This book really surprised me. I wasn't expecting a main character so real and so well written that I would actually have to remind myself it was fiction. Alice is a great main character for multiple reasons. She is a character that it is easy to respect. She does the things she does for love of her children, regardless of whether they go against her morals. She is tough, smart and crafty and it was interesting to learn about her life. I feared this may be another sunken ship meets Titanic style drama all over again, but it definitely wasn't. There is a lot going on in this book, but the author manages to keep it all straight for the reader and it is never confusing. This is a multi-layered story with much to appreciate and I am so glad that I picked this one up. If you like books that will keep you on your toes and make you think, this is a perfect choice. This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own. The master of genealogy crime fiction does it again! Spring 1914: The Germans amass arms and ammunition for ‘the day’ when they will invade the rest of Europe and an atmosphere of suspicion and fear begins to stifle England. A young British mother and wife is forced into a role she hates in order to save her family and thus starts a one hundred year-old murderous mystery which can only be solved by Jefferson Tayte, Robinson’s genealogist cum amateur detective.I really enjoyed this book. It is the fourth one I have read and personally I think that the JT mysteries where both strands of the story are set within the last five generations are the best. Yet again Robinson has taken me to a world in the not-so-distant past which I thought I knew – and now realise that I didn’t. He brilliantly recreates the stifling unease and the complacency of the pre-war era and opened my eyes to a brutal world of international espionage of which I was totally unaware. Although the ‘Titanic fan’ in me would have liked more of the novel to describe the sinking of the ‘Empress of Ireland,’ I appreciate that Robinson is writing a tightly-plotted whodunit rather than sensationalising history. Our intrepid detective, JT, is also maturing with each novel. He is still as likeable – and continues to risk his life with every case – but he appears to be less naïve, awkward and trusting than in the earlier books. He also cooperates better with the British police. I particularly enjoyed the minor characters of Davina’s father and Archie but would have appreciated a short family tree at the beginning to help me keep tabs on the Ashcrofts, the Scanlons and the Saxbys. Perhaps in the next book in the series? Looking forward to it.
What do You think about Lost Empress, The (2014)?
The genealogy is interesting, good historical details, adventure of protagonist is not believable.
—Teta
We enjoyed it! We've listened to the whole series so far. All have been a good read.
—taniasmythe25
excellent series and this is the best. can't wait for another.
—blinking
