A BODY IN BERKELEY SQUARE is Ashley Gardner's latest mystery.  The fifth book in her Captain Lacey Regency Mystery Series, it is easily read even if the context of the other books is lost. It is a little known fact that Ashley Gardner is actually the pseudonym for prolific romance writer Jennifer Ashley.  Her other alter egos include Allyson James and Laurien Gardner.

A BODY IN BERKELEY SQUARE causes the avid reader to meet up with Captain Gabriel Lacey, a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars who has now become an investigator extraordinaire.  His reputation for brilliance precedes him, and it is not surprising that he is called to investigate the murder of one of high society's dandies. Yet the case is complicated by the fact that the accused murderer is none other than Colonel Brandon, Lacey's former
commander who sent him on purpose in harm's way to avenge an imagined wrong against him. Further thickening the plot is the fact that Lacey is enamored by Brandon's lovely wife, Louisa.  Will he take revenge on his former commander for the latter's unspeakable cruelty? Will he see justice done, even if it hurts him?  Will Colonel Brandon even allow him to help?

Ashley Gardner's grasp of regency-era England is nothing short of breathtaking; coupled with her extensive experience of character crafting, this novel is a page turner from the very first page.  The twists and turns of the plot are a veritable rollercoaster ride and the reader will enjoy hanging on for every twist and turn she has invented.  It is a wonderful fact that Ms. Gardner is such a prolific writer, because once the reader is hooked on her writing, nothing else will satisfy!