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The Lord Julian Mysteries #10
A Gentleman in Possession of Secrets
Somebody has made off with the loot--and with the lady!An acquaintance from Lord Julian’s military years begs his lordship’s help locating the fellow’s missing fiancée. The young lady’s family has only the flimsiest explanation for her disappearance, and the harder Julian digs for answers, the more complicated the puzzle becomes. He soon realizes that a young woman who was described as a bluestocking of no particular fortune might in fact have absconded with a hoard of gold, or been kidnapped in hopes she’d reveal the location of a literal treasure.
Julian must sort through lies, scandal, family feuds, and conflicting clues, all while battling his own demons, or the course of true love might end in doom.
Julian must sort through lies, scandal, family feuds, and conflicting clues, all while battling his own demons, or the course of true love might end in doom.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2025
237 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
181 books2,885 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at [email protected].
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at [email protected].
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 22, 2025
I just finished this delightful addition to the Lord Julian cannon. This author's books leave me feeling like I've just received a warm and wanted hug.
I'm excited to see some forward progression toward matrimony between Julian and his ladylove, Hyperia. Both Hyperia and Julian's great aunt place a large part in solving this mystery. Lord Julian also has a number of additional helpers, which is new. It adds a fun dynamic, but I enjoy learning that Julian misses being able to reconnoiter on his own.
As is so often the case, I want to take the malignant and treacherous relatives of the imperiled person in question and drown them in a lake. Ms. Burrowes sure does know how to write despicable villains. I would throw my Kindle at the wall in anger, but I don't want to dent my wall from all the tossing I would be doing!
I'm excited to see some forward progression toward matrimony between Julian and his ladylove, Hyperia. Both Hyperia and Julian's great aunt place a large part in solving this mystery. Lord Julian also has a number of additional helpers, which is new. It adds a fun dynamic, but I enjoy learning that Julian misses being able to reconnoiter on his own.
As is so often the case, I want to take the malignant and treacherous relatives of the imperiled person in question and drown them in a lake. Ms. Burrowes sure does know how to write despicable villains. I would throw my Kindle at the wall in anger, but I don't want to dent my wall from all the tossing I would be doing!
August 31, 2025
A nice addition to the series. The mystery was intriguing, and the solution satisfying. Even Julian's health is improving - he finally admits (to himself and to Hyperia) that his ability in the bedroom has returned after its prolonged absence due to his post-war trauma. I hope they would marry soon and live happily ever after. They can solve crimes as a married couple just as well. After ten installments, it is definitely time for them to marry.
September 1, 2025
good mystery and several unlikely villains
The author scores another win with this 10th book in the Lord Julian mystery series.
All of the regulars are present. A new concern arises for Atticus, who we really only see in the first part of the book. Certainly that situation will be addressed in a later book in the series.
Doubts linger with regard to Leander‘s adjustment being away from his mother and brought into an entirely new family,. And this too will be something that Julian and Hyperia will undoubtedly deal with at some future date.
The central mystery about McNamara‘s missing sweetheart is “convoluted“ in a positive way… There are so many possibilities, as well as a handful of prospective villains, that it is difficult to make sense of what is going on until we finally reach the end. Harry’s presence makes a surprising appearance, *figuratively* speaking… Proving that it is certainly a small world, especially among the aristocracy.
There were quite a few characters to keep track of… a couple that confused me. I believe that when Julian refers to “the captain,” he is speaking about McNamara. There are several men who are former military, as is Lord Julian, and this fogged the glass just a little bit for me.
However, the characterizations are good and the plot pacing is enjoyable. It’s a book that flies by as one isn’t comfortable putting it down. There is a little headway with the relationship of Julian and Hyperia, it would seem in a positive light.
There is very little “language” in the book. It is a cozy read for all intents and purposes. Though I do feel that the author lets the villain/villains off much too lightly. I would much have preferred at least a couple of punches thrown for the selfishness and unfeeling behavior of several of the characters.
I think most will find this an enjoyable read.
The author scores another win with this 10th book in the Lord Julian mystery series.
All of the regulars are present. A new concern arises for Atticus, who we really only see in the first part of the book. Certainly that situation will be addressed in a later book in the series.
Doubts linger with regard to Leander‘s adjustment being away from his mother and brought into an entirely new family,. And this too will be something that Julian and Hyperia will undoubtedly deal with at some future date.
The central mystery about McNamara‘s missing sweetheart is “convoluted“ in a positive way… There are so many possibilities, as well as a handful of prospective villains, that it is difficult to make sense of what is going on until we finally reach the end. Harry’s presence makes a surprising appearance, *figuratively* speaking… Proving that it is certainly a small world, especially among the aristocracy.
