Book Review: A Rogue's Company by Allison Montclair

A Rogue's Company (Sparks & Bainbridge #3). Allison Montclair. Minotaur Books (2021). 352 pages. Genre: Mystery.

First Line of Prologue: "August 1, 1946. It is said that the first naval conflict of what was then called the Great War took place far removed from the main European theatres."

Summary:  The Right Sort Marriage Bureau is becoming well established.  Gwen and Iris have been able to hire their first employee and have expanded their offices.  They have also been presented with their first "international" client - someone who is not of European descent.  This presents a slight difficulty because they have no other "international" clients.  As they are contemplating how to handle this situation, Gwen's father-in-law returns home earlier than expected.  

Harold Bainbridge has caused a major disruption at the house.  He is preparing to send his grandson away to boarding school, against Gwen's wishes, threatening to fire employees and leaving home every night to go to the club.  Soon there is a murder at the club followed by two kidnappings.  Gwen and Iris must use their sleuthing skills to discover how it is all connected. 

My thoughts:  The thing that always strikes me as I begin a Sparks & Bainbridge novel is how well-written they are.  The tone is upbeat and I fly through the pages.  This one is no different.  In fact, this may be my favorite of this series so far.

Less time is spent on marriage bureau work this time.  But, more time is spent getting to know Gwen's family.  Up until now, we have only heard about Harold Bainbridge.  Now we meet him firsthand and he lives up to what we have been told.  He is a manipulative man, who only has his interests in mind.  However, it was enjoyable to see the way that Gwen relates to him.  We do see a slightly softer side of him at one point.  And we get to know Lady Bainbridge, Harold's wife, better as well.  I really enjoyed the interactions between Gwen and Lady Bainbridge.  Once again we see the excellence of Gwen's character shine through as she relates to her.  It was also a joy to get to know Gwen's son, Ronnie, a little better.

There  doesn't seem to be a mystery that requires Gwen and Iris' involvement until suddenly they are involved.  And a good mystery it is with lots of secrets to uncover as well as crossing paths with some gangsters.  There are a couple of tense moments that had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the way this one wrapped up with setting things in motion for the future.  

The next Sparks & Bainbridge novel is due out later this year.  I will be eagerly anticipating it's arrival.  If you enjoy historical fiction, love a good mystery and enjoy witty dialogue I suggest you pick up the first in the Sparks & Bainbridge series - The Right Sort of Man and get started on this series.