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appalonia's review against another edition
4.0
This was another enjoyable entry in the Captain Gabriel Lacey series. There are so many characters thrown at you in the beginning though, I feel a bit sorry for anyone trying to read it without having read the preceding books. For me it was a delight catching up with all the ongoing characters: Lady Aline, Grenville, Pomeroy, Marianne Simmons, and Donata Breckenridge. The more I read and learn of her, the more I like Lady Breckenridge. I hope we find out a little more details of her former marriage. James Denis also appears, and continues to confound expectations. What exactly does he want from our good Captain? That seems to be a continuing mystery.
Colonel Brandon continues to exasperate me. Captain Lacey has proven time and again there is nothing between he and Louise and it surprises me that as close as these two have been, he wouldn’t give Lacey the benefit of the doubt, especially after proof has virtually been set at his feet. After all, the only reason Louise went to Lacey is that the Colonel planned to set her aside to marry another woman. He’s got a bit of a “dog in the manger” attitude going on there.
The mystery was well written but not particularly intriguing. At the end I really didn’t care who had stuck Henry Turner. Certainly the character himself failed to solicit any sympathy, being an opportunist and a blackmailer. But as usual the true appeal of this series resides in the interpersonal relationships between Lacey and his friends and acquaintances. The characters continue to grow and change in interesting ways. (Well, except Colonel Brandon.)
I look forward to the next book, which supposedly will show Captain Lacey finally tracking down his errant wife and daughter.
Colonel Brandon continues to exasperate me. Captain Lacey has proven time and again there is nothing between he and Louise and it surprises me that as close as these two have been, he wouldn’t give Lacey the benefit of the doubt, especially after proof has virtually been set at his feet. After all, the only reason Louise went to Lacey is that the Colonel planned to set her aside to marry another woman. He’s got a bit of a “dog in the manger” attitude going on there.
The mystery was well written but not particularly intriguing. At the end I really didn’t care who had stuck Henry Turner. Certainly the character himself failed to solicit any sympathy, being an opportunist and a blackmailer. But as usual the true appeal of this series resides in the interpersonal relationships between Lacey and his friends and acquaintances. The characters continue to grow and change in interesting ways. (Well, except Colonel Brandon.)
I look forward to the next book, which supposedly will show Captain Lacey finally tracking down his errant wife and daughter.
marsali's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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
4.5
justasking27's review against another edition
4.0
Another excellent mystery story in the Captain Lacey series. I love the developments in the relationships with the women in his life in this one.
laurla's review against another edition
-a tall very narrow book, i dont care for this paperback format.
"basil stokes was the sort of man who said whatever he liked and then laughed afterward to soften the blow."
"she does have strength. she can stand up to me and tell me to go to the devil."
"so very few men would prize that in a lady."
"basil stokes was the sort of man who said whatever he liked and then laughed afterward to soften the blow."
"she does have strength. she can stand up to me and tell me to go to the devil."
"so very few men would prize that in a lady."
vesper1931's review against another edition
4.0
At a ball in Berkeley Square a body is found, stabbed with the knife of Captain Lacey's former commander and friend Colonel Brandon.
Lacey is determined to find the true murderer even without the help of Brandon. Why? What is Brandon hiding?
A good story, ready for the next one.
Lacey is determined to find the true murderer even without the help of Brandon. Why? What is Brandon hiding?
A good story, ready for the next one.
circus_of_damned's review against another edition
5.0
OMG my favorite book of the series yet. All the characters have made real development and stopped being two dementional cut-outs of Regency England time period people. And have fully flurish, and shown interpersonal interaction and deep emtional connection. Plus people are finally actually communicating and resolving issues. It was amazing and is a high point in the series so far for me.
cynpra1520's review against another edition
4.0
Thought this one had a good mystery but really enjoyed the character development that took place among all the characters. Captain Lacey had been lingering too long in the poor depressed yet angry state in the first 4 books. Its hard to admire that. Now he taking some real steps forward and I am looking forward to the next book.
pmalt's review
5.0
I really liked the plot of this book, and most of the characters. I do have to say I am totally sick of reading about the Brandons, Louisa in particular. She is just about the most pathetic character in the series and I have absolutely no respect for her. I hate almost every scene she's in. That being said, I am so happy Lady Breckinridge is having a bigger part of the books, she is a good counter for Captain Lacey.