Wonderful read, typical of Georgette Heyer. The plot was light but engaging, and kept you wondering what would happen until the very end. I highly recommend this book to all fans of historical romance.
"The Black Moth" is the story of Jack Carstares, the Earl of Wyncham, who was forced to leave England because he allegedly cheated at a game of cards. Years later, Richard Carstares is held up by a masked highwayman in the night. But who should this highwayman be but Jack, his older brother?! Burdened with a secret from the past, Richard must decide which course is best for both his brother and his family. The novel also tells the story of Tracy "Devil" Belmanoir, the Duke of Andover, whose scandalous affairs with various ladies is the talk of the town. Devil has decided that his next target is the young and lovely Diana Beauleigh, but his idea of romance is a roadside abduction. Jack foils Devil's schemes and saves the beautiful Diana, a woman with whom he could easily fall in love with. Diana is now the object of both men's affections, but she knows the true identity of neither. Whom will she choose, if any? What part does Devil play in the Carstares card scandal? Will either man reveal his true identity? How can Jack reconcile his love for Diana with his spotty past? Will Diana accept him for who he is, a disgraced highwayman? What will Richard do?
The program, for some reason, would not allow me to click on 5 stars, but that is what this book deserves. Georgette Heyer was and is the Queen of the Regency novel. She started the trend and all the rest are imitators. This particular book is actually part of a trilogy which includes "These Old Shades" but the other title eludes me. No matter, each stands alone.
Georgette Heyer's first book, has excellent character development and a very interesting, exciting story.
