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mbenzz's review against another edition
5.0
I started this book immediately after finishing the 1st book in the Lady Emily Series, 'And Only to Deceive'. I love how Emily is unconventional for her time, but not so much that it's distracting. She rebels against society in small ways, yet given the time period, even the smallest slight against the formalities of Victorian Society can have significant consequences against one's social status. In the last book Lady Ashton helped solve the mystery of her husband's premature death, and in doing so, established herself to be a bit of a rebel (her love of port didn't help much either!).
In this novel, Emily is putting her newfound sleuthing skills to work again. Many things are going on in Emily's world, and she juggles each with amazing grace and organization. I had to stop a few times and think about what was going on because sometimes I would mix things up, or get people confused (there is a large cast of characters here, so you'll really need to pay attention). Someone is stealing items from England's well-to-do...items that once belonged to the doomed Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. At the same time a fellow peer, David Francis, ends up murdered, and one of his servants is in jail for the crime. Emily senses that something is amiss and decides to investigate. Are the thefts and murder connected? You'll have to read to find out. On top of all this though, someone is enamored with Emily and sending her love letters written in Greek. There is quite a bit going on with this book, and while it can at times be a little overwhelming, I still loved it.
Now, I'll be honest, about halfway through this book, I was convinced that I had it all figured out. In fact, I remember thinking to myself, 'Gee, Ms. Alexander sure dropped the ball with this book, I'm only halfway done and I already know who the killer and the secret admirer is!'...HA! I was not even CLOSE to being correct. Not in a million years would I have guessed the culprit! In my opinion, that's a great mystery novel!
If you've already read the 1st book from this series, then I shouldn't have to tell you to go ahead and read this book...I would imagine that you would have wanted to read it on your own. If you've never read anything of Ms. Alexander's, then I highly suggest you pick up the first book and give this series a go. I don't normally read mysteries, nor do I care much for series', but Lady Emily Ashton has been an absolute pleasure to read about. I've just started the 3rd book 'A Fatal Waltz', and I can't wait to see where Emily takes us next!
In this novel, Emily is putting her newfound sleuthing skills to work again. Many things are going on in Emily's world, and she juggles each with amazing grace and organization. I had to stop a few times and think about what was going on because sometimes I would mix things up, or get people confused (there is a large cast of characters here, so you'll really need to pay attention). Someone is stealing items from England's well-to-do...items that once belonged to the doomed Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. At the same time a fellow peer, David Francis, ends up murdered, and one of his servants is in jail for the crime. Emily senses that something is amiss and decides to investigate. Are the thefts and murder connected? You'll have to read to find out. On top of all this though, someone is enamored with Emily and sending her love letters written in Greek. There is quite a bit going on with this book, and while it can at times be a little overwhelming, I still loved it.
Now, I'll be honest, about halfway through this book, I was convinced that I had it all figured out. In fact, I remember thinking to myself, 'Gee, Ms. Alexander sure dropped the ball with this book, I'm only halfway done and I already know who the killer and the secret admirer is!'...HA! I was not even CLOSE to being correct. Not in a million years would I have guessed the culprit! In my opinion, that's a great mystery novel!
If you've already read the 1st book from this series, then I shouldn't have to tell you to go ahead and read this book...I would imagine that you would have wanted to read it on your own. If you've never read anything of Ms. Alexander's, then I highly suggest you pick up the first book and give this series a go. I don't normally read mysteries, nor do I care much for series', but Lady Emily Ashton has been an absolute pleasure to read about. I've just started the 3rd book 'A Fatal Waltz', and I can't wait to see where Emily takes us next!
byrdy's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration. It was difficult at times to keep track of some of the society characters at times, so reading a print copy may help with that.
ashmhood82's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.5
annalisa4's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
shawniebooks's review against another edition
4.0
I'm loving this Victorian mystery series. I love Lady Emily's character! It has some romantic elements, but it is truly mystery. ;)
lizzicampdux's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I thought I was doing a better job following the plot(s) in this second in the series but again as Alexander began pulling the threads to complete the picture I was running to keep up. Many interrelated storylines to track.
amym84's review against another edition
4.0
In her follow up to [b:And Only to Deceive|288159|And Only to Deceive (Lady Emily, #1)|Tasha Alexander|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1388341948s/288159.jpg|806780], Lady Emily is enjoying life as a widow. She's finding she likes the independence and is not yet ready to accept another proposal of marriage. She's ready to enjoy the Season, but is also prepared to make herself as scarce as possible at any events. Of course when you refuse invitations everyone assumes you are in high demand so you end up receiving even more invites.
Of course Lady Emily can't do without intrigue and she ends up getting embroiled in a murder investigation that may have royal connections. Add to it an admirer that also likes to steal items once owned by Marie Antoinette, and Lady Emily will be quite busy this Season.
Tasha Alexander does a wonderful job with setting up the mystery and seemlessly follows the story through to it's conclusion without the answer being too outrageous or coming completely out of left field. Everything has a reason and is accounted for.
I look forward to reading more Lady Emily adventures.
Of course Lady Emily can't do without intrigue and she ends up getting embroiled in a murder investigation that may have royal connections. Add to it an admirer that also likes to steal items once owned by Marie Antoinette, and Lady Emily will be quite busy this Season.
Tasha Alexander does a wonderful job with setting up the mystery and seemlessly follows the story through to it's conclusion without the answer being too outrageous or coming completely out of left field. Everything has a reason and is accounted for.
I look forward to reading more Lady Emily adventures.
showell's review against another edition
3.0
More brain candy for me. My main quibble with this book is that the secret admirer plot reminds me too much of Elizabeth Peters' Sethos subplot in her Amelia Peabody mysteries. Otherwise, a fun way to wile away some hours.
bookminx's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
amotisse's review against another edition
5.0
As fun as I remember And Only to Deceive. Lady Emily is a modern day heroine despite being a member of Victorian aristocracy. Full of unbecoming idiosyncrasies for a woman of her time, makes her totally appealing and all the intrigue of the historical settings and storylines add to the fun.