A Poisoned Season

A Poisoned Season (2007) Tasha Alexander

The second Lady Emily mystery finds Lady Emily Ashton still trying to find her place in society as a widow, and battling her mother’s domineering attempts to get Emily remarried.

Emily is still refusing Colin Hargreaves offer of marriage, but not because she doesn’t love him, but because she values the independence she has come to know as a widow (despite her mother’s vociferous disapproval).

A claimant to the French throne (the lost (great) grandson of Marie Antoinette) is attempting to gain the support of the French government, even though there is long longer a French monarchy. (Pesky details.) The presumptive heir is a cad and a boor, but his possible position gives him political power and people put up with him, just in case he does gain the throne.

But someone is stealing items that once belonged to Marie Antoinette–and that person doesn’t seem to be the current claimant. And when one of the owners from whom an item was stolen is found murdered, Lady Emily becomes even more curious–and involved.

This is the second historical mystery involving a lost heir to the French monarchy I’ve read this year. I have to admit I prefer C.S. Harris’ writing and story telling, but this wasn’t bad. And it wasn’t a particularly uncommon occurrence.

I do like Lady Emily, and especially enjoy her wit.

“And, Emily”—he grew serious—“if you ever…if Hargreaves doesn’t…if you do need someone…I think you and I could come to a mutually satisfactory understanding.”

“Really, Jeremy, that has to be one of the most romantic proposals in all of English history. May I record it in my diary?”

“I mean it, Em.”

Poor Jeremy.

Never mind the fact that Jeremy and Margaret concoct a plan to keep things easier during the Season, when both are expected to be searching out eligible suitors–whether they want to or not.

Besides—and I know you will take no offense at this, Margaret, darling—she would die before seeing me marry an American. She’s never forgiven the colonists for leaving the empire.”

“Ah!” Margaret cried. “Perfect! That is what will end our affair. I’m devastated already.”

I think what I particularly like about this series is the constant struggle between personal desire and societal expectations.
Rating: 7/10

Published by HarperCollins

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