D is for Deception: A Langley & Porter Mystery - A.N. Horton - Wattpad

D is for Deception: A Langley & Porter Mystery

Reads 27,732
Votes 3,688
Parts 20
Time 3h 38m

Reads 27,732
Votes 3,688
Parts 20
Time 3h 38m

crime detective historical historicalfiction historicalromance investigation mystery mysteryromance romance victorian

This story will become free on July 5, 2023.

They will stop at nothing. So Charlotte won't either.

Desperate to save her family from the organized crime syndicate that is the Keene family, our heroine has devised a plan. One which requires shipping all of her new friends halfway across the world and distancing herself from everyone she cares about. Dying her hair and taking on the role of the rich heiress lost in London, she infiltrates the city's most powerful family in an attempt to bring them down from within.

Though, despite the knowledge she's gained of the elite from living with the Langley's for months, she soon realizes that nothing could have prepared her for George Keene or, perhaps worse, his deceptively handsome son, Camden. Alone and with only her wits to get her through, will she manage a feat no one has attempted before? Or will she fall prey to the dangerous charms of the Keenes once and for all?

This is book four of the Langley & Porter Mystery Series.

Content warning: This story contains violence.All Rights Reserved

crime detective historical historicalfiction historicalromance investigation mystery mysteryromance romance victorian

20 parts

Sign up to add D is for Deception: A Langley & Porter Mystery to your library and receive updates

or

Content Guidelines

You may also like

Sentiment ➳ Sherlock x Reader by SeraSki

Sherlock Holmes x Reader "Sentiment is a chemical defect found on the losing side." The mere thought of it would almost make him cringe. Almost. "The world is filled with vital experiences, and sometimes we have to travel to the losing side to get them." You were a new pathologist at Bart's hospital working alongside your sister, Molly Hooper. Bart's paid well and you and Molly were excellent at your work. Everything is going swell, your even introduced to an annoying sociopath who flirts with your sister just to get info on a body for a crime. Everything changes when Molly goes missing, and your suddenly chasing a kidnapper. What happens when you are teamed with Sherlock Holmes to find who kidnapped your sister? You see different sides of Sherlock Holmes that you never had seen before...but are they good? I know you little fangirls out there love your romance fills so I promise there will be romance.

Knife's Edge by TinyZebraThing

With a drug lord for a father and an addict for a mother, Jade Taylor has been dealt a pretty shabby hand in life. Her childhood was spent in a constant state of fear, her only solace being her two half-sisters, Charlotte and Bailey, who were forced to live the nightmare alongside her. Her father finally got caught when she was seven and for a fleeting, white-hot second, it seemed that things were going to be okay. She should've known better. She should've known that her mother would jump ship, choose the drugs and not the daughter. Suddenly left abandoned, navigating the murky waters of life in care, it took a little while longer for Jade to find her place in the world. Now, finally, she has. At the age of eighteen, Jade is counting down the days before her exams are over, excited to spend the summer with her two best friends and boyfriend. Unfortunately, things don't always go according to plan... not in a town like Greencliff. Upon meeting the Coleman's - a family that fits so perfectly into the 'gang' culture she so desperately wants to avoid - Jade finds herself teetering on the edge of a blade, carefully balanced between the life she wants and the life she wants to escape. The question is... which way will she fall? (This description is a work in progress and may be subject to change!) TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️ : Drugs, violence, references to childhood abuse, mental health issues **UPDATES EVERY THURSDAY**

To Deceive A Duke by vickitickitoria

{Shortlisted for the Wattys 2022} It's 1798 and The Lenoir family controls a significant part of London's dreaded and violent underworld. They reap the rewards in high-class society but Clarissa Lenoir has little interest in society or the people within it. Instead, she is following in her grandfather's footsteps as the leader and protector of The Strand, however, a problem, in the form of a silver-eyed man and rival leader, is about to throw her world into chaos. Clarissa is determined to best this entitled and immoral duke in any way she can and refuses to fall prey to his dashing looks and lavish words. Will she risk everything, including her own life to see this man crumble at her feet? Or is there something stronger than revenge in her heart?

