Book Summary Contents
Unmasking Danger: A Lethal Engagement Summary You Can’t Miss!
Introduction
What if your engagement ring came with a corpse? That’s the nightmare Cora Beaumont faces in A Lethal Engagement by April J. Skelly. I couldn’t put down this electrifying historical mystery set aboard The Lady Air, a lavish airship crossing the Atlantic in 1890.
As an American heiress thrust into British high society, Cora’s arranged marriage quickly spirals into a hunt for a killer carving cryptic messages onto victims.
This A Lethal Engagement summary unpacks the twists, characters, and social commentary that make this book unmissable. Trust me—you’ll be on the edge of your seat!
TL;DR: A Lethal Engagement at a Glance
Plot: American heiress solves murders aboard her airship after her engagement coincides with a killing spree.
Themes: Female autonomy, class warfare, justice vs. reputation.
Heroine: Cora Beaumont—think Nancy Drew in a corset, but fiercer.
Villain: A hidden enemy with a personal vendetta.
Twist: The fiancé’s betrayal and a shocking killer reveal.
Ending: Satisfying, with a hopeful new beginning.
Rating: 5/5 stars. A+ for character growth and suspense.
Perfect for: Historical fiction and mystery lovers.
Pros: Pacing, setting, Cora’s arc.
Cons: Villain motive could use more depth.
One-sentence hook: An engagement ring becomes a murder magnet in this claustrophobic 1890s airship thriller.
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10 Questions the Book Answers
How far would you go to protect your family’s legacy?
Can love flourish in a marriage of convenience?
Who holds power when society dismisses you?
Is vengeance ever justified?
What hides behind the mask of “polite” society?
How does grief shape courage?
Can men and women be true partners in 1890?
What does autonomy cost a woman?
How do secrets rot relationships?
Can a broken engagement be freedom?
A Lethal Engagement Book Details
| Product Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ASIN | B0DHMWD6BL |
| Publisher | Crooked Lane Books |
| Publication Date | April 22, 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Print Length | 336 pages |
| ISBN-13 | 979-8892422376 |
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,022,001 in Books |
| #5,313 in Historical Mystery | |
| #11,243 in Amateur Sleuths | |
| #15,178 in Women Sleuths (Books) | |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars (25 ratings) |
A Lethal Engagement Summary And Review
A Lethal Engagement Summary: What’s It About?
The Lady Air should’ve been Cora’s triumph. Inherited from her late father, the airship symbolizes her freedom—until she accepts Terrance Tristan’s proposal. Hours later, she’s crouching over a butchered woman. With society sharks circling, Cora teams up with Terrance’s brooding older brother, Nicholas, to solve the crime. But as bodies pile up—each marked with her father’s initials (“C.A.B.”)—they race against a storm and a killer hiding in plain sight.
Skelly masterfully blends Downton Abbey’s class tensions with Knives Out suspense. Cora’s fight for autonomy in a world that dismisses her as a “delicate creature” feels fiercely modern. I loved how her grief for her father fuels her courage, turning her from pawn to protagonist. The confined airship amps up claustrophobia, making every clue—a bloodied cravat, a suffragette’s rosette—feel urgent.
A Lethal Engagement Summary by Chapter
Chapter 1: A Shocking Start
Cora, newly engaged to Terrance Tristan, discovers a mutilated body aboard her airship, Lady Air, with a haunting message carved into the victim’s flesh. The gruesome discovery casts doubt and dread over her engagement and safety.
Chapter 2: Sibling Tensions
Nicholas Tristan boards the Lady Air, reflecting on Cora’s transformation and societal issues like suffrage. He encounters a defiant suffragette in second class, sparking internal conflict about his privilege.
Chapter 3: Airship Heiress
Cora and her friend Phee settle into luxury. The Lady Air, her late father’s legacy, symbolizes her independence. Her engagement to Terrance is more strategic than romantic, linking wealth and prestige between families.
Chapter 4: Signs of Trouble
Nicholas senses Terrance’s unease about the engagement and observes his unusual behavior. Phee’s boldness is both amusing and concerning.
