Innocence Imprisoned (Book 12, Court of Mystery)

By: Sarah E. Burr

Narrated by: Melissa Green

Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

The tables have turned for the Duchess.

With the grim aftermath of the War Council behind her at last, Duchess Jacqueline Arienta Xavier is ready to head home to Saphire. Now seated on the thrones of Hestes, Kwatalar, and Crepsta, Jacqueline longs to return to her beloved duchy to regroup with her allies and extinguish the threat growing within Pettraud. Yet, on the eve before her departure, Jax receives an invitation from Duchess Persephone, the new sovereign of Tandora.

Persephone is desperate for Jax's help. She wishes to reshape her duchy, enacting the same social and political changes Jax has implemented across her own holdings. However, the nation's charter requires the approval of a Grand Chancellery for such matters, and Persephone does not believe the council's High Chancellors are on her side. Seizing the opportunity to bring equality to more corners of the realm, Jax delays her return home and, instead, sets off on a diplomatic mission to aid her new ally with her husband and friends by her side.

Yet, shortly after the Saphire delegation's arrival, Jax happens upon a dead body. She suddenly finds herself in the crosshairs of the Tandorian Ducal Guard's investigation…

…accused of the gruesome murder.

The stakes only get higher in Innocence Imprisoned, a Court of Mystery novel.

Discover more of Duchess Jacqueline's adventures in the Court of Mystery, an enchanting series full of fantastical intrigue.

©2021 Sarah E. Burr (P)2024 Sarah E. Burr

Thrilling!!

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

I know this is an audiobook but I couldn’t put it down. Sarah has done it again!!
We follow Jax on her journey to the Duchess Persephone domain of Tandoori. Of course this far into the journey we as readers know something is going to happen but we don’t know to whom because there is a whole slew of royalty or high ranking members of the land that are also at the Tandoorian Palace. Jax of course can’t refuse the plea from Duchess Persephone to help as an expert on how to change the Duchee into the freed and equal lands just like Saphire.
As Jax enters the gates of Tandoori there are many inconsistencies with security and their ride and the staff.
It’s not long for a murderous deed is taking place and poor Jax is framed for it. With limited ability to investigate what is Jax supposed to do to prove her innocence?
What a thrilling ride!! It was not until towards the end that I figured out who the murderer was literally seconds before Jax because I remembered some of the alibis from previous in the book. But just like Jax I was stumbling too figure out what their motive would be. This was a really really good mystery book I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a good anecdotal mystery series.

This whole series has my highest recommendation!

What a wonderful addition to the Court of Mystery series!
I admire the author’s creativity in keeping things fresh and exciting.
In each separate story in this series, there is a mystery to be solved. But there is always ‘a different angle’, character development, potential new friends, allies and enemies and progress in the overarching story.
Each book in the series adds something to the whole, but also manages to be a delight in it’s own right.
And a delight it was, I enjoyed ‘Innocence Imprisoned’ so very much.

In the previous book a new character, Saraphina, is introduced, and she plays a big part in this adventure.
That’s what I mean with keeping things fresh. The author isn’t afraid to let Jax share the spotlight.
Jax might be the thriving force behind the whole plot, but she can’t do it without the help and support of the wonderful people she has gathered around her during the course of the series.
Everything is a team effort, and I love the feel of friendship and camaraderie this series emanates.

The narration is fantastic, it has been from the start.
Character voices are distinct and consistent. Everything from pacing to relaying of emotions and production quality is perfect.
Narration has a huge impact on the quality and enjoyability of any audio book, and it truly makes me so happy that this outstanding series has such amazing narration.
Somehow Melissa has a regal edge to her voice, which matches brilliantly with this series.

For new readers,
Don’t start here. Even though each book has a completed story arc, there is so much more going on. Politics, friendships formed, enemies revealed and conspiracies exposed.
You will get significantly more enjoyment out of this series if you know the stakes and the incredible cast of characters.
Begin with ‘The Ducal Detective Mysteries’. It’s a collection of 5 books and a short story that together form the first book in the Court of Mystery series.
Keep in mind the series starts out fairly lighthearted, but gets more and more serious as the series progresses.

This whole series has my highest recommendation!

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.

The only problem with this book is that it ends!

Another amazing book!

Great story, great narration and great mystery.

I confesse that I love that the end took a different path than what I thought it would.

I can’t wait for the next one.