The Counterfeit Guest by Rose Melikan
Before I start, if you haven’t read the Blackstone Key by this author, skip this review and the book until you have finished it. I made the mistake of suggesting that a friend might enjoy this book, but since she hadn’t read book one in the series, well, let’s just say that her response was not flattering.
So having established that you remember Mary Firth and the dashing Captain Holland, we now get to visit our heroine after she has come into her fortune. As might be expected, Mary is quickly bored with the formal visits, shopping and musical soirees. There may be a war with France brewing, but none of that is going to impact on Society. Mary’s yearning for another adventure quickly finds her once again spying for the British government. This time however Captain Holland is undercover, seemingly working for the French agents who are stirring up the British military to mutiny. But spying is a difficult business, and very soon the hunters become the hunted.
The period is late 18th century. The gowns are long, class distinctions in England are in absolute control. Therefore the potential romance between Mary and Holland must be extinguished, or does it? This novel is liberally sprinkled with real historical figures and events. The plot is implausible, but then again, it is known that women were very effective spies at the time. What better way to gather information quietly than as a companion for a friend in her country manor?
This historical romance is heavier on the history than on the romance, but that’s OK. I like Mary and can’t wait for the next instalment due for publication next year.