The Great Game (Sherlock Holmes x OC) by VictoriaWhite77

Despairing of the ingenuity of London's criminals, Sherlock Holmes accepts what appears to be an ordinary case and discovers that a mastermind is at work. As usual, John Watson and Anita O'Malley tag along on the journey. But, in unusual turn of events, will Sherlock and Anita's friendship persevere? Or will something shift and change everything they thought they knew about each other? Started: 4-14-2021 Finished: 5-26-2021 -All characters belong to the BBC, excluding Anita O'Malley and any other characters I mention. I also owe credit @Layce25 for allowing me to use books as references. Her Sherlock books are amazing, and you guys should go check them out!

The Spying Cat (ONC 2023 Shortlister) by alcoholandcaffeine

It's 1893, and eighteen-year-old Catriona "Kitty" Thackery is bored out of her mind at the countryside parsonage she was raised in. All eleven of her cousins have grown up and moved out, leaving her without an outlet for her youngest-child mischief. Until cousin Joey returns from America alongside his dashing benefactor, Mr Benedict Hawkins. Educated at Eton, then at Harvard, the half-American Mr Hawkins is a worldly businessman and an only child, fascinated with the affectionate workings of the Thackery clan. He is warmly welcomed in their midst, and his exciting influence persuades the Thackery matriarch to break tradition and allow Kitty her London debut. In London, Detective Inspector Tobias Thackery has made a spy network out of his family in an attempt to locate his runaway sister, who may or may not be involved with anarchists. Kitty ingratiates herself into this scheme, her sense of adventure stifled by polite society. The risks are real, and more personal than she expects, but on her quest to self-fulfilment, she begins to enjoy the dangers. * ONC2023 shortlister! Prompt 51: The problem with red flags is that I'm attracted to them. * Completed, ~40k words.

Regency Romance: An Unexpected Duke's Invitation (A Historical Romance Book) by Eleanormeyers

( COMPLETED STORY) What happens when the rakish Lord in the whole of London is truly falling in love with a simple, plain, and most ordinary girl, something he has been avoiding- his innermost fear. True love? Miss Amy Ott is London's newest riddle. . . She's the mysterious niece of one of England's wealthiest dukes, and is about to encounter her first season. Knowing nothing about the workings of corsets and country dances, she's looking for any help she can find... even when it comes from the most unlikely source... London's infamous rogue-an older Duke. Duke Wardington's face transformed into something... dark . "Don't fear, Miss Ott. I have no desire of you. What if I told you that I could make you the belle of the ball? In every ball. The entire season." Amy chuckled. "Me? The belle of the ball? Impossible!" ... Or was it? This catches the attention from the most unlikely, most alluring man in all of London. Lord Nathaniel Dawnton knows what he wants. Amy Ott. And... this is definitely not in a way that he could speak of in public. The scoundrel, who blackened his own soul, had met all sorts of women throughout his years, but none like Amy. He's intrigued and won't stop until he has her. When Nathaniel's pursuits meet the walls of Amy's strength, the young lord is ready to jump those walls blindly... But... he doesn't realize that a jump toward Amy might mean a fall toward love... something he has been avoiding-his innermost fear ... true love. Find out NOW!

The Forgotten Duchess by MoonlightHunter3

After fleeing her burnt village, a woman with a mysterious past takes refuge in the home of a reticent duke. Soon, feelings develop, but secrets that link them threaten their fragile trust. ***** Vivienne, a young woman from Flaxpool, is on the run after her village burns to the ground. On a chance encounter, she meets James, the stoic and reserved Duke of Lennox, at his countryside manor and he agrees to keep her safe. James offers Vivienne the chance to make her debut in society to land a husband. Between the soirees, operas, and balls of the season, the two grow closer, neither resisting the invisible tug that pulls them together. Regrettably the Duke of Lennox is already betrothed, and his station as a gentleman requires him to uphold the promise. James will need to choose between his mind, his sense of duty, and his heart. Will the two star-crossed lovers come together, or will their secrets tear them apart? (#1 in Historical Fiction) (#7 in Historical Romance) © 2020 MoonlightHunter3 All Rights Reserved.

