jjares reviewed on 12/4/2018 + 3413 more book reviews

This is the middle tome of a trilogy by Barbara Metzger. It is the story of the Royce men who have the ability to discern lies from others. They have been instrumental in helping the British government during the Napoleonic Wars. Now, spymaster Major Harrison is ready to retire but has one more case to solve.

He needs to attend a country house party with a courtesan to learn if there is a plot afoot to tumble the government. At the same time, Simone Ryland has hit the end of her rope. She is responsible for a younger brother (away in school) and has no means of caring for him or herself. She keeps losing jobs because men of the household try to take away her virginity. When she refuses, she is fired without a reference. Now, Simone is at Mrs. Burton's brothel, asking for work. Mrs. Burton, a friend of Major Harrison/Harry Harmon, decides that Simone is just the right person for Harry's plot.

The end of the story was just too tidy; it didn't smack of realism. The dialogue was snappy and Daniel was a treat.

Royce Lie Detectors

1. Truly Yours (2007)
** 2. The Scandalous Life of a True Lady (2008)
3. The Wicked Ways of a True Hero (2009)

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