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Elizabeth Bailey
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The Opium Purge (Lady Fan Mystery Book 3) Kindle Edition

by Elizabeth Bailey (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,570 ratings
Lady Fan and her crime-fighting family are back! For fans of Georgette Heyer, Mary Balogh, Barbara Erskine and Jane Austen.

A dark shadow has been brought from the West Indies to an English estate…

1790, England

Lord Francis and Lady Ottilia Fanshawe are preparing for the birth of their first child.

But Lady Fan won’t let a little thing like pregnancy get in the way of solving a local mystery.

Their neighbour – Sir Joslin Cadel – who recently returned from a sugar plantation in Barbados, has collapsed and died on his doorstep.

And his young ward, Tamasine Roy, claims to have murdered him.

With Tamasine clearly suffering from some kind of mental disorder, and the rest of Cadel’s household acting suspiciously, it is clear all is not as it seems.

Why did Sir Joslin suddenly return to England? What happened to Tamasine’s parents?

Could this seemingly angelic young woman really be a murderess…?

THE OPIUM PURGE is the third book in the Lady Fan Mystery series: historical romance murder mysteries with a courageous woman sleuth embarking on a traditional British, private investigation in eighteenth-century London.

‘The late Regency writer Georgette Heyer lives—and she's writing mysteries as Elizabeth Bailey!’ - Meritorious Mysteries

‘Ottilia is a strong, intelligent character with a real enthusiasm for detective work’ – She Reads Novels

‘They have everything you love in romances, plus continuing characters you can really come to love, and murders as well! Her heroine sleuth, Ottilia, is a fantastic character.’ - Historical Romance UK

LADY FAN HISTORICAL MYSTERY SERIES
BOOK ONE: The Gilded Shroud
BOOK TWO: The Deathly Portent
BOOK THREE: The Opium Purge
BOOK FOUR: The Candlelit Coffin
BOOK FIVE: The Mortal Blow
BOOK SIX: The Fateful Marriage
BOOK SEVEN: The Dagger Dance
BOOK EIGHT: The Unwanted Corpse
BOOK NINE: The Vengeance Trail
BOOK TEN: The Hanging Cheat
BOOK ELEVEN: The Killing Cave
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  1. Book 3 of 11
    Lady Fan Mystery
  2. Print length
    405 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    November 1, 2018
  6. File size
    2.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 11 books in this series.

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Elizabeth Bailey is the author of more than a dozen Regency novels. She lives in England.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07G8MZGFY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sapere Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 1, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 405 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1912546480
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 3 of 11 ‏ : ‎ Lady Fan Mystery
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 1,570 ratings

About the author

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Elizabeth Bailey

Elizabeth Bailey

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Elizabeth Bailey grew up in Africa with unconventional parents, where she loved reading and drama. On returning to England, she developed her career in acting, theatre directing and finally writing.

Elizabeth's latest venture is The Lady Fan Mystery series, published by Sapere Books. The novels feature amateur sleuth Lady Ottilia Fanshawe and a cast of family members including her husband and champion Lord Francis Fanshawe. She originally published Regency romances with Harlequin Mills & Boon and has many titles in her Brides by Chance Regency Adventures series, now also published by Sapere, as well as standalone Regency and Georgian romances.

Elizabeth also writes edgy women's fiction: Her dual time novel Fly The Wild Echoes, which deals with past lives, and For One More Tomorrow, where the ghost of the real Macbeth returns, protesting his villainous portrayal by Shakespeare. And she has published a romantic suspense novella, Silence of a Stranger.

Elizabeth lives in Sussex, England. She is still an inveterate reader with eclectic tastes and she spends her spare time helping other writers improve their craft.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,570 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this historical murder mystery for its engaging plot that keeps them guessing until the end, with well-developed characters and intelligent writing style. They find the book funny and appreciate its medical investigation aspects, with one customer noting the author's amazing knack for interviewing suspects. The writing style receives mixed feedback, with some finding it well written while others note it can be wordy without moving the story forward.

