When Gervase Frant, new Earl of Stanyon, returns unscathed from the Napoleonic Wars, he finds a unwelcoming household. His stepmother is miffed at his survival, his half-brother resents him as a rival, and somebody is going to great lengths to kill him. Gervase sighs and sets out to straighten the familial tangle.

I can't read Georgette Heyer anymore without noticing the elements recycled from her other books, so: The Quiet Gentleman uses a lot of the Gothic props (albeit to much greater effect) last seen in Cousin Kate; like A Civil Contract, it features a male protagonist (which is unusual for Heyer), and, like The Black Moth, the ostensible "romance" is so far in the background as to be overlooked.

But the key difference, in regards to that last point, is that while The Black Moth was weakened (or at least made uneven) by the remote role of its lovers, The Quiet Gentleman is strengthened through its preoccupations. The center of the story lies with Gervase and his brother Martin, and their complicated relationship drives the novel. In contrast, the charm of Gervase's romantic attachment lies entirely in its obscurity: even if you're attuned to the genre signals, it sneaks up on the reader. (Arguably, this is because the relationship is never properly developed or explained, but! The reader is too busy thinking about Martin and Gervase! Preoccupations!)

The Quiet Gentleman fits more more tightly with the conventions of genre mystery, and in that model, it's less innovative and interesting. Heyer goes to such great lengths not to implicate one character in particular that the reader can pinpoint him as the villain by page 50. (And, much like the heroine's love, the villain's motives are arbitrarily discovered and resolved in the last ten pages.) But Heyer does such a good job engineering Gervase's household as a tight family unit that, despite the glaring obviousness of the villain, the reader can't avoid feeling a wrench when the villain's identity becomes steadily more obvious. If only Heyer had developed the villain -- made the villain more than a one-dimensional saint who turns into a one-dimensional sinner -- The Quiet Gentleman would be a great novel. But...no. Heyer's strength is not multi-dimensional characters.

Which is why Martin Frant is such a surprisingly and pleasing character, because he is multi-dimensional, because he has well-developed motives and regrets, and because his relationship with brother Gervase is both affectionate and antagonistic. And, as the novel's conclusion reveals, Martin's feelings are not one-sided: Gervase has been involved in his own quiet campaign of protection and provocation. ( )

Gervase Frant finally returns to his father's estate to claim his title as the new Seventh Earl of St. Erth at Stanyon. Unscathed from glory at Waterloo, Gervase expected a hero's welcome - instead he's given a frigid cold shoulder. Upon his return only Theo, a cousin even quieter than himself, is there to greet him--and when he meets his stepmother and half-brother open disdain put a chill on Gervase's welcome, and he detects open regret that he has survived inconveniently two wars. Now he must establish himself as the new head of the house... and ignore his family's rising hostility.

Then Gervase's eye is caught by beautiful and charming Mariann Bolderwood, a collector of beaux -- the same young woman already much in favor with his half-brother. Gervase struggles to maintain a gentlemanly balance, but now the brothers are again rivals as they bid for the lady's attentions. But the dangers of the Lincolnshire countryside could never be more unexpected. Gervase finds himself the victim of repeatedly life-threatening accidents. And soon it becomes increasingly clear that someone wants the new Earl cruelly dead. Level-headed Drusilla Morville is captivated by Gervase but knows that she does not stand a chance against the debutantes vying for his affections, until Gervase's life is endangered and free-spirited Drusilla comes to the rescue.

Less than a hero's welcome...
Returning to his family seat from Waterloo, Gervase Frant, seventh Earl of St Erth, could have expected more enthusiasm for his homecoming. His quiet cousin, stepmother, and young half-brother seem openly disappointed that he survived the wars. And when he begins to fall for his half-brother's sweetheart, his chilly reception goes from unfriendly to positively murderous.
One of Heyer's most suspenseful Regency romances, The Quiet Gentleman combines an ingenious mystery plot with her signature witty style and effervescently engaging characters.
What Readers Say:
"A must read. You will love the quirky characters, the great suspense plot, and the incredible wit."
"A breath of fresh air... Heyer's witty dialog, engaging and sparkling characters, and humorous repartee make this an engaging and wonderful read."
"One of my favourites; it is a mystery as well as a lighthearted comedy of manners."

