Lords of Misrule

Roundheads & Cavaliers, Book 4

By: Stella Riley

Narrated by: Alex Wyndham

Still tied to his desk in the Intelligence Office, Colonel Eden Maxwell has become increasingly disenchanted with both Oliver Cromwell and his own daily existence; and with the advent of new Royalist conspiracies, he despairs of ever getting away.

Then a brick hurled through the window of a small workshop sets in motion a new and unexpected chain of events. After all, who would want to hurt Lydia Neville—a young widow, giving work and self-respect to maimed war veterans considered unemployable elsewhere? But when the assaults in Duck Lane escalate, threatening the life and remaining limbs of some of Eden’s former troopers, finding the culprit becomes a personal crusade.

At their first meeting, Lydia finds Colonel Maxwell annoying; by their second, having discovered that he had arrested and questioned her brother in connection with the Ship Tavern Plot, she mistrusts his motives. On the other hand, it swiftly becomes plain that she needs his help…and has difficulty resisting his smile.

Solving the increasingly hazardous mystery surrounding Lydia is not Eden’s only task. Between plots to assassinate the Lord Protector and a rising in Scotland, he must also mend the fences within his own family and get to know his son. Life suddenly goes from mind-numbing boredom to frenetic complexity.

With reckless Cavaliers lurking around every corner and a government still struggling to find its way, Lords of Misrule is set against a time of national discontent and general failure. But readers of the previous books in the series can look forward to catching up with old friends as well as meeting new ones…while, against all the odds, Eden and Lydia find danger and reward in equal measure.

©2016 Stella Riley (P)2023 Stella Riley

Food for the soul- loved it

I enjoyed every single morsel of this book in the Roundheads and Cavaliers series. Eden has had such a journey from innocence to cynicism to bitterness and to blocking all emotions. We start with Eden on a boring, dead end job , working alone for someone he does not respect. He no longer derives his purpose and the isolation makes him gradually start to seek a new life. He tries active service again but it is over all too soon and he is beginning to see that compromise is necessary for the sake of the nation. Into this turmoil steps Lydia, an independent widow who owns and manages her own business helping disabled war veterans and war widows make a living. Out of the blue, a focused attack by unknown people comes to disrupt her business. It is a mystery, why would anyone attack a business helping war wounded. Lydia reports the problems to Eden and against his will he is drawing to her company, trying to solve the mystery and protect someone who doesn’t think she needs protection. Despite the arguments, they are each intrigued by the other and enjoy the sparring. Suddenly Eden is participating in life and is forced to confront a myriad of emotions. The mystery itself is intricately woven into the story, forcing each to confront new ideas and working together brings closeness. Delightfully we have several characters from other series, most notably Nicholas, the one-armed Cavalier soldier that Eden has sheltered. Nick also becomes invested with Lydia’s workmen, and begins to work along side her people. Struggling with his own self worth after the loss of his arm, he finds purpose and friendship with both the men and Lydia’s family. He too must confront his emotions and ideas for the future. All of them working together creates a family and Eden is then able to reconnect with his family and that is a lovely story on its own. The characters Stella has created are complicated and thoughtful and the mystery ties them all together. The storyline keeps your attention and the wonderful narrational of Alex Wyndham works its magic to captivate listeners and leave them satisfied. It is a wonderful book written by a wonderful author and gives a wealth of knowledge about the English Civil War.

Another great read by Stella!

Part of the Cromwell era saga; lots of fun and intrigue set against a politically turbulent time. Wonderful narration as usual.

Excellent, as usual

This series has been a delight to read and this installment is no different. I loved seeing Eden’s redemption and, while other reviewers are giving Lydia a bad rap, I think she is delightful and a wonderful female lead.

Alex Wyndham is unmatched. What a treat.

Exceptional Ending to an Exceptional Series

After listening to the first book in the series, I bought the remaining three. And, it has been among the best I have ever listened to. The final chapter brought all the characters' stories together. I can't recommend this series or this book highly enough. Do listen to the books in order.

Loved this story and the intertwining of characters from previous adventures!

Alex Windham was excellent and another fabulous story by Stella. I was sad when it ended!