Chapter 5: Unwanted Attention
At dinner, Cora’s engagement ring draws notice. Nicholas confirms the betrothal. Terrance seems preoccupied with an acting troupe, furthering Cora’s concerns.
Chapter 6: Hidden Notes
Nicholas notices Lord Dawson Davies burning a mysterious note. Terrance snaps under questioning, revealing mounting tensions.
Chapter 7: A Distracted Fiancé
Cora dances with Nicholas but is hurt by Terrance’s indifference. The engagement feels more transactional than affectionate.
Chapter 8: Growing Fascination
Nicholas wrestles with conflicting feelings about Cora. He becomes increasingly protective of Phee and skeptical of Dawson Davies.
Chapter 9: Class Divide
Disgusted by upper-class comments, Cora decides to inspect third-class quarters herself, asserting her authority as the airship’s owner.
Chapter 10: Prejudices and Pressure
Terrance’s odd behavior and snide remarks about Cora’s American roots reveal the rigid class and cultural barriers she faces.
Chapter 11: Awakening Awareness
Nicholas starts sympathizing with suffragette causes and questions inherited societal roles.
Chapter 12: Danger in the Shadows
A maid is attacked, and Cora sneaks into third class, finding a couple in an intimate encounter—including a surprising identity.
Chapter 13: Close Call
Cora realizes the man with Mary Albright was Nicholas. To protect her engagement, she escapes dramatically back to her quarters.
Chapter 14: Ownership Transferred
Nicholas confirms that Cora legally owns the Lady Air. The captain is stunned. Control over the ship now solidifies her position.
Chapter 15: Taking Charge
Cora is called to the murder scene. Despite protests, she asserts her right to lead the investigation as the ship’s owner.
Chapter 16: Respect Earned
Nicholas admires Cora’s bravery and leadership as she steps into her role amid the crisis.
Chapter 17: The First Victim
Cora finds Mary Albright brutally murdered. Her composed, analytical response reveals her inner strength and training.
Chapter 18: Trust on the Line
Cora accuses Nicholas of a romantic entanglement with Mary. She pulls a dagger, showing she won’t be easily deceived.
Chapter 19: A Deadly Pact
Nicholas pledges loyalty and transparency. Cora shares a memory of Mary and a possible link to another attempted attack.
Chapter 20: Legacy Tied to Murder
A “C” carved into Mary’s body hints at Cora’s father, Clarence Abner Beaumont, possibly connecting him to the killer.
Chapter 21: Clues and Theories
Nicholas and Cora find a small, bloodied shirt—not Nicholas’s size—and begin profiling the killer.
Chapter 22: Suspects Multiply
Mary is stored in cold storage. A maid describes the attacker as blonde, ruling out Mary. Dawson Davies becomes a suspect.
Chapter 23: Bruised and Watched
Nicholas notes Dawson Davies has a bruised hand and red-stained cravat. He resolves to monitor him closely.
Chapter 24: Sharp Observations
Cora tests Terrance’s technical knowledge and proves her intellectual edge. She and Nicholas recommit to solving the case.
Chapter 25: Target Revealed
A CAB-shaped bruise on Mary and Cora’s underlined name in a logbook suggest she’s the killer’s next target.
Chapter 26: Damning Evidence
A blood-stained cravat fragment is found in Dawson Davies’s cabin, deepening suspicions.
Chapter 27: Personal Vendetta
The evidence begins to point to a motive tied to Cora’s family legacy.
Chapter 28: A Message from Mary
Phee reveals Mary came seeking Cora with a suffragette rosette and a message, signaling Mary’s intent to warn her.
Chapter 29: Dinner Surveillance
Cora monitors interactions at dinner. Her suspicions about Davies and the acting troupe solidify.
Chapter 30: Deteriorating Trust
Nicholas removes Phee from Davies’s influence, frustrated by Terrance and their strained dynamics.
Chapter 31: Confessions and Fears
Cora and Nicholas share vulnerable moments amid rising tensions and stormy weather.
Chapter 32: Storm of Emotions
In the crow’s nest, Nicholas and Cora bond as she confesses fear for the ship and her growing feelings.