The Poisoner's Game by BeatrixWritesProse

As the London Season of 1877 opens, Lady Margaret Savoy wants nothing more than to be invisible and devour "Penny Dreadfuls" to avoid the cruelty of her aunt and cousin. When she finds a letter from her grandfather warning her about a man called the Poisoner, a powerful crime boss who killed her parents, her wallflower days come to an abrupt end as she falls into a deadly investigation. Literally. Out a window, in fact, and right into the path of Lord Alexander Rocque, a young detective. Alexander offers his assistance-with the Poisoner, and the window-and together they set out to discover the Poisoner's plans. But Lord Alexander has plans of his own. Recently ordered home from the Royal Navy to assist his father, a spymaster for the Crown, with the Poisoner case, Alexander is determined to earn his father's respect by catching the criminal through any means necessary. The perfect tool falls into his lap in the form of Lady Margaret, the Poisoner's next target, but using Margaret to draw out the crime boss has Alexander examining his moral compass. As Margaret learns about her heritage and Alexander uncovers his father's affiliation with the East Indian Company, they discover that their families are not so innocent after all. To stay alive in the Poisoner's game, they must find the key to the dying Opium trade-a key Margaret may, in fact, possess herself. If they don't find it, the Poisoner will escape yet again, but even worse, Margaret will become the next victim.

A Very Messy Business In Belgravia by JudeBelinda

*** OPEN NOVELLA CONTEST 2021 - HONORABLE MENTION *** The year is 1907, and Amalthea Huntley, Countess of Claremont, is bored. Recently widowed at a young age, she finds very little to entertain her in Edwardian London, until an unusual turn of events at a society party plants the seed of an idea. Lady detective? Why not? It would only be a hobby after all. Lending her considerable powers of observation to some of her closer acquaintances to help resolve their more sensitive issues. After all, what could be so difficult? An instance of minor household theft here, a brief indiscretion there. And it would serve to pass the time. Yes, she resolved. With some careful thought, she was sure she could pull it off, and it would certainly liven things up. Little did Amalthea know that she had bitten off far more than she could chew, when she suddenly finds herself embroiled in a dangerous murder investigation, her only ally being an attractive but rather disagreeable private investigator with a secretive past and a strong dislike for opinionated women. Still, if she wasn't careful, she could find that the biggest threat to her latest diversion was not the case at all, but rather an unexpected something, or someone, a little closer to home. This story is dedicated to Dickie, who acted as my consultant in all things historical. Highest Rankings: #1 historicalmystery (March 2021) #1 crimeromance (March 2021)

𝓜𝓮 & 𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓮 ｟ BBC Sherlock ｠ by TheGameIsOn97

The world's only consulting detective, an ex-army doctor, an art therapist, and an American who loves music. These sound like four very different people, right? Definitely. Em isn't quite sure what she expects to deal with when she decides to leave her home in the US to go and live with her half-sister (Athena) all the way over in London at the address of 221C Baker Street. Being woken up from trying to sleep off her red-eye flight jet lag by all the ruckus being made by her and her sister's new 221B neighbor was not something she wanted to have to deal with right away. However, she storms up the stairs and gives Mister Sherlock Holmes a piece of her mind. How does he respond? What happens when the landlady (Mrs Hudson) suggests Sherlock look for a new flatmate in order to make paying the rent a bit easier on himself? And how does Em and Athena's dynamic with Sherlock change when Doctor John Watson walks into their lives? Something dark and eerie lurks in the shadows, watching our team of four mystery solvers take the world of crime solving by storm. Eventually, things will be revealed about one of our Baker Street Four that will make the other three see them in a whole new light. Well, might as well get started because... the game is on! ▇ ▇ ▇ Pairings: • (Sherlock Holmes x OFC) • (John Watson x OFC) Cover by Timelady2013

Murky Waters (2022 Wattys' Shortlist) by Littlepearl95

[2022 Wattys shortlisted story] A missing family. A twenty year old murder. An old ghost story. And a private detective from London. But what do they all have in common? It's the job of DCI Neo Denzel to figure it all out. In the quiet town of Marton, Shropshire, a place where nothing really happens, a car sits abandoned. The Bennett family have simply disappeared without a trace. It's the job of the town's DCI to find them, but with so little evidence it could prove impossible. Until Charlie Hoggins is hired to find the missing family. It doesn't take long for the DCI to get his feathers ruffled by the interloper into his case, and yet she may end up being one of his most useful assets, as long as he can remember that the case comes first. As their feelings change for each other, will they ever solve the case and finally put their ghosts to rest?

All That Glitters: A Maggie Power Adventure (Maggie Power #2) *Unedited version* by SeanMcMahon

Rescued from the brutal streets of Victorian London, 14-year-old Maggie Power finds herself under the guardianship of one of London's first detectives, Samuel Blake. Living as a companion to Blake's recently widowed sister, Emily, she finds herself drawn into the world of Blake's criminal investigations. Her older companion, Emily, becomes increasingly unhappy with her growing relationship with Blake and, as she sees it, her unfeminine interest in the dark and violent world he inhabits. However, when a rich and powerful banker goes missing, presumed murdered, Maggie secretly aids Blake during the initial stages of the investigation. Once Emily discovers that she has gone against her advice, and is once more aiding Blake, Emily's and Maggie's relationship reaches breaking point. Amid this domestic turmoil, Maggie seeks to escape the restrictions imposed upon her and with Blake's permission embarks on a secret mission to discover the fate of the missing man, spying on behalf of a police force which knows nothing of her existence. As she and Detective Sergeant Blake move closer to discovering the fate of the missing banker, they uncover a world of greed, deception and murder. ALL THAT GLITTERS is a historical mystery set in London during the 1840s. Enjoy!

The Reluctant Marchioness by littleLo

After a disastrous first season in London, Rose Wilde finds herself torn between two men who love her -- but who both hide secrets that could ruin her. ***** Rose Wilde has always considered herself plain, especially when compared to her beautiful older sister Charlotte, and has practically given up on the idea of being romanced. But when American hotelier Derek Montgomery comes to revolutionise her little, sleepy English village of Ascot, Rose starts to revisit the idea of falling in love. However, Derek brings with him many secrets and obligations, some that might prohibit him from pursuing Rose -- and push her into the arms of her friend, Michael Cornell, the Marquess of Juniper. Will fate allow Rose and Derek to marry for love? Or will she indeed become the reluctant marchioness? [[Word count: 70,000 - 80,000 words]] Cover designed by Ashley Bandy (The Reluctant Marchioness is the sequel to The Coveted Countess, but can also be read as a standalone)

In Magician's Embrace [BOOK 1 of Price Family Saga] by Sylvia-Norcroft

Eliza Price, daughter of the Duke of Hertfordshire, finds herself entangled in a web of suitors, rejecting one potential partner after another. A marriage with the esteemed Duke of Kent appears to be her path forward, until an enigmatic figure, Mr. Magician, captivates her heart. Not only does he possess an irresistible charm, but he stands as the sole gentleman in all of London who dares to resist her allure. Meanwhile, the Marquess St. Arcey, perceiving Eliza as the embodiment of a femme fatale, cannot bear the thought of her belonging to another. His ardent pursuit of her heart and hand further complicates matters. To exacerbate the predicament, the fate of Eliza's family fortune hangs precariously in the balance. The crucial documents that substantiate their ancestral estates and noble title are hidden within a chest, found by the royal historian. Tragically, the historian meets an untimely demise, and the chest mysteriously vanishes, leaving all clueless about its whereabouts. The historian's demise summons the long-standing rivals of the Price family - the Grays - who descend upon London with their agenda. Amongst them is the haughty Lord Daniel Gray, driven by a deep-seated desire for retribution stemming from an ancient transgression that saw his family's property pass into the hands of the Prices. His presence in Eliza's life becomes an omen of unfortunate events, marked by searing insults unleashed each time their paths cross. Will Eliza navigate this maelstrom of emotions and choices to find her ultimate happiness? And who shall claim the chest concealing the Price family's fortunes? The answers lie within the endless dance of fate, as Eliza's journey unfolds against the backdrop of Georgian society, where love, rivalry, and the pursuit of ancestral legacies intertwine in unexpected ways. TRIGGER WARNING: MATURE CONTENT! Awards: AMBYS 2023 WINNER | Romance Reads 2024 Honorable Mention

COLD by Queensladyxxx

Loosing her mum in an accident and being drugged and pushed into a room in a club by her two stepsisters wasn't the only thing Stella Brooks suffered. She was chased out of her home after losing the first thing she thought she would give to her husband. Her father didn't want her neither did her stepsisters, stepmom and grandmother. Stella had to fend for herself before she eventually got pregnant with a girl child, her baby's father, unknown. Unfortunately, she didn't remember the man she slept with her that night so she took all the responsibility upon herself. Reagan Brighton, the big business lord that was feared by everyone had a calm and gentle mood whenever he was around children. He's a lover of children and he can do anything to protect them and keep them safe. He could have married different wealthy ladies and make lots of children but he didn't because he was in search of the girl he slept with one night. Meanwhile, Stella started working in one of his companies and they both became attracted to each other. Stella lived her life with hatred for the man who got her pregnant and never came back. While falling in love with her boss, they both discovered a secret, finding out that they had met each other in a club and they finally reunite after going through a series of misunderstanding, betrayal and hatred. Join Stella as she scales through the journey of love, hate and betrayal before finding herself in the embrace of a billionaire who could kill to have her to himself alone.

Making the Grade (The Model Spy #2) by KeriAnnL

Laura Porter has it all: a house in Malibu, a totally hot boyfriend, and a stable job. But not everything is as perfect as it seems. Her boyfriend is cheating on her, her best friend won't talk to her, and her "stable" job consists of working for the CIA. As much as Laura likes to pretend she is normal, she knows she is anything but. Despite a promise that she would be given six months off, Laura finds herself shipped to England and enrolled in a prestigious boarding school where students have been showing up dead and a secret campus society is believed to be behind it. Like in Paris, Laura has to catch a murderer, though this time things are a little different, like the arrival of her new quirky partner, Zach's attitude adjustment, and Fred's sudden eagerness to return to the field. For the first time Laura, Fred, and a new cast of characters have to work together to infiltrate the secret society on campus and catch the murderer before time runs out and the doors of the school close forever. **This is the sequel to The Model Spy. While you don't have to read the series in order to understand the plot, it may help in order to know the characters better**

The Case of the Season by robinwritesatt

[2022 Wattys Shortlist Finalist] In this mash-up of Bridgerton and Enola Holmes set during the Regency, Robin Ballard is sent to London to spend the season with her cousins, the Bridgertons, in the hopes that she will finally find a husband before it is too late, though she doesn't much care for the idea of matrimony. Similarly, the famous and very eligible detective Sherlock Holmes isn't interested in finding a wife, but has been hired to locate a missing heiress, which requires him to circulate amongst the ton, and he's having trouble because he lacks social graces. When he and Robin cross paths at a ball, they come to an arrangement that greatly benefits them both. She'll help him with the ton and he'll marry her, after which they can comfortably live their lives apart. But as they spend more time together, they find that close proximity has turned their ruse into reality.

A is For Arson: A Langley & Porter Mystery (FIRST FIVE CHAPTERS) by ANHorton1227

Alexander Langley wasn't looking for trouble but Charlotte Porter found him anyway. Only, this new partnership has them in over their heads and way before their time. 2020 WATTYS WINNER in MYSTERY The life of a poor merchant's daughter in Victorian Era London is quite boring. Charlotte Porter, it seems, is the exception. Desperate for a source of income once her father's gambling debts have drained their funds and placed them in the sights of some of London's most notorious criminals, Charlotte is in search of salvation. It comes in the form of handsome detective Alexander Langley, a curious gentleman with a strange connection to Scotland Yard and an even stranger connection to the American West. Charlotte soon finds herself swept into his world of investigation and intrigue. When a case of art theft turns into murder and she and Alexander are thrown into the seedy underbelly of the London elite, Charlotte realizes that the work isn't the only thing she's become attached to. But now, her father's powerful creditors are ready to close the books on them, and Charlotte must find a way to keep them out of the red because this time it won't be written in ink. Book 1 of the Langley & Porter Series *Featured on: The Wattpad Stars For Fans of Bridgerton List Wattpad's Strong Female Leads List @HistoricalFiction 's The Gothic List EDITOR'S PICK April 2021 Content warning: This story contains violence. **This is only the first five chapters. The rest of the book is available on Amazon for purchase and via KU.**

Rediscovering Love by HHarrisAuthor

Carmella 'Ella' Camden, a curious and intelligent young woman, dreams of finding love and companionship. Despite her beauty and wit, she constantly feels overlooked by noble men during her social seasons, who only seem interested in her friends and relatives. Losing hope, Ella resigns herself to the life of a spinster. Meanwhile, Jeremiah 'Jeremy' Morvall, Duke of Darlington, returns to England after traveling for business, being left no choice he has to find a lady to shoo away the eager ladies and their mothers. Fate brings Jeremy and Ella together at a grand ball, where Ella seeks solace in the Duke's library, surrounded by books that have always been her faithful companions. Little does she know that Jeremy instantly becomes captivated by her enchanting presence. However, Ella's past experiences have left her feeling unworthy of such attention, and she dismisses Jeremy's interest as nothing more than a fleeting curiosity. As Jeremy persistently pursues Ella's affections, the walls around her heart begin to crumble. But can Ella overcome her insecurities and allow herself to believe in love once more? Will Jeremy's true motives be exposed, or will he prove himself to be a genuine and devoted suitor? "Rediscovering Love" is a heartwarming historical romance that explores themes of self-discovery, overcoming past disappointments, and finding love when least expected. Readers will be swept away on a journey filled with tender moments, unexpected twists, and the undeniable power of true love. #1 IN HISTORICAL - 18TH JUNE 2024 #2 IN HISTORICAL - 31ST OCTOBER 2024

Faces of Man by project-hank

Murder! A gruesome slaughter shocks The Wall. The whole city is frightened. No one feels safe anymore. Inspector Whitfield stated to this reporter, that "the situation is under control. There is no need for panic." Asked if he already got a lead, a possible suspect, he turns away. Who did this horrible deed? Suspicions and speculations make the round, none of which are to be repeated here as not to kindle false accusations... ---------------------------------- Follow two pairs of investigators into the fictional, distorted picture of a Victorian Age London. Are they going to untangle this murder-mystery amidst deep set superstitions, fears, and prejudices? Or are they getting lost in the maze of the city, between poverty and luxury?

You may also like

Slide 1 of 20

Sentiment ➳ Sherlock x Reader cover

Knife's Edge cover

To Deceive A Duke cover

The Great Game (Sherlock Holmes x OC) cover

The Spying Cat (ONC 2023 Shortlister) cover

Regency Romance: An Unexpected Duke's Invitation (A Historical Romance Book) cover

The Forgotten Duchess cover

The Poisoner's Game cover

A Very Messy Business In Belgravia cover

𝓜𝓮 & 𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓮 ｟ BBC Sherlock ｠ cover

Murky Waters (2022 Wattys' Shortlist) cover

All That Glitters: A Maggie Power Adventure (Maggie Power #2) *Unedited version* cover

The Reluctant Marchioness cover

In Magician's Embrace [BOOK 1 of Price Family Saga] cover

Making the Grade (The Model Spy #2) cover

The Case of the Season cover

A is For Arson: A Langley & Porter Mystery (FIRST FIVE CHAPTERS) cover

Rediscovering Love cover

Faces of Man cover

Sentiment ➳ Sherlock x Reader

Sherlock Holmes x Reader "Sentiment is a chemical defect found on the losing side." The mere thought of it would almost make him cringe. Almost. "The world is filled with vital experiences, and sometimes we have to travel to the losing side to get them." You were a new pathologist at Bart's hospital working alongside your sister, Molly Hooper. Bart's paid well and you and Molly were excellent at your work. Everything is going swell, your even introduced to an annoying sociopath who flirts with your sister just to get info on a body for a crime. Everything changes when Molly goes missing, and your suddenly chasing a kidnapper. What happens when you are teamed with Sherlock Holmes to find who kidnapped your sister? You see different sides of Sherlock Holmes that you never had seen before...but are they good? I know you little fangirls out there love your romance fills so I promise there will be romance.