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PlotReadabilityCharacter developmentHumorIntelligenceBook enjoymentWriting style
21 customers mention "Plot"16 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of this historical murder mystery, which keeps them guessing until the end.

"...The story was good, though a little convoluted. It was hard to keep up with the craziness of all the characters at Willow Court...." Read more

"...The characters seem very real, the plots plausible and they are always well-written. This one is going to haunt me for quite some time." Read more

"Both the characters and plot had me engrossed from start to finish...." Read more

"...The reason I gave four stars is the topic of the story was rather upsetting to me, a lot of arguing and it tended to go round and round...." Read more

19 customers mention "Readability"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great read and an excellent series installment, with one customer noting how it kept them engaged with its twists and turns.

"Another compelling read by Elizabeth Bailey. I have only read her Lady Fan series but I'm really enjoying them...." Read more

"I really enjoy these mysteries. They are very interesting, clean and easy to read...." Read more

"This particular book hits, but does not explain many of the horrible things that were done in this time period. It is worth the read." Read more

"Very good book and I love this series" Read more

10 customers mention "Character development"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer specifically noting how the freed servants are portrayed.

"...But I digress. I like how the freed servants are portrayed. I enjoyed the medical investigation aspects...." Read more

"Love all of the details Full character development love all of the details that help to make the story more intriguing" Read more

"...They are well written, well researched and well paced. The characters a fully fleshed yet not over blown...." Read more

"...The characters seem very real, the plots plausible and they are always well-written. This one is going to haunt me for quite some time." Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"6 positive2 negative

Customers find the book humorous, with one mentioning it's unexpected.

"...The whole is leavened with humour and wit.." Read more

"...This time it's a dizzy. Madness, lust, and hate what more do you need in a murder mystery." Read more

"...The sugar princess was disturbing and tragic, and the romance in this book was full of passion rather than actual love, which is a bit disappointing...." Read more

"...Along with the suspense, there were sudden funny moments that had me laughing too. I loved it." Read more

8 customers mention "Intelligence"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the intelligence of the book, with one noting its well-researched content and another highlighting its engaging medical investigation aspects.

"...I like how the freed servants are portrayed. I enjoyed the medical investigation aspects...." Read more

"...While this mystery was interesting, I struggled to keep it all straight as the story's climax unfurled...." Read more

"Love all of the details Full character development love all of the details that help to make the story more intriguing" Read more

"...Intelligent, capable and most definitely not given to 'vapors'. She has called me gently to tea and restful mental diversion...." Read more

3 customers mention "Book enjoyment"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book series, with one mentioning they absolutely love Lady Fan and her adventures.

"Never a dull read! I absolutely love Lady Fan and her adventures and I cant wait to read the next in the series...." Read more

"Lady Fan books are wonderful!..." Read more

"Always enjoy Lady Fan!..." Read more

9 customers mention "Writing style"6 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing style of the book, with some finding it very well written, while one customer notes it becomes wordy without advancing the story.

"...I do love how the author uses uncommon words and I do appreciate the ease of checking their meaning on my Kindle app...." Read more

"...of the authors ,supercilious, toploftical and often distracting use of archaic 50 cent words not only slowed the narrative but made me think more..." Read more

"...For me the Lady Fan mysteries are enticing yet gentle. They are well written, well researched and well paced...." Read more