There were quite a few characters to keep track of… a couple that confused me. I believe that when Julian refers to “the captain,” he is speaking about McNamara. There are several men who are former military, as is Lord Julian, and this fogged the glass just a little bit for me.
However, the characterizations are good and the plot pacing is enjoyable. It’s a book that flies by as one isn’t comfortable putting it down. There is a little headway with the relationship of Julian and Hyperia, it would seem in a positive light.
There is very little “language” in the book. It is a cozy read for all intents and purposes. Though I do feel that the author lets the villain/villains off much too lightly. I would much have preferred at least a couple of punches thrown for the selfishness and unfeeling behavior of several of the characters.
I think most will find this an enjoyable read.
August 21, 2025
A lady is kidnapped by miscreants in search of her family's gold-hoard (which may or may not be extant -- I was ultimately a little unclear on that point), and when she is rescued after two weeks in her captors' hands (not a spoiler because come ON), her response is basically "Well, that was a trying experience. Anyway..." Meanwhile, Atticus makes a surprising revelation and as for Hyperia, well, I'm sorry, SO sorry to have to say this, but I'm starting to get the impression that she's just not all that into Julian. Certainly their priorities are fundamentally different: Julian really wants (and the family title requires) children, while sweet Perry decidedly does NOT, or at least she wants to avoid the dangers of pregnancy, and while I certainly don't blame her for that, it's hardly a secret that Lord Julian very obviously needs an heir of his body in order to keep the title going (the actual Duke having removed himself from that particular field, and good for him). On the other hand, of course, I've decided that if Big Brother Harry is actually dead I'll eat my hat on Broad Street. We shall see.
I will say that I'm interested in where the Atticus story is going. The kid's grown on me.
I will say that I'm interested in where the Atticus story is going. The kid's grown on me.
September 1, 2025
Lord Julian never ceases to amaze.
I very much appreciate the character development that the author brings forth. Also, the writing style is very enjoyable. I copied this from a spot near the end of the book and I just thought it was hilarious. “Never had a pretty little pattern of roses and greenery fascinated so many people so thoroughly.”
I very much appreciate the character development that the author brings forth. Also, the writing style is very enjoyable. I copied this from a spot near the end of the book and I just thought it was hilarious. “Never had a pretty little pattern of roses and greenery fascinated so many people so thoroughly.”
August 30, 2025
wonderfully written and cleverly executed
As always her heroes (heroines) do not disappoint. They ring true. The mysteries are interesting and properly baffling for most of the book but do not cheat
As always her heroes (heroines) do not disappoint. They ring true. The mysteries are interesting and properly baffling for most of the book but do not cheat
August 31, 2025
I LOVE LORD JULIAN
Actually I love Grace Burrowes who is the creator of the puzzles LJ sets out to solve. Her characters are believable, they develop and grow in realistic ways and the solutions and conclusions are satisfying.
Actually I love Grace Burrowes who is the creator of the puzzles LJ sets out to solve. Her characters are believable, they develop and grow in realistic ways and the solutions and conclusions are satisfying.
August 31, 2025
Joy in Grace
I simply have to glance at Grace Burrowes’ name on a book, and I know that I shall have hours of pleasure awaiting me. “A Gentleman in Possession of Secrets,” 10th in the Lord Julian’s series was just such a delight!
I simply have to glance at Grace Burrowes’ name on a book, and I know that I shall have hours of pleasure awaiting me. “A Gentleman in Possession of Secrets,” 10th in the Lord Julian’s series was just such a delight!
September 1, 2025
The story continues
Sincerly love this series. I'm delighted that Julian and Hyperia are finding their way forward in life. Enchanting and well-written. Very entertaining. Can't wait to see what happens next!!
Sincerly love this series. I'm delighted that Julian and Hyperia are finding their way forward in life. Enchanting and well-written. Very entertaining. Can't wait to see what happens next!!
September 2, 2025
After the last book in the series put me to sleep, it was delightful to enjoy this book’s return to form. Thank goodness! It got a little convoluted at points, but not enough to keep me from turning the pages. Looking forward to the next!
September 1, 2025
3.5 stars
September 3, 2025
This one was better than #10. Happy to know there will be an eleven.
September 4, 2025
still good
A lovely story but still irritating for the delayed matrimony of the protagonists. I am getting seriously annoyed Soon I will abandon the series
A lovely story but still irritating for the delayed matrimony of the protagonists. I am getting seriously annoyed Soon I will abandon the series
August 29, 2025
A lady has vanished. No trace of her anywhere. And her family has been lying about it. Lord Julian has promised a friend who cares for her and trades quotes to find her. Even Julian is stumped.
Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive. Sir Walter Scott "Marmion"
Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive. Sir Walter Scott "Marmion"
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews