I found this book quite slow to start with, I felt as though I'd got a third of the way through the book before it actually started to get interesting. I'm glad I stuck with it though because it was a good story. I enjoyed the sense of mystery and it was interesting to read about a period of history that I don't know too much about. I was a bit disappointed to find after I started reading that this was the second book in a series, as there were several points in the book that referred back to previous events that obviously happened in the first book. Luckily this didn't have any major impact on my enjoyment of this book. I really like the characters Rose Melikan has created in this trilogy. This is the second book, the first is 'The Blackstone Key' and the third is 'The Mistaken Wife' which is due to be released this year. There may be spoilers in this review for those of you who haven't read 'The Blackstone Key' yet. So, if you are taking a peek at reviews to see if you'd like to read this trilogy don't read any further. Some of what happens in the first book may be spoiled by what I have to say about the second book. But I won't give away any more than the book cover does with regard to this story.The setting for this novel is Georgian England, the story unfolds among military men and the aristocracy. Mary Finch, the clever schoolmistress has become a wealthy heiress. In this adventure she travels with her newly married friend Susannah Armitage, to the newlyweds' country home, in order to spy on Susannah's husband, Colonel Crosby-Nash, who is suspected of being a traitor. I really enjoyed this historical mystery. It's somewhat difficult for me to describe what is so satisfying about this book. Certainly part of it is the intrigue, mystery and suspense of the plot-line and another part is the potential for the heroine to fall in love (not in any bosom heaving, references to honey, kind of way, thank you very much). I also like the male relationships and would have enjoyed even more insight into the relationship between Captain Holland and his servant Gunner Drake, I love a side kick with a heavy accent. Reading this novel was a little like returning to old friends and that is part of my attraction to series and trilogies with characters that I enjoy. I'm sure I'm not alone in that sentiment.This reminded me a bit of the Lady Julia series by Deanna Raybourn, it you enjoyed those I think you would probably like these books as well.I found two different release dates for the third book, 'The Mistaken Wife' and ordered it already. I eagerly await it's arrival and I hope that Ms. Melikan continues writing about these characters.
What do You think about The Counterfeit Guest (2009)?
Blackstone Key was a lot better than this one.
—Junior
This was very enjoyable and an exciting read.
—Ryan
