Patricia Wynn

This is so bad it's hilarious, apart from all the times when the really unhealthy view of love intrudes. (Wanting to share someone's bed means you're in love with them, jealousy is proof of that, manipulating your love-interest into jealousy is a valid tactic, you can't possibly stop yourself from sleeping with your ward even when you know it's a really really bad idea, a woman's "potential" is measured entirely in her potential to be good in bed (p. 261), a wild woman has to be tamed to fit show more in with society, but oh no, now she's too ladylike, etc.) I know, I'm not the ideal reader for this sub-genre; I read it merely to mock it.

One thing I did like: our hero's Unsuitable Fiancée has no interest in him because rather than marry she wants to set up house with her lady companion. Our hero remains adorably clueless to this throughout the entire novel. show less

Sir Walter is found dead dressed in coronation robes at the Frost Fair on the iced over Thames....

Mrs. Kean is requested by Lord Harrowby to investigate the death of Sir Walter, who had introduced Harrowby to his current mistress, in order to find out who else might have the secret that Sir Walter threatened Harrowby with.

Mrs. Kean asks St. Mars for help... and so their relationship continues

The story, while interesting, surely did drag on & on....

I'm not interested in all the never-ending show more Hanoverian & Jacobite drama. I find it boring & that it interferes w/ the story. show less

I enjoyed the plot & characters... but it could have been at least 100 pages shorter.

Most all single men are in lust w/ Isabella, who has no dowry except her body & looks, and they want to marry her. Isabella's mother is a harridan & known woman of vice, wants Isabella to marry Title & Money; her cousin Mrs Kean, a poor relation forced into service as a maid to Isabella's mother.

Gideon Viscount St. Mars, is on of her suitors. When visiting his father to tell him of his plans to engage show more Isabella a fearful argument breaks out & Gideon leaves.... After Gideon leaves, his father is murdered, but not before wounding his attacker.

Late that night, on his way to a ball (where he meets & befriends Mrs Kean), Gideon is attacked & wounded by a masked man... Gideon is then accused of murdering his father and a warrant for his arrest is published.

Gideon's cousin is then named as heir and he marries Isabella, while Gideon & Mrs Kean unmask the murderer.... but as there is no proof, Gideon must sneak away & remain hidden.

There was no concrete ending, the book leaves the reader hanging, thus insuring the author a series show less

It was a cute but predictable read, except for the puppy. Charles was a bit stuffy, but otherwise a nice quick holiday read. I read this for the HoHoHoreadathon!!