The Villain’s Fatal Plot by Patricia Rice

Bestselling author Patricia Rice brings you another romantic, small-town mystery in Regency England. . . He’s looking for a future – she must escape the past. . . if only they can survive the present.

In the derelict village of Gravesyde Priory, newly-arrived Verity Palmer discovers her beloved former governess poisoned, her dying breath a whispered confidence. Shaken and alone, cautious Verity fears trusting total strangers with a dangerous secret.
Seeking work and a roof over his head, bluff ex-mess sergeant Rafe Russell accepts the position of bailiff, tasked with uncovering the truth about the governess’s untimely demise. Caught in a web of suspicious characters, he discovers an unexpected ally in his best suspect, perspicacious Verity. She possesses a sharp mind that cuts through nets of intrigue, while hiding behind a cloak of mystery.
With no choice but to share a cottage—and a kitchen that quickly becomes his, not hers—Verity and Rafe piece together clues to save lives, including their own. As violent incidents escalate, Verity has to confront her own past and learn to trust if they are to expose the shadowy villains stalking their every move.

If they’re to have any hope for a future, they must unveil the truth before the killer strikes again.

Lovers of mystery and romance will delight in this romantic small town historical cozy whodunnit.