Burdened Bloodline (Book 7, Court of Mystery)

De: Sarah E. Burr

Narrado por: Melissa Green

What's a little blood among brothers?

Reeling from the deadly events at Ogdam Oasis, Duchess Jacqueline Arienta Xavier is eager to leave the Duchy of Kwatalar behind. She rides to Pettraud, seeking aid from her allies and determined to convene a War Council.

As preparations for battle unfold, Jax is swept into her husband’s family turmoil, meeting many of Perry’s brothers for the first time. She soon learns that Duke Pettraud’s health is failing, and the fight for his crown has turned ruthless. But within the castle’s shadowed halls, Jax senses something far more sinister at play—dark forces stoking the flames of discord.

Stranded in a foreign duchy, Jax knows it’s not a royal visit until someone ends up dead...

Discover who is family and who is foe in Burdened Bloodline, a Court of Mystery novel.

Welcome to the Realm of Virtues.

Discover more of Duchess Jacqueline's adventures in the Court of Mystery, an enchanting cozy mystery saga.

The Ducal Detective
A Feast Most Foul
A Voyage of Vengeance
A Summit in Shadow
Throne of Threats
Paradise Plagued
Burdened Bloodline
Sovereign Sieged
Crown of Chaos
Harrowed Heir
Ravaged Reign
Innocence Imprisoned
Ardent Ascension
Eternal Empire

©2018 Sarah Burr (P)2025 Sarah Burr

I love listening to Jax puzzling out mysteries!

Before reading this book I highly recommend reading Book 1 ‘The Ducal Detective Mysteries’ and Book 2 ‘Paradise Plagued’ of the ‘Court of Mystery’ series first.
In my opinion this book doesn’t work well as a Stand-Alone.
You won’t be able to follow all the politics and intrigues, and you won’t appreciate the character development and interactions between all the Characters as much.

This is a really good series, worth starting at the beginning. (book 1 is a collection of 5 books, so you’ll get your Credit’s worth)

Burdened Bloodline starts right where the previous book ended, in the Ogdam Oasis.
Some loose ends get tied up, and 1 thing in particular I hoped would happen did happen, so that was very satisfying to read!

This book starts out slower than previous books. There are more politics involved.
I really liked getting to know Perry, his family and his ancestral home better.
It takes a while before you’re introduced to the (main) Mystery that needs to be solved, but of course things involving, and part of, the Mystery are set in motion before that.
I enjoyed the entire book, but I do have to admit I love listening to Jax puzzling out mysteries!
The book ends very strong and satisfying, and it’s definitely worth the build-up.

This series started out being suitable for Adults and Young-Adults alike (no sex and swearing), but it’s turning more towards the Adult audience now.
There is more politics, strategies and intrigues, and less ‘lighthearted mystery solving’.
I like both.
I loved the beginning of this series. Somewhat lighthearted, romantic, great mysteries and awesome character and world building.
And I love where it is going.. stakes are getting higher, friendships, relationships and alliances are getting tested and opposition gets stronger and more devious.
I love following Jax and her friends through all their adventures.
This series is mature, serious, believable, fun, exciting. witty and very well written.
It’s mostly a Mystery, with a touch of Fantasy and Romance.

Narration was perfect once again!
I’m so happy the entire series (up till now) is narrated by Melissa, she really is a perfect match for this series.
She can make Jax sound regal, elegant and authoritative without making her sound arrogant or unlikable.
Her performance is very professional and enjoyable. She differentiates well between Characters.
It’s such a treat to listen to a great story with great narration, both enhancing each other.

I got this Audio Book for free (thanks!). I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
Opinions and ratings are my own and not influenced by how I got the Audio Book

Crazy Good

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Jax is trying to find a safe route home and the quickest way is by trusting an ally. Her father-in-law. She doesn’t really know him that we as the only interactions she has had with him was in the beginning when he was forcing the arranged marriage of her and his son Perry. Then again at at their wedding. Now she is escorted to his Dukedom and waits for her ducal guard to come and escort her home.
Of course when meeting family there are bound to be awkward moments and then there are bound to be scary moments. Jax try’s to work with her father-in-law in drafting letters for a meeting of the war counsel. But there are strange moments when he keeps referring to her as his dead wife.
The plot thickens of course when murder happens in a secure place that literally limits the murder suspects.
Such a great book. I can’t wait for the next one. I want to know if the war counsel can settle things peacefully for if they have to go to war. Something Ajax really hopes it doesn’t come to but also is not afraid of.