This book has been described as, ‘A monumental piece of historical detective work,’ and ‘An engrossing historical whodunnit combined with a richly textured portrait of an age.’ I mostly agree with these observations but it is so thoroughly researched that it does drag in places. Alison Weir makes no apologies for the long build-up to … Continue reading Mary, Queen of Scots & the Murder of Lord Darnley by Alison Weir (2003)
France
These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer (1926)
These Old Shades is set in 1756 so technically it’s not a Regency novel (which strictly speaking ran from 1810 to 1820). Nevertheless, it certainly has the feel of a Regency novel although most of the action takes place in France during the reign of Louis XV of France.This was a fun read with a … Continue reading These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer (1926)
Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart (1958)
Linda Martin was back in Paris after an absence of nine years. With an English father and a French mother, she had grown up in France during the Second World War. When she was fourteen both of her parents were killed in a plane crash and she was sent to an orphanage in England where … Continue reading Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart (1958)
Madam, Will You Talk? by Mary Stewart (1955)
Mary Stewart is my most recent new author discovery, and what a delightful author she is! Madam, Will You Talk? was her first book and it is a cracker. Set in Southern France, it is a suspenseful story that doesn’t waste any time in plunging the reader into murder and mystery. When I wrote that … Continue reading Madam, Will You Talk? by Mary Stewart (1955)
A Son at the Front by Edith Wharton (1923)
A Son at the Front was one of four novels written by Edith Wharton in the 1920’s after she had won the Pulitzer Prize in 1921 for her book Age of Innocence. These novels focussed on the growing sense that World War I had brought about irreparable damage that left an indelible mark on society.A … Continue reading A Son at the Front by Edith Wharton (1923)
journey & destination 