Lessons in Seduction

Lessons in Seduction (2010) Charlie Cochrane (Cambridge Fellows)

Set in England in 1907.

Jonty and Orlando go undercover to investigate a possible murder!

Jonty has to go as himself, since he and his family are too prominent for him to be unrecognized, but few people know Orlando on sight.

“We thought the role of professional dancing partner would be an ideal one.” Mr. Wilson addressed a spot just behind Orlando’s left ear. “For accessing confidential information. His Majesty is relying on us. On you.”

The door bursting open forestalled Orlando’s disgruntled reply.

“Is it settled then?” The Master’s sister swept into the room, grinning broadly. “Dr. Coppersmith’s off to be a gigolo?”

The woman in question had been a mistress when the king had been prince, so there is a push to make sure her death was not murder.

Mr. Stewart had always taken a pretty dim view of the morals of royalty. Jonty remembered seeing some lady at a function wearing a huge brooch which she’d been given for services rendered. Papa had muttered under his breath that it would probably be easier to give some sort of a badge to those women who hadn’t rendered services to His Royal Highness.

There are plenty of amusing bits, with Orlando being “undercover” at the hotel.

“He’s never a Nancy boy.” Christine at last found her voice, after a bout of spluttering. “I won’t hear him besmirched in that way, even if he never wants his name on my card. We girls can always tell, can’t we, Paula?” She suddenly wanted to promote feminine solidarity and all bitching was temporarily forgotten.

“Oh yes. Like the chap you’re replacing, Oliver. Mr. Ashton-Hall. He’s, well, he’s a wonderful dancer and very popular with the ladies, but none of the husbands need to worry about him running off with their wives. That wouldn’t apply to Dr. Stewart, of that I’m certain.”

“I’m pleased to hear it.” Orlando stuck his nose in his brandy and finished it off.

Despite all the twists and turns, I was pretty sure who the murderer was, once we reached that point of the story. Which is fine, since I don’t mind guessing before the detectives.

It’s another fun story, but I do need to take a break and read something else for a bit.

Publisher: Lume Books
Rating: 7.5/10

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