What do You think about A Poisoned Season (2007)?
Delightful - even better than Alexander's first effort. Still using the occasional Americanisms ('write me' rather than 'write to me' and other instances where the article or preposition is similarly missing; or an American slang word is used, jarring us out of the period) hopefully edited out in later books. NB - Don't let this put you off - it happens very rarely, perhaps less than 5 times in the novel.5 stars for: the number of mysteries, including a VERY appealing secret admirer, swirl around each other enticingly; our protagonist, the heroine, solves everything herself, with her male friends merely offerring help and support from the sidelines; the mystery tricked me for longer this time. Characters well drawn and comic.LOVED the romantic theme of the lost heir to the French throne. Stray allusions and quotes from Jane Austen very appealing - when speaking of an absent fiancee - 'I find that I can bear his absence rather well'. Beautiful, amusing, recommended reading.
—Maryanne
A POISONED SEASON (Amateur Sleuth-Emily Ashton-England-Victorian) – VGAlexander, Tasha – 2nd in seriesWm. Morrow, 2007, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9780061174148First Sentence: There are several things one can depend upon during the London Season: an overwhelming barrage of invitations, friends whose loyalties turn suspect, and at least one overzealous suitor.*** Lady Emily Ashton is through the period of mourning for her husband in time to join London’s social season. A new face on the scene is Charles Berry who claims to be heir to the French throne in this post-revolutionary time. Although he is courting a friend of Emily’s to be his future Queen, he wants Emily as his mistress. Is he the one sending Emily anonymous poems written in Greek? And who is stealing treasures of the late Marie-Antoinette? But most important, who poisoned society member David Francis? Although her maid has been arrested, Mrs. Francis asks Emily to prove her maid innocent.*** Ms Alexander combines history, society and a dash of romance into a first-rate read. She has taken three threads; who committed the murder, who is the thief and who is trying to ruin Emily’s reputation, and combines them into one very interesting, intriguing story. Emily is a great character; smart, independent and resourceful. There is a romance, but she doesn’t depend on him to save her. Her depiction of Victorian England is delightful, while very much the upper class. It does show the intrigues and intricacies of live among the social elite. The plot kept me going and I didn’t expect the ending at all. While it didn’t have the emotional pull of her first book, “And Only to Deceive.” this was a very good read.
—LJ
Like I said in my review of this first book of this series, And Only to Deceive, I absolutely love this series. I have re-read the books several times and always look forward to a new one being published. Tasha Alexander has created wonderful characters, and it is impossible not to fall in love with them. (Especially Colin, who may very well be the perfect man).This is my favorite book of the series so far, and one of my favorite books of all time. I love the way Emily and Colin butt heads as far as the detective side of the story goes. There are a couple of hilarious interactions! Colin does not like the thought of Emily putting herself in danger, and Emily doesn't like being told what do do. I understand her desire for independence, believe me. Her strong head is one of the best things about her...but she really needs to get it through her thick skull that giving up a little control for the sake of being with Colin: worth it. The mystery in this one is just as captivating as in the first novel, if not more so. Who is stealing Marie Antoinette collectibles? Who is sneaking into Emily's bedroom in the dead of night and leaving her creepy notes and flowers? What intelligent-but-reckless thing will Emily do next to try to solve the mystery? Will Colin have a heart attack from worry? And finally...the last page of this book. Possibly my favorite scene from any book. Ever. I want to blab, I really do. I want to tell you what happens because I know you would all swoon with me. Big time. Suffice it to say, it is romantic and involves books.Intrigued? Good. Read this series, you absolutely won't regret it!
—Allison (The Allure of Books)