Chapter 33: Rosettes and Lies
Cora finds Phee’s suffragette ribbon. Phee is missing—with Dawson Davies and Mrs. Beesly.
Chapter 34: The Hothouse Scene
They find Phee and Davies picnicking. Nicholas remains wary while Cora feels uneasy.
Chapter 35: Social Powerplay
Cora announces her engagement publicly to silence critics, especially Tilly.
Chapter 36: Rising Support
Nicholas comforts Cora after another social confrontation.
Chapter 37: Confessions
Nicholas shares his past heartbreak and deepens emotional intimacy with Cora.
Chapter 38: Emotional Reckoning
Cora confesses her self-doubt and finds comfort in Nicholas’s embrace.
Chapter 39: Caught in the Act
Nicholas and Cora find Davies with an actress. Davies claims he was being blackmailed.
Chapter 40: A Second Murder
Lady Cadieux is found dead, with an “A” carved into her forehead, suggesting a serial pattern.
Chapter 41: Clues from Blood
Rose, a maid, is spotted with a nosebleed. Nicholas breaks the truth about Davies to Phee.
Chapter 42: Evolving Partnership
Nicholas grows to see Cora as a true equal in intellect and bravery.
Chapter 43: Betrayals
Phee grieves. Cora is haunted by Terrance’s disappearances.
Chapter 44: Suspicion Deepens
An actress vanishes mid-performance. Terrance fails Cora again.
Chapter 45: Armed and Ready
Cora arms herself, prepares for a secret midnight search with Nicholas.
Chapter 46: Another Clue Emerges
A missing actress, blood, and a clandestine midnight rendezvous raise stakes.
Chapter 47: Hide and Seek
Cora and Nicholas see two people carrying something large. Suspense builds.
Chapter 48: Physical Tension
Nicholas battles desire and duty as they pursue leads.
Chapter 49: Third Body Found
Collette is found dead, halfway rolled in a bloody carpet. Davies is again involved.
Chapter 50: Interrogation
Nicholas attacks Davies, who admits being blackmailed and chasing Pauline Swift.
Chapter 51: The Pattern Continues
Collette is victim #3. Davies claims she was his informant.
Chapter 52: The CAB Clue
“B” is carved into Collette, matching CAB initials. All victims connect to Cora.
Chapter 53: Political Motive Unveiled
Blackmail, suffragette ties, and family disgrace converge into a complex motive.
Chapter 54: Terrance’s Link
A button from Terrance’s waistcoat is found on Collette. Cora is shaken.
Chapter 55: Terrance Missing
Terrance disappears. His bed is empty—a bloody glove is found.
Chapter 56: More Evidence
The glove is bloodied. Cora doubts Terrance but considers he might be a victim.
Chapter 57: A Scandalous Marriage
Terrance secretly marries an actress, threatening Cora’s inheritance and honor.
Chapter 58: The Killer Revealed
Rose, revealed as Harry Francis’s daughter, poisoned Phee and killed the others to avenge her family. Cora and Mrs. Beesly defeat her.
Chapter 59: Aftermath
Phee recovers. Cora reels from betrayal but is determined to confront Terrance.
Chapter 60: Pauline’s Confession
Terrance is found drunk with Pauline Swift. She confesses blackmail and implicates Terrance.
Chapter 61: A New Beginning
Nicholas proposes marriage to protect Cora’s honor and secure her legacy. They kiss as Lady Air lands, ushering in a new chapter for Cora.
Main Ideas: More Than Just a Mystery
This isn’t just a whodunit; it’s a razor-sharp critique of 1890s society:
Women’s Rebellion: Cora’s knife skills and defiance of chaperones scream girl power. Even the killer weaponizes society’s blindness toward women.
Class Warfare: American “new money” vs. British aristocracy. Cora’s treated like a curiosity, yet her wealth keeps the Tristan family afloat.
Gossip as a Weapon: The upper deck’s whispers are as dangerous as the killer’s blade.
Legacy & Guilt: Cora’s father’s past haunts every carved initial—a reminder that privilege has shadows.
