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The Duke's Agent (Raif Jarrett Regency Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Rebecca Jenkins (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 168 ratings
An ex-soldier turns detective in this thrilling Regency read! For fans of Georgette Heyer, Andrew Taylor, S G MacLean and Antonia Hodgson.

A threatening presence is stalking a provincial Northern town…


1811, England

Frederick Raif Jarrett has returned from battle and is seeking a quiet life as agent to the Duke of Penrith.

So when he is sent to the northern town of Woolbridge by the Duke, the dangers of the English countryside could not be more unexpected.

Jarrett begins to uncover a network of crime and corruption but is thwarted at every turn by the town's powerful and much-feared magistrate, Mr. Justice Raistrick.

When a young woman dies in tragic and mysterious circumstances, Jarrett is accused of her murder and has to fight for his life as he desperately seeks to uncover the truth.

Is there a serial killer on the loose? Can Jarrett solve the case in time to clear his name?


And what about the whispering rumours of the sinister figure calling himself The Tallyman…?



THE DUKE’S AGENT is the first book in the Raif Jarrett Regency Mystery series: historical murder mysteries with a traditional British detective embarking on a private investigation in nineteenth-century England.

‘a well-crafted, pacy tale with very strong, well-defined characters. It is not overloaded with historical detail, yet the flavour of Georgian England is always there. The author’s sure handling of descriptive prose brings the countryside vividly to life... I thoroughly enjoyed this book.' – The Historical Novel Society

‘gripping stuff... Jarrett could easily become a cult – Sharpe in clean linen with decent table manners’ – The Northern Echo

‘a splendid portrayal of an enterprising rogue’ – The Sunday Telegraph

‘Readers who believe Regency England has little to offer besides witty ballroom banter and deadly duels at dawn should consider Rebecca Jenkins' well-crafted debut novel, a historical mystery set at a fair distance from proper London’ – Reading The Past

‘A natural storyteller’ – The Northern Echo

‘Rebecca Jenkins's novel is that, like the late Georgette Heyer, she understands the period and her love of it shines through’ – The Newcastle Journal

‘The action scenes are effectively portrayed, and those elements which are intended to thrill succeed. The Duke’s Agent is Rebecca Jenkins's first novel. I hope she will write more.’ – Tangled Web

RAIF JARRETT REGENCY MYSTERY SERIES
BOOK ONE: The Duke’s Agent
BOOK TWO: Death of a Radical
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  1. Book 1 of 2
    Raif Jarrett Regency Mysteries
  2. Print length
    330 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    October 25, 2018
  5. File size
    3.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
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  7. Word Wise
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  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A well-crafted, pacy tale with very strong, well-defined characters . . . brings the countryside vividly to life."  —Historical Novel Society

"A splended portrait of an enterprising rogue."  —Sunday Telegraph

About the Author

Rebecca Jenkins is a journalist and broadcaster.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07GB5P2NP
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sapere Books (October 25, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 25, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 330 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 191278601X
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 168 ratings

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Rebecca Jenkins

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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
168 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's plot engaging, with one review highlighting its attention to period detail and another noting how it captures village life dynamics. Moreover, the characters are well-developed according to multiple reviews.

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4 customers mention "Plot"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, with one review highlighting its attention to period detail and another noting how it captures village life dynamics.

"...There is a good balance of the dark elements of the story with descriptions of nature and various aspects of the different characters...." Read more

"...Her extensive research and attention to detail of the period is wonderful. The sense of place is so strong, it's visual...." Read more

"...contemporary, this one is wonderful, full of great characters and an easy read" Read more

"Well plotted and well written." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...of the story with descriptions of nature and various aspects of the different characters...." Read more

"...The sense of place is so strong, it's visual. Her characters are fully developed and people you want to know; or avoid...." Read more

"...books of hers, they are contemporary, this one is wonderful, full of great characters and an easy read" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars a great read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Just finished The dukes agent. This is a really well written mystery. Jenkins has an astute grasp of human nature. There is a good balance of the dark elements of the story with descriptions of nature and various aspects of the different characters. Rebecca has captured the dynamics of village life and some of its petty ways. I truly enjoyed this and look forward to the Radical..Rebecca manages an excellent story without profanity or sex. Hope she does more.
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  • L. J. Roberts
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 stars - Wonderful historical mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2008
    Verified Purchase
    First Sentence: It was an early evening in late July."

    Raif Jarrett has been sent by the Duke of Penrith to the town of Durham. The Duke's agent has died and Raif has been asked to look over the records and the state of the Duke's what should be, lucrative holding.

    Raif arrives to find the Agent's house in terrible condition, his dog killed and the ledger books missing. Raif meets a poacher, Duffin, a sharp-minded old lady, Miss Catherine, and sees a lovely local girl, Sal.

    When Sal is found dead near the Folly where Raif has been staying, Justice Raistrick, the powerful and hitherto uncooperative magistrate, has Raif arrested for murder.

    I love finding new authors of great, new historical mysteries, and Ms. Jenkins is definitely one. Her extensive research and attention to detail of the period is wonderful. The sense of place is so strong, it's visual. Her characters are fully developed and people you want to know; or avoid.

    We learn much about Raif, but there is more for us to know. He is a man accustomed to the ballroom and the drawing, as well as living rough and being on a battlefield. It is a very good plot with plenty of action and suspense. The inquiry scene, where Raif is accused for murder, is as good as any legal thriller.