Georgette Heyer wrote over fifty novels, including Regency romances, mysteries, and historical fiction. She was known as the Queen of Regency romance, and was legendary for her research, historical accuracy, and her extraordinary plots and characterizations. ( )

Yay, my first Georgette Heyer!

I’m happy she wrote so many books, because I love her writing. So witty. I’ve never encountered a protagonist quite like Gervase. I loved his calm, thoughtful, firm way of dealing with people, friend and foe. He made me think of my college advisor who was nicknamed “the velvet bulldozer” because of his knack for gently, kindly, getting his way. Drusilla was fantastic! I laughed and cheered for her so much as she went about her business, being reasonable and fixing everything.

This had a touch of romance, but it was more of a mystery with humorous social commentary. Because I’m secretly a detective—and a genius—I figured out who was trying to kill Gervase. But it was still fun getting there, and I loved how Gervase’s friends were all forcing their protection on him. Martin’s Bow Street Runner was the best!

I started this on audio, and James MacCallum did a nice job portraying so many different characters. I’m not sure I liked how he did Gervase. He came off sounding rather pompous, but otherwise, I really liked his performance. Had to switch to e-book at around the halfway point so I could blow through to the end. ( )

Oh, was this a fun read! Considered one of Heyer's historical romances, I'd argue it has a much stronger mystery plot than anything else (which of course makes me happy).

Unscathed from the wars, Gervase Frant finally returns to his father's estate to claim his title as the new Earl of Stanyon. But his stepmother's resentment and his half brother's open disdain put a chill on Gervase's welcome. Now he must establish himself as the new head of the house and ignore his family's rising hostility.

But Gervase begins to find himself the victim of repeatedly cruel accidents. Soon it becomes increasingly clear that someone wants the new Earl of Stanyon dead.

There are shades of Mrs. Bennett in Gervase's step-mother that had me chuckling under my breath as I read, and Gervase himself was smooth as silk, level-headed and the kind of alpha male that doesn't need to assert his alpha-ness, he just is. Miss Moreville is an excellent character as well; wonderfully level-headed and not the last bit silly or 'romantic', while Martin is the male personification of silly and romantic.

The mystery itself was truthfully not really mysterious; Heyer was too heavy-handed for the ending to be anything but obvious, and not a little tragic, but I loved what she did with the rest of the story and the characters; everyone got what was best for them, if not what they wanted. In an oeuvre that covers the spectrum of quality writing, The Quiet Gentleman definitely sits nearer the top. I hope my luck continues with my next Heyer read. ( )

A slightly Scarlet Pimpernel flavor to the tone. ( )

Ahh, this is excellent. Gervase returns to his ancestral pile to a less than warm welcome from his step mother and half brother. Martin has long anticipated being the heir, and with Gervase at war in Spain, that was always a possibility. But has he started to take matters into his own hands? Is it such a big step form hoping that Gervase would not come back to taking steps to put him out of the way???
The tale is muddied by the presence of the delectable Marianne Bolderwood. There seem to be many rivals for her hand, and Martin does himself no favours in that direction either.
In the fairly small family party there is also Miss Morville, whose parents have enlightened views (although Mrs Morville turns out to have a fine grasp of the difference between theory and practice). Miss Morville is one of the those thoroughly sensible and practical young ladies, who doesn't swoon or do anything so melodramatic, and so fades into the background and just forms part of the furniture. Fortunately for her, her excellent qualities are spotted, although she does manage to swoon just at the right moment.
Part of me feels sorry for Gervase, having stepped into an uncomfortable situation not of his making, but he rises to the occasion quite admirably and sets out to work out what exactly is going on in the family pile - and who it is wants him out of the way.
A thoroughly enjoyable escapade all round. ( )

