Another domestic instalment. Marion has lost her memory following a difficult confinement, and is residing with her aristocratic relations; her cousin the Earl has tasked her with uncovering a family secret while she recovers. Suffice it to say that the secret is in the vein of Dumas. While interesting and a reasonable read, I find the domestic settings less compelling than the overseas settings.

The Earl in the Shadows by Brenda Clough is interesting. The first part was a bit confusing while the protagonist was sorting out her memories, but as most of it came back it became more interesting. The twist was really unforeseen, and made for an interesting ending. I would recommend the book. The early part takes a bit to get through, but the ending makes it worthwhile. ( )

Back in England, installment #4 is another wild adventure, featuring rescues from fiery towers, carriage crashes, and cryptic correspondents. This one is more gothic in tone, as the heroine grapples with amnesia, nightmares, and relatives hidden in the attic. And a new set of literary touchstones come to the fore--the novels of Victor Hugo and Alexander Dumas. With yet another fine mix of details on Victorian medicine and law, along with some simmering romance. ( )