Characters: Allies, Suspects, and Secrets
| Character | Role | Arc |
|---|---|---|
| Cora Beaumont | American heiress, protagonist | Grows from grieving daughter to fearless investigator |
| Nicholas Tristan | Duke’s heir, Cora’s ally | Sheds aristocratic snobbery, becomes Cora’s equal |
| Terrance Tristan | Cora’s fiancé | Revealed as naïve, secretly married to blackmailer |
| Rose Francis | Lady’s maid | Unmasked as vengeful killer targeting Cora’s family |
| Lady “Phee” Davenport | Cora’s friend | Spirited suffragette; heartbroken by a cad |
Themes & Symbolism: Hidden Depths
| Theme | How It Plays Out |
|---|---|
| Appearance vs. Reality | Rose’s meek facade hides a calculating killer |
| Justice vs. Reputation | Cora hides murders to protect her father’s name |
| Female Autonomy | Corsets = society’s restraints; Cora literally loosens hers |
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The Lady Air | Cora’s independence & her father’s legacy |
| Engagement Ring | Gilded cage of societal expectations |
| Storm | Chaos threatening Cora’s future |
Writing Style & Pacing
Skelly’s prose is crisp and immersive—like sipping tea while dodging daggers. Her descriptions of the airship’s velvet lounges or blood-soaked carpets pulled me into every scene. Dialogue crackles with wit (Phee’s slang!) and tension (Nicholas’s dry barbs).
Pacing? Relentless. The first murder hooks you, and the stakes skyrocket with each body. No filler—even a high-society ball drips with clues. The storm’s arrival mirrors Cora’s inner turmoil, making the climax a white-knuckle ride.
Ending: Satisfying or Shocking?
No spoilers, but the reveal floored me. Rose’s motive—rooted in her father’s ruin—adds tragic depth. Cora’s broken engagement isn’t an ending; it’s liberation. Nicholas’s quiet proposal? Perfect. It honors their bond without sugarcoating the scars. I closed the book grinning.
Overall Rating
5/5 stars. I’d hand this to fans of Enola Holmes or Deanna Raybourn. Cora’s resilience and Skelly’s razor-sharp social critique make it standout. Perfect for historical mystery lovers craving smart heroines and atmospheric suspense.
Pros:
Cora’s character growth
Twists that actually surprise
Rich 1890s detail
Cons:
Villain’s backstory could’ve been deeper
About: April J. Skelly
A former English teacher, Skelly lives with her family and “imaginary friends” (her characters!). She credits beta readers like Brittany Eden for shaping Cora’s American identity—a choice that defines the novel.
Her love for tea and fairy-tale romance seeps into her lush, dialogue-driven style. A Lethal Engagement (Crooked Lane Books, 2025) is her debut, but I’m betting it won’t be her last.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions
1. Who is the killer in A Lethal Engagement?
Rose Francis, Cora’s maid, seeking vengeance for her father’s ruin.
2. Does Cora end up with Nicholas?
Yes! He proposes to salvage her reputation—and because he admires her.
3. Is this book feminist?
Absolutely. Cora shatters “lady-like” expectations, and suffragette themes run deep.
4. What does “C.A.B.” mean?
Victims are carved with the initials of Cora’s father, Clarence Abner Beaumont.
5. Is there romance?
A slow-burn partnership between Cora and Nicholas—rooted in mutual respect.
6. How’s the pacing?
Breakneck. Murders, storms, and society scandals leave no room for boredom.
7. What time period is it set in?
1890, aboard a transatlantic airship—steampunk meets Agatha Christie.
Conclusion
A Lethal Engagement is more than a mystery—it’s a rallying cry for anyone trapped by others’ expectations. Cora’s journey from society pawn to fearless truth-seeker left me breathless.
Skelly’s blend of heart-stopping suspense and razor-sharp social commentary makes this a must-read.
Ready to unravel the secrets? Grab your copy today—you won’t regret it!
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Sources & References
- Amazon’s book page
- Goodreaders’s book page
- Author’s image source: ajskelly.com
- Book Cover: Amazon.com
- Quotes Source: Goodreads.com