2020 reread:
I am increasing my rating from 3 to 4*. It has been over a decade since I last read this romance and I enjoyed it more than I anticipated (even though I did recall the ending). This book is one of the handful of Heyer's romances that incorporates a suspense or mystery plot (such as "The Reluctant Widow" and "The Talisman Ring") - being a mystery buff, I love the romantic suspense subgenre. ( )

Regency romance.
Enjoyed. ( )

This is an old favorite Heyer of mine, and I know lots of passages almost by heart, but I hadn't read it in ages. I bought the audiobook years ago and finally got around to it. The narrator is Cornelius Garrett, who has an old-style approach (think Frederick Davidson). Sometimes those types of interpretations don't work for me, but I really enjoyed this one. Garrett brings out the comedy of manners aspects, which I sometimes gloss over in favor of the romantic storyline.

This is actually one of Heyer's less romantic novels, and her heroine, Drusilla, even says "try as I will, I cannot be romantic" at one point. And she really can't, although she is delightful in many ways and I can certainly see why St. Erth falls in love with her. He, on the other hand, is the classic romantic hero -- blond, beautiful, and very accomplished. But he's also kind and caring and patient.

The plot is one of Heyer's mysteries set in the countryside, in this case at Stanyon Castle. St. Erth, the heir, has given up his cavalry officer position upon inheriting the Earldom, but his return is not welcomed by his stepmother or his half-brother, Martin, since both had hoped for his demise during the Napoleonic Wars. But Martin is now relegated to younger-son status and both mother and son lament what might have been. Somehow Heyer manages to make Martin likeable and his mother sympathetic despite this. The only family member who welcomes St. Erth's return is his cousin Theo, who manages the estates. Drusilla, who is staying with Lady St. Erth as a temporary companion, is curious to meet him but not expecting much of a cavalry dandy.

Soon after his return it becomes apparent that someone is trying to murder St. Erth. Martin would be the obvious culprit, but surely that's too obvious? But St. Erth is not just moving into Stanyon Castle, he's become the prime catch of the neighborhood and a threat to Martin's interest in the lovely Marianne.

I picked up on the hints about whodunit much earlier in the audiobook, not because they were telegraphed but because when I listened to every word they were more apparent. The dialogue is wonderful, Heyer's dry humor is everywhere, and the cant wasn't overdone. The romance is just hinted at, barely, but the final scene is extremely satisfying. *happy sigh* ( )

Gervase Frant, the new Earl of St. Erth, returns home unscathed from the Napoleonic Wars to claim his estate--somewhat to the disappointment of his stepmother, the dowager Countess, and his half-brother, Martin. His only friend in the old castle of Stanyon is his cousin, Theo Frant, who has been serving as manager of the Frant lands and investments. Intent on getting reacquainted with his childhood home and taking hold of his responsibilities, he finds himself facing Lady St. Erth's resentment and Martin's hostility.

And then he starts to have a string of potentially deadly accidents. When his horse trips and throws him on an open lane, only the chance arrival of his stepmother's young guest, Miss Drusilla Morville, prevents it from being fatal--and ensures the discovery of a cord across the lane, that proves it was no accident.

Gervase has to find out who his real enemy is, in the midst of people who are almost total strangers to him.

This is a Georgette Heyer regency romance, and if you know and love them, it's almost not necessary to say any more. It's light and fun, without being absolutely unaware of the realities of the period. Unlike many of her novels, this one focuses more on the male side of the romance than the female side. The mystery isn't too hard to figure out, but is nicely handled.

Recommended.

I bought this book. ( )

I always enjoy Heyer. Even her average novels make me happy. It probably isn’t fair to compare every female character with the heroines of The Grand Sophie, Faro’s Daughter or The Convenient Marriage, but I do. If I have a quibble with The Quiet Gentleman is there is not enough development of female lead. The fact I cannot remember her name two weeks later proves my point. I enjoyed The Quiet Gentleman but will not read it again. ( )

The Earl of St Erth returns to his ancestral home a year after the death of his father. Living there are his stepmother, half brother Martin, and cousin Theo. His return is much resented by Martin as he was treated as the heir (the Earl being in the army and his mother having fled her marriage with the previous Earl). Various accidents befall the Earl, and the blame all points to Martin.

