A Song Without Words by Natalie Brianne: Book Review (ARC)

Details

• Genre: Mystery/suspense, Historical fiction, Fantasy (some steampunk elements)
• Series: The Constantine Capers (Book #4)
• Length: 362 pages (EPUB)
• Publication Date: April 2, 2026

Tropes

• Forced proximity (employer/employee)
• Friends to lovers

My Rating

Book Description

“In Bath, appearances are everything and nothing is as it seems. 

Bath, 1889

When a daring burglary strikes the Sherard residence in Bath, Byron Constantine returns under the name his family knows — Ambrose Sherard. Mira Blayse travels at his side, their partnership deeper than ever and a future together finally within reach. But stepping into the Sherards’ social sphere means facing expectations sharper than any blade. Winning over Byron’s judgemental sister and formidable mother may be more difficult than solving the crime itself.

Even when the thefts turn deadly.

A man’s fatal fall after a snowstorm hints at something far more sinister, and Mira soon realizes that Bath is a city built on secrets. In glittering ballrooms and musical recitals the warmest smiles might just belong to someone playing a part.

Drawn into shadowed streets and clandestine meetings beneath the ancient Roman Baths, Mira and Byron uncover a mystery rooted deeper than the Sherard break-in—one tied to hidden loyalties, rising ambitions, and the looming threat of war in Europe. Worst of all, there are signs that Circe’s reach is far from broken.

As danger mounts and political tensions rise, Mira and Byron must learn which voices to trust — because in Bath, even the sweetest music can carry a deadly refrain.”

— from Goodreads

My Review

Intrigue is afoot in Bath…fortunately Byron and Mira are on the case.

In Book 4, we learn more about what Byron’s family is like. His brother Castel (who first appeared in the second book) returns, together with their sister Mary and their mother. 

While Castel and Mrs. Sherard grew on me, I didn’t like Mary very much. Despite the reasons given for her behavior, Mary’s treatment of Mira (and by extension Byron) didn’t really paint her in a good light. 

She comes around eventually, a bit abruptly to be honest. But having her apologize on-page would have gone a long way.

The previous books focused mainly on the smuggling part of Circe. Now, the theft branch is the focus.

I was able to guess the truth about Silas, Rudy, and the sheet music. But I wasn’t certain how it all fit together into Circe’s master plan.

Though Circe seemingly won in the end, I like how Byron pointed out that he and Mira were able to delay them even a little bit and, along the way, helped change a few people’s lives for the better.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Favorite Moments

🎶 after the Renaldis’ party
🎶 sunset proposal

Favorite Quotes

“‘I think the poets were wrong. I think hate is much more blind than love.’“

Natalie Brianne

“‘I feel as if I’m Elizabeth Bennet facing down Lady Catherine. But falling short no matter what I do.’

‘Does that make me the brooding Mr. Darcy?’ he teased.

She slid her gaze over his face, considering. ‘No. Because I’ve never hated you.’“

Natalie Brianne

“Mira, had ample opportunity to be chaperoned herself, but not much experience in being the chaperone. She had determined one thing from the hour and a half she’d spent in this new occupation.

It was dull as anything.

At least her chaperones had the intrigue of being witness to police investigations.“

Natalie Brianne

“‘My work as a detective may have started because I wanted to stop Circe, but I have continued to do it because of the people I am able to help. It’s impossible to right every wrong, but I will always chase the truth.’

‘And fight for it?’ Mira asked.

‘Exactly.’“

Natalie Brianne

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