 
 
When the handsome young man arrives, their suspicions seem to be confirmed: he is unsophisticated and unworldly. The family resolve to help educate him. 
 
But as time goes on, will the Darracotts learn there's more to Hugo than meets the eye? 
________________ 
 
'Elegant, witty and rapturously romantic' KATIE FFORDE 
'One of my perennial comfort authors. Heyer's books are as incisively witty and quietly subversive as any of Jane Austen's' JOANNE HARRIS 
'Utterly delightful' GUARDIAN 
'Absolutely delicious tales of Regency heroes. . . Utter, immersive escapism' SOPHIE KINSELLA 
'If you haven't read Georgette Heyer yet, what a treat you have in store!' HARRIET EVANS 
'Georgette Heyer is unbeatable.' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 
________________ 
 
Readers love The Unknown Ajax ... 
 
***** 'Bravo, Bravo, Bravo!!! What a story.' 
***** 'One of my very favorite Heyer novels!' 
***** 'It's hard for me to write a review of The Unknown Ajax without drooling and drivelling.' 
***** 'What an unexpected and captivating read.' 
***** 'How on Earth did Georgette Heyer come up with so many distinct characters and so many completely dissimilar plots? The lady was brilliant, I tell you!'

Sylvester

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' ANTONIA FRASER 
 'A rollicking good read that will be of particular joy to Bridgerton viewers ... the permanent glister of scandal [...] ties the whole thing together' INDEPENDENT 
 'My generation's Julia Quinn' ADJOA ANDOH, star of Bridgerton 
 _______________ 
 
Endowed with rank, wealth and elegance, Sylvester, Duke of Salford, is ready to find a bride. 
 
His pursuit of a partner sets him on course to Phoebe Marlow, a young lady who is far more concerned with riding than sewing or beautiful clothes. 
 
With Phoebe struggling to meet her family's demands of gentility and poise, a potential match with Sylvester is exceedingly advantageous. So, it is very intriguing indeed when a visit from her potential suitor causes Phoebe to flee her home. 
 
When the pair meet again and an unexpected adventure ensues, Sylvester comes to realise that there is much more to Phoebe than her reputation affords . . . 
_______________ 
 
'One of my perennial comfort authors. Heyer's books are as incisively witty and quietly subversive as any of Jane Austen's' JOANNE HARRIS 
 'Elegant, witty and rapturously romantic' KATIE FFORDE 
 'Utterly delightful' GUARDIAN 
 'Absolutely delicious tales of Regency heroes. . . Utter, immersive escapism' SOPHIE KINSELLA 
 'Georgette Heyer's Regency romances brim with elegance, wit and historical accuracy, and this is one of her finest and most entertaining ... Escapism of the highest order' DAILY MAIL 
 'If you haven't read Georgette Heyer yet, what a treat you have in store!' HARRIET EVANS 
 'Georgette Heyer is unbeatable.' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 
_______________ 
 
Readers love Sylvester ... 
 
***** 'Sylvester reminded me again why I consider Georgette Heyer's novels the high water mark in regency romance.' 
***** 'This book has a special place in my heart.' 
***** 'After many, many years of reading her books I still cannot fault Georgette Heyer as the best writer of Regency fiction.' 
***** 'This is one of my all-time favorite books.' 
***** 'This book is SUCH fun! And the CHARACTERS!'

Sprig Muslin

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' ANTONIA FRASER 
 'A rollicking good read that will be of particular joy to Bridgerton viewers ... the permanent glister of scandal [...] ties the whole thing together' INDEPENDENT 
 'My generation's Julia Quinn' ADJOA ANDOH, star of Bridgerton 
 __________________________ 
 
 When Lady Hester Theale learns Sir Gareth Ludlow is planning to propose to her, she knows she cannot accept. 
 
Hester senses that his heart lies elsewhere - so when Sir Gareth arrives at her home with beautiful Amanda Smith in tow, it seems to confirm her worst fears. 
 
Yet all is not as it seems - Amanda is in fact a runaway; Gareth's mission is to get her home safely. However, Amanda's startlingly lively imagination proves to be more than he had bargained for . . . 
__________________________ 
 
'One of my perennial comfort authors. Heyer's books are as incisively witty and quietly subversive as any of Jane Austen's' JOANNE HARRIS 
 'Elegant, witty and rapturously romantic' KATIE FFORDE 
 'Utterly delightful' GUARDIAN 
 'Absolutely delicious tales of Regency heroes. . . Utter, immersive escapism' SOPHIE KINSELLA 
 'Georgette Heyer's Regency romances brim with elegance, wit and historical accuracy, and this is one of her finest and most entertaining ... Escapism of the highest order' DAILY MAIL 
 'If you haven't read Georgette Heyer yet, what a treat you have in store!' HARRIET EVANS 
 'Georgette Heyer is unbeatable.' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 
__________________________ 
 
Readers love Sprig Muslin ... 
 
***** 'A hilarious Regency romance, an absolute riot of laughter.' 
***** 'One of Heyer's very best.' 
***** 'I never get tired of reading her books!' 
***** 'Perfect for a rainy Sunday afternoon, recommended.' 
***** 'Decidedly a delightful read!'

Georgette Heyer

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Before Bridgerton: how Georgette Heyer re-invented Regency

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