Hoyt (the Maiden Lane series) falters with this historical trilogy launch set at an English house party in 1760. It opens with a rousing chase, but that's deceptive: matters proceed sluggishly among four plot lines and three perspectives. Christopher Renshaw, Duke of Harlowe, was best friends with Freya Stewart de Moray's older brother, Ran, until a melee left Ran's fiancAce dead, Ran mutilated, Christopher banished, and Freya swearing vengeance on him. Freya became a member of the covenlike Wise Women. On their behalf, she has disguised herself as a dowdy companion to gentlewoman Arabella, covertly promoting feminist causes. She's using the party to stalk Christopher and investigate a murder-as, for other reasons, is Freya's childhood friend Messalina Greycourt. Christopher, meanwhile, is being blackmailed by another guest with his dead wife's correspondence. Then there's the urgent requirement to marry off Arabella, for whom spinsterhood looms. All this plot is worked through in just over 300 pages, and scant attention is paid to emotional and character development. (The remaining page count is a charming novella by Grace Burrowes.) The first kiss is worth the wait, but overall, it's a forgettable outing by Hoyt. Agent: Robin Rue, Writers House. (Dec.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

*Starred Review* Freya Stewart de Moray has exactly two weeks to keep Lord Randolph from convincing Parliament to pass a new witch-hunting act. Should such a law pass, Freya and the other members of the Wise Women would find their lives in mortal danger. Unearthing evidence that Lord Randolph murdered his wife would be one way of stopping him. Fortunately, Freya's employer, Lady Holland, and her daughters have been invited to a house party hosted by the Lovejoys, whose estate adjoins that of Lord Randolph. Unfortunately, once Freya arrives with the Hollands, she discovers that one of the other guests is none other than Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe, the man who not only knows all of Freya's secrets but with whom Freya has a serious score to settle. In the launch to her new Greycourt series, Hoyt once again successfully marries her irresistibly witty writing style with an intrigue-steeped plot that is generously spiced with lively banter and lush sensuality. And if this bounty of romantic riches is not enough, Patience for Christmas, a delightful novella by sister historical-romance star Grace Burrowes, is included as a bonus treat.--John Charles Copyright 2018 Booklist