    There is humor, swordfights, friendships, old and new, murder and a hint of romance. All the elements needed for a wonderful story are here. I can only hope there will be more to come. [Note: I've learned Quercus will be releasing the second Jerrett in 2010]
    One person found this helpful
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  • nanaoftwo
    5.0 out of 5 stars a great book
    Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2019
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    I love this auther and have read other books of hers, they are contemporary, this one is wonderful, full of great characters and an easy read
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  • Jeanne Mogell
    3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Colorful old English countryside, but to many characters to keep straight.
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  • BillyOC
    5.0 out of 5 stars I liked it.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Didn't know the author, just took a shot and was very happy with the book. I dig historical mysterys. Try it.
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  • Rosanne Lortz
    4.0 out of 5 stars Slow Start but Engaging Characters
    Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2018
    When the Duke of Penrith's provincial steward dies, Raif Jarrett comes north as the duke's agent to sort out the tangle of mismanagement and malfeasance on the duke's estate. Raif's own military background is some preparation for the assortment of bullies and blackguards that he meets, but when he crosses a powerful man in town, he finds himself thrown in gaol for murder. With the help of the enigmatic Miss Henrietta, Raif manages to extricate himself from accusations and begins his own investigation into the dastardly deeds occurring in the town of Woolbridge. 

    This book was a slow starter. The prose was dense and there were lots of mysteries surrounding the main character that felt overdone. With that said, the main character himself was a memorable one--a gentleman (possibly the illegitimate son of the duke?), a soldier, an artist, and a fisherman. I also enjoyed several of the minor characters--the friendly poacher, the hunchbacked dowager, the benevolent innkeeper's wife. The ending did not wrap up cleanly enough for my tastes, but I suppose that one positive of that is that I'm very interested in reading the next book in the series. 

    Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opnions expressed in this review are my own.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Judith Anderson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2015
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    Well plotted and well written.
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  • Brutally Honest Reviews
    5.0 out of 5 stars An intriguing read!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2018
    First in a new series of Regency-era mysteries, The Duke’s Agent is a fascinating whodunnit set in the northern county of Durham, featuring Frederick “Raif” Jarrett, a distant relative of the Duke of Penrith (the nature of their relationship isn’t precisely defined, but there are definite hints Raif was born illegitimate) and now acting as an agent for said Duke. Sent to investigate the duke’s affairs following the death of a steward, Raif soon discovers something foul simmering beneath the quiet surface of Woolbridge, something certain people would do anything to conceal. Including attempting to pin the death of a young woman on Raif to stop his investigation.

    What struck me about the story, and Raif’s investigation, was just how impossible it was to gather any sort of evidence in those days. A bootprint was about the only piece of tangible evidence found which could possibly be used as any sort of identification, and even then a powerful and determined opponent could override justice if the defendant has no one to stand up for them.

    As an Australian, living in a country settled by convicts many of whom had the misfortune to be transported merely for offending the wrong person, it was something which really hit home, and I was relieved Raif had powerful allies on his side who were able to clear his name.

    Though this isn’t a romance, I found myself hoping for one between Raif and Henrietta, a lady who offers some assistance in the case. This is the kind of series which could run on over any number of books, and I definitely hope Raif and Henrietta get together in the end. Duffin the poacher and his dog Bob were my other favourite characters, and I really hope we get a lot more of them as the series continues.

    This was such an intriguing read and I found myself really invested in the outcome of the story. Five stars, and I hope to read more of Raif’s adventures soon!

    Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Vesper
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable story
    Reviewed in Canada on October 25, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Captain Frederick Raif Jarrett has returned from war and while recuperating from an injury he has taken the task of an agent to the Duke of Penrith. He is on his way to Woolbridge to investigate the death of the Duke's steward and possible pilfering of funds. But he becomes intangled in the death of a young female.
    I really enjoyed this mystery, a well-written one, slowly starting but which increased its pace as the story continued. With a good selection of characters portrayed.
    Overall a good solid start to what I presume is to be a series.
    I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Sapere. All thoughts and opinions are my own
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  • Swallowbird
    5.0 out of 5 stars Aristocratic in more ways than one.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I found this tale of a stranger arriving in an unfamiliar town in order to look into the state of the business and land belonging to his 'employer', the Duke, nicely intriguing and well written. It is, of course, a light read - a period 'whodunnit' novel - but it is one of quality and has me looking to read something else by the same author.

    What other praise can I add? Perhaps that the characterisation is solid and the imagery well drawn. A recommended read.
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  • april
    4.0 out of 5 stars entertaining
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 6, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    well written, well researched, with attractive characters...decent plot, good action, good pacing...i appreciated the setting and the lyrical descriptions of nature the most...i also enjoyed the hero, and the potential heroine..charming, amusing and pleasant read....the villains are really wicked, the goodies really good...a fun time is had by all...
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  • Belinda Butterfield
    3.0 out of 5 stars A lot of characters
    Reviewed in Australia on January 8, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Maybe just me but too many characters to keep track of.
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  • East End Lady
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Slice of Regency Low Life
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This is not your usual regency romance. The author paints in words a snapshot of society on the brink of change. We see a rural setting gradually adapting to the age of the machine and there is already some pollution. There are changes to society too. There is the aristocracy , the church, the usual range of yokels and there is the nouveau riche industrialists and speculators.
    The hero of the novel is the Duke's new land agent , a disillusioned, slightly antisocial soldier, newly returned from the wars. He is quite a mysterious character with possibly aristocratic connections and a traumatic past.
    His protagonist is a ruthless, corrupt magistrate with a finger in every pie , probably involved with embezzlement and protection rackets. They come a reluctant impasse by the end of the book but there is no real resolution.
    My one criticism of the book is that the author is so intent on setting the scene that the story takes a while to get going.
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