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A review by mbenzz
A Poisoned Season by Tasha Alexander
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!