Oh, boy, this is my kind of book. I loved it. Fantastic Regency mystery. Fast-paced, intense dialogue, all kinds of twists and turns and lots of surprises.

Charles and Mélanie Fraser's son has just been kidnapped from his own home. In the search for a priceless heirloom, which is the key to getting him back, the Frasers have to trample in places that no self respecting member of high society would ever be caught dead in.

In their course, the Frasers unearth secrets that have been long buried. The dialogue that ensues is as harsh and honest that you'll ever see between a married couple.

The characters are intriguing and you never know who's hiding what. You never know who's around the corner ready to do someone in. People aren't what they appear to be. And there are moments that will just outright shock you.

This is the perfect regency, no doubt about it. You can see and just about smell the world you're reading. The descriptions are just right, not overdone.

I recommend this to any historical mystery lover. ( )

This novel (previously published as Daughter of the Game) unites some interesting literary elements: it's part mystery, part spy novel, and part family drama, set in the Regency period. Melanie and Charles Fraser seem to have the perfect lives: they are wealthy, have a prominent position in society, and are unfashionably fond of each other. But their peaceful existence is shattered when their son Colin is kidnapped, and in order to get him back, they must each revisit painful experiences from the past. They find themselves on the trail of a legendary ring, a Spanish family heirloom that both the French and British are trying to obtain and use as a weapon. Along the way, many secrets are revealed, most of which threaten Charles and Melanie's marriage, and some of which threaten their lives. I thought this novel was well-written and extremely exciting. The plot's twists and turns are completely improbable, but if you suspend your disbelief you'll quite enjoy it. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

A fun read - I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story as well as the adventure.Very well researched and full of interesting surprises. Very entertaining and highly recommended. ( )