Set in Georgian England, Otillia Draycott accepts a temporary position as a paid companion to the Dowager Lady Polbrook. Soon after Otillia's employment, Lady Polbrook discovers that her daughter-in-law, Emily the Marchioness of Polbrook, was brutally murdered in her own bed. Much to Lady Polbrook's distress, her son, Randal, the Marquis of Polbrook, is considered the prime suspect. His tumultuous relationship with the Marchioness and his abrupt departure on the morning of her death lead the authorities to believe he is guilty. But Otillia's astute observations not only cast doubt on Randal's guilt, but also impress Lady Polbrook and her son Francis Fanshawe, who gives Otillia full reign to investigate and solve the murder of the Marchioness.

Otillia arrives at Hanover Square armed with a firm conviction that the Marquis is innocent. However, the facts contradict Otillia's instincts. The deteriorating marriage of the Marquis and Marchioness was common knowledge to anyone intimately acquainted with the couple. A servant also overhead a heated argument the night the Marchioness was found dead by a maid. Randal also disappeared the morning of Emily's death. The stable boy is adamant that the Marquis awoke his groom in a hurry and asked for a speedy departure from Hanover Square. When word reaches Randal's family that he has fled to France, his guilt is practically written in stone.

Otillia is determined to solve the murder by interviewing the household staff at Hanover Square. Her curious and perceptive mind convinces her that the murderer has left clues waiting to be discovered. Otillia's clever manner of deciphering clues begins to shed light on the Marchioness' death.

THE GILDED SHROUD will impress the most discriminating reader of period novels. Elizabeth Bailey's accurate and delightful way of bringing Georgian England to life will charm readers who demand their Regency novels whisk them away to a bygone era. Otillia Draycott's insatiable curiosity and wit is reminiscent of Jane Marple. Otillia may not fit the bill of the typical Georgian female, but her determination to exonerate the Marquis wins the heart not only of her employer, but the readers as well. I especially loved Otillia's interaction with Francis Fanshawe, who marvels at Otillia's seemingly effortless way of uncovering clues. Ms. Bailey delivers an exceptionally written mystery with an impeccably described and lively Georgian setting. THE GILDED SHROUD is sure to become a favorite among Regency novel lovers.