"...characters seem very real, the plots plausible and they are always well-written. This one is going to haunt me for quite some time." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Another compelling read by Elizabeth Bailey. I have only read her Lady Fan series but I'm really enjoying them. Interesting characters in interesting situations. Is it weird that I like than the author often includes words or word usages I'm not familiar with? I think I have a comprehensive vocabulary but she still surprises me. Glad Kindle let's me look them up. As with many series the recurring characters start to feel like old friends. I hope the sister-in-law is not in many books. So annoying. Perhaps she will show some redeeming qualities soon. Outside why would her sensible brother have married the woman! But I digress. I like how the freed servants are portrayed. I enjoyed the medical investigation aspects. A fun, light read that I think many readers will zip through and enjoy.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Jillybean
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Mental illness was greatly misunderstood in this time period, and opium a disaster--both a curse and a cure. The story was good, though a little convoluted. It was hard to keep up with the craziness of all the characters at Willow Court. The introduction of Otillia's brother and family was a welcome addition, especially Ben and Tom. Tamasine Roy is like the opium--enchanting and devastating. The author sticks to her tale without too much detail regarding these social calamities. While this mystery was interesting, I struggled to keep it all straight as the story's climax unfurled. Also, be prepared for a rather abrupt ending--didn't provide the "neatly folded" closure this author usually offers. Overall, a decent mystery.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Z. Rhodes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love it
    Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Love all of the details Full character development love all of the details that help to make the story more intriguing
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Great plot but...
    Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    The overuse of the authors ,supercilious, toploftical and often distracting use of archaic 50 cent words not only slowed the narrative but made me think more about the words themselves than the wonderful story.
    I have seen reviews praising the authors writing. I cannot agree. I wish she would have spent more time on descriptive phrases than on her use of a thesaurus.
    Helpful
     Report
  • S C B
    4.0 out of 5 stars Lady Fan books are wonderful!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoy these mysteries. They are very interesting, clean and easy to read. I do love how the author uses uncommon words and I do appreciate the ease of checking their meaning on my Kindle app. The reason I gave four stars is the topic of the story was rather upsetting to me, a lot of arguing and it tended to go round and round. However, I do recommend this book!
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Otterdance
    5.0 out of 5 stars A good read
    Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Historical mysteries can range from dismal to enchanting. For me the Lady Fan mysteries are enticing yet gentle. They are well written, well researched and well paced. The characters a fully fleshed yet not over blown. The idiosyncrasies of the era are respected yet not shoved down your throat.

    I genuinely like Lady Ottilla Francis, 'Auntilla' as her nephews call her. Intelligent, capable and most definitely not given to 'vapors'. She has called me gently to tea and restful mental diversion.

    I look forward to the next release
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Alice N-J
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This novel is every bit what I have come to expect from the author. It is not easy to become accustomed to a realistic gritty regency novel, but I am so glad I began this series. The characters seem very real, the plots plausible and they are always well-written.
    This one is going to haunt me for quite some time.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Allen
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting on so many levels
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This particular book hits, but does not explain many of the horrible things that were done in this time period.

    It is worth the read.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Sonja Corterier
    2.0 out of 5 stars meh
    Reviewed in Germany on September 24, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I really liked the other Lady Fan books but this one felt off to me. I also felt the plot was disjointed and the story less than satisfactory to read
    Report
  • Shirley McDonald
    5.0 out of 5 stars A really good read
    Reviewed in Australia on December 7, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This is the third book in this series and this author has done it once again. I think the characters
    are great and being set in the Regency period it is interesting ho they work things out. Well worth the read and am looking forward to the next in the series.
    Report
  • Wanderlust
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lady Fan-tastic!
    Reviewed in Canada on November 29, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This is my third Lady Fan book. I really enjoy the mysteries and the way Lady Fan goes about solving them. She seems to be able to get to the heart of the matter very quickly, seeing things in ways that others do not. She is forthright but kind, and quite intelligent. I am looking forward to the fourth book in the series, due out in January 2019.
    Report
  • Gary
    5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Writing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 2, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    High quality in every book so far in this series.

    Clever plot with interesting characters and a good mix of good and bad.

    With an incredibly dramatic ending, this is a great read!
    Report
  • cheryl
    4.0 out of 5 stars An engaging read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 7, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Another engaging story in this fascinating series. Otillia is on the trail of another murderer. She is forthright and has no compunction about asking pertinent or impertinent questions. As usual, her husband, Lord Fanshawe is there to assist her. I like the way he usually bows to her wishes. This had me guessing until the end, there were a number of secrets to uncover. I loved Otillia’s two nephews, Tom and Ben, they were two engaging imps. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
    Report

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