Let me just say at the beginning that author Lisa Karon Richardson owes me a good night sleep! This intricate story kept me coming back to the book again and again. Finally, even before I was at the halfway point, I surrendered and stayed up most of the night to finish this twisted historical mystery.
Here’s the short version from Amazon:
A mysterious throne holds the key to two murders; an epic adventure steeped in treachery and romance
When Miss Lydia Garrett’s guardian is murdered, and the authorities refuse to investigate the odd circumstances, she vows to catch the culprit. The same night the Earl of Danbury is murdered in his bed. Against all odds it appears that the murders are related―and Anthony Douglas, the new Lord Danbury, is bent on revenge.
The clues point to the former earl’s first naval command. In 1758 the earl spirited away and hid the magnificent Peacock Throne at the behest of the Indian royal family. To draw out the murderer, Anthony and Lydia agree that they must locate the throne.
They are not the only ones interested in the Peacock Throne, however. Marcus Wiltshire, a British intelligence, has received hints that Bonaparte intends to return the throne to India and leverage its mystical significance to foment rebellion and cut England off from her most important trading partner.
When the amateur sleuths join forces with the professional agent, the quest for the throne leads them around the globe on an adventure steeped in danger, treachery, and romance.
My Take:
The writing of this novel was exquisite, catapulting me into the 1800’s of Great Britain and points beyond. Each setting was “dressed” in detail, offering a real-feeling experience of the era. And there were some great settings: the decor of a formal London mansion, the dregs of a backstreet eatery, a powerful ship, the jungles of a distant land. I could go on, but I don’t want to give anything away.
I was amazed at how seamlessly she was able to leap from the viewpoint of a proper gentleman, to a not-so-simple scullery maid, to a unique individual (a sort of Victorian poser) who applies a face appropriate to his circumstances. I loved being able to enjoy the story from those three main points of view, in turn of course.
All in all, this is an outstanding book for history and mystery lovers, both. One you should enjoy! Hey, why don’t you! You could get a copy of your own from Amazon right HERE!
Your Turn: Which historical era is your favorite to read.
Marji Laine 