Alice B. reviewed on 7/19/2019 + 3563 more book reviews

In 1816 London Gabriel Lacey, English cavalry officer and veteran of campaigns in India, the mid-east, and the Peninsular war, has suffered unjust betrayal and revenge from a one-time friend and mentor Colonel Aloysius Brandon. He undertakes to solve a mystery of the death of a former colonel in the English calvary and falls in love with the widow. His investigations involve him with Interesting characters who reveal their personalities in their words and actions throughout a well-wrought plot where telling and sometimes surprising relationships and motivations are revealed. Immorality and amorality clash with justice and honor. After the fulminations over style and taste in domestic decorations (and careful descriptions of tasteless, poor quality in some cases), I found it hard to be believable coming from Captain Lacey, who had not lived a life where he would have had much opportunity to be taught those distinctions. For instance, this:;Lydia Westin's house was like her, elegant and understated. In a world of ornate gilding and faux Egyptian furnishings, the Westin household had retained a more classical feel. Ivory paneling framed delicate moir wallpaper hung with landscapes. Tapered-legged tables stood in niches along the black and white tile flooring, and fresh flowers filled vases hung on the walls flanking mirrors; This from a man who thought of himself as described by acquaintances as blunt and direct in his manner, his tactlessness often getting him into tense difficulties.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details