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It’s Just One Soiree After Another
Lady Emily is back with a new mystery in “A Poisoned Season,” set during London’s bustling social season. The Season is usually about hopping from one party to the next to be seen, but Emily decides to accept only a few select invitations, hoping to spend the summer on her own terms. Ironically, this makes her even more sought after, and soon she’s flooded with invitations, only choosing those that intrigue her.
One such event involves Mr. Charles Berry, who claims to be the heir of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The high society is charmed, especially the mothers parading their daughters before him. However, Emily finds meeting him quite disappointing due to his poor manners and questionable behavior. But the party isn’t a total waste—Colin Hargreaves makes an appearance, sparking Emily’s interest.
Two Eligible Bachelors and a Widow
Emily’s budding romance with Colin continues, following the storyline from “And Only to Deceive.” While she hasn’t agreed to marry him yet, she enjoys the excitement of his courtship. The two often find themselves in playful, flirtatious exchanges that leave Emily blushing.
Colin’s intentions towards Emily are well-known, but society is quick to gossip when the Duke of Bainbridge starts visiting Emily’s home. Misunderstanding the visits, people speculate about Emily’s relationship with the Duke, further complicated by Colin noticing the Duke’s more than friendly interest in Emily. He warns her to be cautious, but she reassures him, even as rumors threaten her reputation.
A Thief, An Admirer, A Murder
Emily’s life is further complicated by a cat burglar stealing items once belonging to Marie Antoinette. Her friend Cecile’s diamond earrings, previously owned by the former queen, are stolen. Emily is disturbed by how the thief managed to enter her bedroom unnoticed.
As the burglar grows obsessed with Emily, leaving gifts and notes, she uses her intellect to uncover both the murderer and her admirer. Things take a turn when a person connected to the stolen items is murdered, and Emily is asked to help solve the case. Determined, she dives deeper into the interlinked mysteries.
A Poisoned Season Review
“A Poisoned Season” kicks off with immediate action, maintaining a perfect pace until the end. The book is filled with twists, turns, and surprising discoveries. It also reveals more about Emily’s character, showing her interactions with society now that she is out of mourning. Her behavior towards societal rules and the consequences of her actions lead her to self-reflection.
The story also explores Emily’s relationships, including the somewhat contentious bond with her mother. Notably, Lady Bromley, usually critical, shows a protective side, defending Emily against societal judgments.
The romance between Emily and Colin is portrayed beautifully. Their relationship feels real and warm, with a slow-burning tension that adds depth to their connection. Emily’s perspective offers an intimate understanding of her feelings, but Colin’s emotions are clear, making him an endearing character to root for.
Though the narrative is primarily in Emily’s voice, the character development remains strong, with keen observations capturing the moment’s emotions. The book builds on Emily’s detective skills, showing her growth since solving her husband’s death in the previous story.
Overall, “A Poisoned Season” is a well-crafted sequel, enhancing previously one-dimensional characters and adding depth, especially to Colin’s character. Despite a few logical leaps and minor liberties with the time period, the story is a delightful and romantic read, perfect for a weekend.
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Note: This content has been adjusted for clarity and flow, removing any unrelated elements, ensuring no quotes at the beginning or end, and using conversational language.
