Synopsis & Book Info:
Set in 1876, Carr's breezy, fast-paced debut introduces feisty India Black, who runs a London brothel catering to gentlemen, many of whom recognize the reference to the Tennyson poem in the brothel's name, Lotus House. When a patron turns up dead at Lotus House, India plots to dump the corpse elsewhere to preserve her business's reputation, but her efforts are interrupted by the shadowy Mr. French, who assumes responsibility for disposal of the body. In exchange, India agrees to go undercover at the behest of the prime minister himself, Benjamin Disraeli, to prevent highly sensitive documents that the victim was carrying from falling into the wrong hands. The dead man proves to have been Sir Archibald Latham, of the War Office, and the missing documents regard England's readiness to fight the Russians in the Balkans. Readers should be prepared for formulaic plot twists involving numerous escapes and gunfights.
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley Trade
ISBN: 9780425238660
Purchase at Amazon
©2011
My Opinion:
I loved this book!
No, I loved India! She is an amazing character! So strong and full of life. The author really brought her through in the book so beautifully, you almost forget it's fiction.
Another blogger said to me, "I want to be India." Frankly, I see why. Even though she is a "whore", you respect her.
The other plus side to this book, is that I'm not huge historical fan. I am not keen on authors changing normal dialogue to suit the times. I prefer standard writing where I can form their voices in my mind while reading, and Carol does this very well. She is a very talented writer, and I am grateful for the blogger friend that introduced us. Thank you. I can't wait to see what she writes next!
5/5
Recommend? Yes!
~I received a copy from the author. I was not compensated for my opinion.~
I like the sound of the storyline, a strong female character and lots of intrigue. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteNice review. I've seen this book around the blogs a lot lately and hope to read it at some point. It's on my tbr list :)
ReplyDeleteLove this cover! How gorgeous is it?
ReplyDeleteThe story sounds like an adventureous ride and I too thrill with a strong female character. Definitely going on my TBR list.
Thanks for the review!
Another great review, another book sitting in my sample folder.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a good read. I love strong leading ladies. Hope you are having a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I love read historicals set around this time, and I'm glad to see it's got a bit of a different theme than most! (poor girl gets wealthy guy or debutante has family issues keeping her from getting the right guy)
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I necessarily liked India, but she was simply fascinating!
ReplyDeleteVery excited to hear you loved this one too!
ReplyDeleteSighs... India Black is where it's AT!
Thanks for the review - I haven't seen this book before but I'll had it to my evergrowing TBR list.
ReplyDeleteI would luv to read this one. Had my eye on it from the first time I read about it. I'll try to fill in the Rafflecopter. Thanks for your thoughts on the book.
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