The Wounds that Linger: A Q&Z Mystery by Sandra and Taylor Preisler is a Regency murder/mystery wrapped up in a package of romance and intrigue. Zoe Demas is part of London society, the Ton, but being half French she often displays disdain for many of the conventions and strictures imposed by Regency society, especially on women. This is the second installment of these murder/mysteries involving Zoe and an investigative agent called Quinton Huxley. When the death of a young woman results in the arrest, pending trial, and resultant ultimate hanging of an innocent man, Zoe, Quinton, and his band of childhood friends spring into action to not only exonerate the accused but find the real killer. The chilling similarities of this murder to the murder of Quinton’s mother many years ago give added impetus to his determination to catch the real killer and hopefully untangle some mysteries in his past. 

I have a real weakness for books about the Regency period with its puffery, snobbery, ridiculous fashions, and hypocritical moralistic stances. When you combine a Regency romance with a cleverly plotted and meticulously woven murder/mystery I couldn’t be happier. Authors Sandra and Taylor Preisler have created a wonderful story in The Wounds that Linger and a compelling series in the Q&Z Regency Mysteries. I love a female character who breaks out and rebels against the confines of Regency proper society. Zoe is as interesting as she is beautiful and her willingness to interact, befriend, and even love those from the common classes is refreshing and gives her great depth of character. I was impressed with the synopsis of the first book which allows readers coming late to the scene to catch up on background information before delving into this one. I will confess to initially being mildly irked at the cliffhanger ending to the story but it achieves its purpose. I am dying to know the answer to the question so I will be first in line to grab book three on its release. The Zoe/Quinton romance or non-romance is an integral part of the story and the authors tease this out perfectly throughout the narrative. I loved this story and cannot wait for the next adventures of Zoe, Quinton, Billy, Charley, and the rest of this gang of somewhat lovable rogues. I highly recommend this read.

The Wounds That Linger by Sandra Preisler and Taylor Preisler, the second Q&Z Regency Mystery, is for fans of historical fiction, mystery, intrigue, crime drama, and detective novels. Lady Zoe Demas gets an unexpected invitation from another aristocrat, Mabel Anderson. Mabel mourns the loss of her sister, Margot, who was brutally killed. Mabel is not content with the official investigation's conclusions. She asks Zoe to find Margot's killer. Zoe reluctantly agrees, knowing she must seek the help of an inquiry agent, Quinton Huxley. Quinton accepts Zoe's offer despite his internal conflict. A modiste named Clarissa Amato is killed, and the evidence hints at the surprising connection between her death and Margot's murder. And what about Annie Huxley, Quinton's mother, who lost her life to murder years ago? The Bow Street runners are in hot pursuit of the villain, and Quinton's good friend gets in big trouble.

The Wounds That Linger by Sandra Preisler and Taylor Preisler is a stirring blend of heartbreaking social drama and nail-biting murder mystery with astonishing twists. The authors include the themes of belonging, women's societal role, and the essence of justice in a thought-provoking narrative. They also study how grief and psychological traumas affect our lives. The writing style is witty and eloquent. The authors invite us to immerse ourselves in the Regency era when aristocratic splendor emphasized the terrible poverty of the lower classes in Britain. Sandra and Taylor add new depth to the characters they masterfully crafted. We see a different side of Hugh Dovefield, Zoe's protective and loving stepfather. But, the wise and beautiful Simone undergoes the most amazing metamorphosis. She withstands every challenge life throws her way with the dignity and elegance of a true French aristocrat. Zoe and Quinton's relationship keeps us on tenterhooks, and the secret of Quinton's background has never been so enthralling! While the second installment is a stand-alone, I highly recommend this riveting series.