Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Adult
You might like this book if you're a fan of Georgette Heyer, the Regency era, or fun romances that are clean and clever instead of steamy.
I listened to the audiobook from Audible, Read by Cornelius Garrett
While this does turn out to be a romantic story in which love wins in the end, it's a bit different from Ms. Heyer's other stories in that it's primarily about the men of the estate. The main character is Gervase Frant, Seventh Earth of St. Erth. He comes home to his family seat of Stanyon from the Battle of Waterloo. He finds his half brother and stepmother (referred to in regency times as his mother-in-law, which I thought interesting) none too thrilled to see him. He is the oldest and therefore the heir, but things aren't so simple as that.
The Dowager Countess is concerned primarily for the upward mobility of her son, Martin. He is a young man, still sowing his wild oats, and a bit wild and impulsive. He also speaks often of his intense derision for the Earl. Theo is a cousin and ward of the late Earl. Marianne is the beautiful ingenue. Drusilla is the not-so pretty but clever neighbor and companion to the Dowager.
Gervase knows Theo best, from having spent time together at their Grandmother's home, where Gervase was raised. They are good friends.
These characters all play their part in a fun tale of balls, flirting, and, surprise, attempted murder. Who wants to off Gervase?
I loved this one, as I love all of Georgette's books. The plots are clever, the humor divine, and the people interesting. I did not guess the ending and delighted in watching the climax and denouement unfold.
This one was really fun, and a nice listen with Mr. Garrett's well-played voices, inflections and accents giving a clear picture of each character without being overbearing.
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