A deft blend of mystery and Regency romance with a not too implausible plot. This is a favourite of mine; I tend to prefer Heyer's less romantic plots.

Miss Moreville is one of my favorite Heyer protagonists. Not in the least romantic, very practical and well organized. I fell in love with her as soon as she started knitting a pair of socks right at the start of the novel. ( )

Earl of Stanyon returns home to take charge of his estates, only to find seething hostility and competition for position as the master. Attempted murder and various other plots heighten the adventure. Some fairly implausible episodes but an amusing story nonetheless. ( )

I think in this novel Ms. Heyer must have been thinking about writing her mysteries because this was far more about "who did it" Then it was about a love story.

Gervase St. Erth has come home a year after his father died making him the Earl. At home is his step-momma and half-brother as well as what seems to be a less well-to-do young woman, a Miss Morville. Of course there Gervase is handsome and of course Miss Morville is smart and wise but not a great Beauty. But truly this romance had so little chemistry between the two if one didn't know better you might question whether this was a romance - almost gothic in nature.

I found myself not really caring if Gervase got the girl. I was far more interested in who was trying to kill him. Entertaining read that shows Ms. Heyer can be versatile. ( )

Not bad, but not a good Heyer. It's a little too funny to be as deep as it is, and a little too deep to be properly funny. I quite like both Gervase and Drusilla, but their interactions are a little off for me. The mystery is rather neat - it's well-seeded, in the sense that after the revelation I was rethinking quite a few scenes that had made one kind of sense at the time. The usual proportion of idiots that Heyer provides, in pretty much the standard distribution. Not a favorite, but not bad. ( )

Didn’t think I was going to like this one at first, owing to the opening being a long-winded explanation of backstory. Even when the characters were introduced the narrative seemed tinged with something mundane. Thankfully this feeling gradually ebbed away, allowing a humorous and mysterious tale to play out.

I like most of the characters, especially Martin, Drusilla, Gervase, and the dowager. Marianne was my favourite – she’s one of Ms Heyer’s classic air-headed yet good-hearted beauties, brightening up every scene she appears in.

An entertaining read. ( )

I found the beginning of The Quiet Gentleman so slow that I put it down and didn't pick it up again for at least a week. Gervase Frant, the new Earl of St Erth and possessor of some strange names, isn't exactly welcomed home by his stepmother and younger half-brother, and seems set to - predictably - fall in love with the local beauty, but the story didn't seem to be going anywhere.
And I didn't care about enough of the characters enough to be happy meandering around their immediate surrounds with them without much plot.

However, I persevered and I am really glad I did! The tension picked up and The Quiet Gentleman surprised me.

It isn't as humorous as some of Heyer's other novels, because it's a more serious story, but there are still some funny scenes. (Why aren't there any BBC-type adaptations of Heyers novels yet?) And there's character development, and characters showing awareness of Gothic tropes, and a mystery that didn't unfold as I expected. This is the best Heyer I've read in ages!

My favourite character is Miss Drusilla Morville, because she's so level-headed and resourceful, and that was satisfying to read about.

Not even when his lifeless body had been carried into the Castle had she conducted herself like a heroine of romance! Had she fainted at the sight of his blood-soaked raiment? Had she screamed? No! All she had done had been to direct Ulverston to do one thing, Turvey another, Chard to ride for the doctor, while she herself had done what lay within her power to staunch the bleeding.
At this point the prosaic [side of] Miss Morville intervened. "Just as well!" she said.
"He would have liked me better had I fallen into a swoon!" argued Drusilla.
"Nonsense! He would have been dead, for well you know that no one else had the least notion of what to do!" ( )

My second Heyer book was a bit different because there was a big mystery in it, still it was not one of her true mystery novel. There is romance, mystery and the stillness that is proper manners.

First I was not sure about this one, mostly cos I felt Gervase was going after the wrong woman. Well I feared so. Though that fixes itself because he is a very quiet gentleman. A proper and nice man, a bit too nice actually. But then I do think Heyer seemed to like second chances and being all nice and all.

