Within These Gilded Halls

A Regency Romance

By: Abigail Wilson

Narrated by: Laura Kirman

Hidden treasure and betrayal mingle with unexpected love within the walls of Avonthorpe Hall.

After studying art under Miss Drake, a renowned painter, Phoebe Radcliff is certain she can finally move beyond the childish mistake that’s kept her away from home. She is thrilled when Miss Drake employs her to complete a complicated ballroom renovation.

Everything changes, however, the moment Miss Drake is murdered. With her last breath she imparts the location of a clue to Phoebe. Can the biggest secret of Avonthorpe Hall be true—the rumored treasure real? Phoebe is tasked to finish her work in the ballroom by Miss Drake’s infuriatingly regimented yet all-too-handsome nephew, Lt. Graham Burke. Determined to fulfill the promise she made to her beloved teacher to find the treasure, Phoebe also works to uncover the truth about Miss Drake’s death—and she must do so before Lt. Burke leases the house.

But dark shadows line the gilded halls of Avonthorpe, and soon enough Phoebe realizes she’s not the only person who knows about the clues. What’s worse, she needs Lt. Burke’s help to stay ahead of whoever is hard on her heels. If only she weren’t so attracted to him.

Caught up in a deadly race for answers, Phoebe must find a way to breach the shroud of lies that surrounds every last resident in the house and, more importantly, face a past she’s been running away from for far too long.

• Regency romance and mystery
• Stand-alone novel
• Book length: approximately 95,000 words
• Also by author: Twilight at Moorington Cross, Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey, and The Vanishing at Loxby Manor

Critic reviews

Wilson (Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey) delivers a stimulating romantic mystery set in 1819 Regency England . . . Wilson elegantly weaves together the treasure hunt, romance, and murder mystery threads, and a colorful supporting cast - including the steadfast butler, Arnold, money-strapped Mrs. Fagean, and prying Miss Chant - will keep readers wondering whom to trust. This edge-of-the-seat mystery satisfies.

Easy Regency Listen Involving Art

This was an easy background listen with a murder mystery throughout that had me questioning every character and guessing throughout. There is also an unexpected sweet romance that includes a dog. Not my favorite from this author but detailed and interesting still. Lots of detailed talk about art and artifacts, etc.

Fun

Loved the romance mystery combo, fun twist, dialogue, spunky heroine learning to trust herself again

Read Middlecrest Abbey FIRST!

This was a good book, but I don’t understand why it’s not linked to the first book Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey!?! It can be a stand alone book, but you miss so much of the depth without the backstory.

Delightful

This was a great story, but I was probably 3/4 of the way through it before I realized that it was actually a standalone sequel to one of her other stories. I can't recall the name of it, but it starts with masquerade. I really liked that one, and I really like this one. I love the storylines this author creates with their twists and turns and intertwined romance. I like the fact I can recommend it to my daughters or a friend without having to say, "However, skip chapter 4" or cringe knowing there is "inappropriate content". I think I have a new favorite author!

This is a Regency Delight!

What a wonderful treasure hunt! Clues admist twists and turns. Unsure of who to trust. This was a delightful clean and wholesome listen. The narration is wonderful!