Victoria and Stoker
are ensconced in Belvedere, a museum they are starting for their
benefactor, the Earl of Rosemorran. However, their work is
interrupted by a disappearance that could put Stoker in danger.
The Tiverton
Expedition is returning to London from Egypt after a successful
season. They uncovered the unfinished tomb of an Egyptian princess.
The princess’ mummy was wearing a priceless diadem and the
grave-goods constitute a significant find. Unfortunately the diadem
is missing along with the expedition photographer.
Victoria and Stoker
are drawn into the mystery because Stoker is the only enemy the
police are aware of for the photographer. Stoker’s ex-wife is
married to the photographer, and it is well known in London that there
is bad blood between the two men. So Stoker is in danger of becoming
a suspect. Victoria would to anything to help Stoker, so they are
immediately involved in trying to solve the disappearance and find
the missing diadem.
As usual, Deanna
Raybourn creates an enthralling picture of London in the late 1800s.
The Egyptian background is particularly well done. The pace is fast
and the outcome somewhat of a surprise, although, I thought the
mystery was less engrossing than in the previous two books.
The best part of the
book was the deepening romance between Victoria and Stoker. There is
no overt sex (although Victoria would not be averse to it), but the
tension between the two leads to misunderstandings as well as tender
moments. The fact that they are so adept at pushing each other’s
buttons shows
the depths of the attraction.
If you enjoy
historical romance with an Egyptian motif, this is a delightful book.
I received this book
from Berkley Publishing for this review.
No comments:
Post a Comment