Back to the story. Gervase comes home. His younger step-brother resents him because he wants to be lord of the manor and get the pretty girl. Soon strange things start to happen. Who wants to kill Gervase? And that is the question. The way she continued to spin things did have me wondering even if I guessed it (ok I did not settle, I had options).

Martin the step-brother was very young and rushed into things. Still I never disliked him. Cousin Theo was all nice and managed things around the place. Miss Morville I liked from the start and hoped Gervase would fall for her. Miss Bolderwood was the beauty everyone fell for but yes just too pretty and nice (not the smartest cookie in the jar). Lucy (not a girl, just a nick-name) was Gervase's friend and fell for the local beauty too. But before you think everyone fell for her, I think I can spoil things and say that Gervase did not. It's not really a spoiler since he kind of realizes it at once. It was a full cast of characters who all brought something to the book.

And again, everyone is just so proper and it is fantastic. The style is truly Austen and the language so too. I can't help to giggle when a certain young woman cries that someone tried to make love to her. Oh the phrasing is just wonderful. She meant kiss, nothing more.



Still I did feel it was a bit slow at times, but I enjoyed it none the less.

Conclusion:
Heyer is just fun.

( )

After surviving the Battle of Waterloo, Gervase Frant returns to his family home to take up the mantle of Earl of St.Erth. His step-mother and her son are not pleased to see him: they had hoped he would die so that Martin would succeed to the title. Several attempts on Gervase's life later, he uncovers the identity of the would-be assassin and marries his True Luv. Since I knew the identity of both within about ten pages, this book drags. I often laugh out loud while reading a Heyer novel, but I was never tempted while reading this one. I didn't care about the love affairs either; they each felt predetermined and lusterless.
Still and all, worth an afternoon. ( )

There's more action than usual in this Regency novel: clever plotting with a bit of mystery, and as ever with Heyer, an exciting and satisfying conclusion.

There are wonderfully drawn characters, although the opening pages are a bit long-winded, and for someone new to Heyer it can take a while to get into the dialect and descriptive language, even though it's apparently quite authentic.

Gervase, The Earl of St Erth, is a quiet, almost dandified young man who really doesn't like conflict; yet it appears that his half-brother Martin loathes him. Having read it so many times before I remembered the outcome, and even the last few scenes, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment at all.

Latest full review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2023/02/the-quiet-gentleman-by-georgette-he... ( )

Substance: The usual cast of underestimated heroes (male and female), duplicitous relations, clueless matrons, and amorous ladies. There is a substantial mystery component which is handled fairly in the best English whodunit tradition.
Style: Heyer is unfailingly humorous and engaging, but sometimes a little muddled; this book is actually more clearly written than some. ( )

I haven't read a Georgette Heyer novel in more than 45 years. I'd forgotten how witty and ascerbic she could make her characters. Other passengers on my commuter train must have thought I was nuts for laughing out loud so often. The mystery here is slight. I figured it out before the 1/4 way point, but that's not important to me. I just loved the characters and watching them interact and find their ways. I clearly need to add more of her books to my list, this was a total romp! ( )

I still love Heyer's books and this was a very good one. Light and frothy, and lots of fun. The hero si not a traditional alpha tye and the heroine is very practical and smart and that really made the story. I also liked that this story contained an aura of mystery. ( )

Heyer’s romances are really enjoyable and it is even better when she includes a mystery. The Quiet Gentleman starts with Gervase, the unwanted heir to the earldom of St Erth, returning to his home. His father’s second wife and son are firmly entrenched in the estate and had hoped that Gervase would have been conveniently disposed of in the war against Napoleon. The son, Martin, has been brought up to think of Stanyon, the family home, as his and he makes no secret of his animosity but has he taken things further? Who is behind the life threatening incidents directed at the current earl? That is the mystery.

As for romance, there is a beautiful young heiress who has all the young men flocking to her side, including the earl and his half brother. Then there is the practical young woman acting as temporary companion to the earl’s stepmother. Add to this the usual raft of skillfully sketched period characters and you have another intriguing Heyer novel. ( )