What do you think?
Rate this book
Madam of Espionage #2
India Black and the Widow of Windsor
Black is back-Her Majesty's favorite spy is off to Scotland in this new adventure to ensure the Queen doesn't end up getting killed.
When Queen Victoria attends a séance, the spirit of her departed husband, Prince Albert, insists she spend Christmas at their Scottish home in Balmoral. Prime Minister Disraeli suspects the Scottish nationalists plan to assassinate the Queen-and sends the ever resourceful India and the handsome British spy, French, to the Scottish highlands.
French will take the high road, looking for a traitor among the guests-and India will take the low road, disguised as a servant in case an assassin is hiding among the household staff. India is certain that someone at Balmoral is determined to make this Her Majesty's last Christmas...
When Queen Victoria attends a séance, the spirit of her departed husband, Prince Albert, insists she spend Christmas at their Scottish home in Balmoral. Prime Minister Disraeli suspects the Scottish nationalists plan to assassinate the Queen-and sends the ever resourceful India and the handsome British spy, French, to the Scottish highlands.
French will take the high road, looking for a traitor among the guests-and India will take the low road, disguised as a servant in case an assassin is hiding among the household staff. India is certain that someone at Balmoral is determined to make this Her Majesty's last Christmas...
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2011
20 people are currently reading
1168 people want to read
About the author
Carol K. Carr
8 books301 followersAfter a career as a lawyer and corporate executive, Carol K. Carr turned to writing. India Black is her first book. She lives in the Missouri Ozarks with her husband and two German Shepherds.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
November 10, 2016
First off: I WANT the dress on the cover of this book!! I love it!! And second: I love India! Love her snarky, dry wit. Several times I found myself laughing or smirking from what India does or says. Also, I want to know French better. So glad I stumbled upon this series.
August 5, 2016
3.5 stars. I actually love the premise of this series and I love India Black as a character. I would give her alone 5 stars.
I simply found this second book to be a bit too detailed, too much blah - blah that slowed the story down. It causes me to feel bored, my attention to wander, etc.
I did overall enjoy the story and I will continue with the series. It would just help, in my humble opinion, to make the storyline more A to B.
I simply found this second book to be a bit too detailed, too much blah - blah that slowed the story down. It causes me to feel bored, my attention to wander, etc.
I did overall enjoy the story and I will continue with the series. It would just help, in my humble opinion, to make the storyline more A to B.
August 11, 2014
Disappointing.
Book 1 showed us a clever character who can run a business, deal with people, and face danger.
Book 2 gives us a snobbish ditherer who spends half the book admiring muscular calves. She seems less intelligent, shallower, and much more judgmental.
This Berkley Prime Crime edition was badly in need of a copy editor; when I got to 16 major corrections I stopped counting, and I wasn't halfway.
Speaking of halfway, the first 170 pages or so were downright boring. Nothing much has happened (and remember, in the first book we had a corpse right off the bat!) Everyone but India has figured out that two of the major characters are not what they seem (well, three if you count India).
French has to go. Carr is trying to cast him as a sardonic but charming and capable agent, but he just comes across as a lazy jerk, and not a very smart one at that.
Also, as others have noted, Carr seems to have had a real hate on for Victoria. Perhaps she too had family involved in the Clearances.
Finally, I suspect Carr sketched out her story and found she was quite a few thousand words short of what her contract required. There are several parts that feel like padding.
And the ending. Tsk. Weak, and not very interesting. Really, can't authors come up with something other than putting the heroine in apparent mortal danger and having [not telling you here] happen Just In Time? It's right up there with the bomb that always has the red LCD counter ticking down, you know, the bomb that has been defused 187,443 times but not once ever with more than two seconds left on the timer.
Bah. I shan't bother with book three. I'll be reading some of Alan Gordon's Fools' Guild series.
Book 1 showed us a clever character who can run a business, deal with people, and face danger.
Book 2 gives us a snobbish ditherer who spends half the book admiring muscular calves. She seems less intelligent, shallower, and much more judgmental.
This Berkley Prime Crime edition was badly in need of a copy editor; when I got to 16 major corrections I stopped counting, and I wasn't halfway.
Speaking of halfway, the first 170 pages or so were downright boring. Nothing much has happened (and remember, in the first book we had a corpse right off the bat!) Everyone but India has figured out that two of the major characters are not what they seem (well, three if you count India).
French has to go. Carr is trying to cast him as a sardonic but charming and capable agent, but he just comes across as a lazy jerk, and not a very smart one at that.
Also, as others have noted, Carr seems to have had a real hate on for Victoria. Perhaps she too had family involved in the Clearances.
Finally, I suspect Carr sketched out her story and found she was quite a few thousand words short of what her contract required. There are several parts that feel like padding.
And the ending. Tsk. Weak, and not very interesting. Really, can't authors come up with something other than putting the heroine in apparent mortal danger and having [not telling you here] happen Just In Time? It's right up there with the bomb that always has the red LCD counter ticking down, you know, the bomb that has been defused 187,443 times but not once ever with more than two seconds left on the timer.
Bah. I shan't bother with book three. I'll be reading some of Alan Gordon's Fools' Guild series.
August 21, 2014
When Queen Victoria suddenly decides to spend her Christmas in Scotland, the prime minister gets worried that nationalists try to assassinate the queen. He enlists the help of India and French to prevent that from happening. India will play the part of housemaid to an old marchioness who spends most of her waking hours snuffing anything possible.
Finally I got to read the second book! And it didn’t disappoint me! Can’t believe it took me so long.
It was fun seeing India trying play the servant part. She’s surely no servant material. The old marchioness was so much fun! I loved the interaction between India and the marchioness.
We see more flirting between India and French which started in the previous book. I’m curious to see how this will turn out but I hope we get to see them together at some point. I also want to know more about their past. There was some hints but I hope we will learn more at some point.
I think this was little tamer book than the first one and less snarky but not too much. But we don’t see India as a madam here so that may explain the tamer aspect.
Finally I got to read the second book! And it didn’t disappoint me! Can’t believe it took me so long.
It was fun seeing India trying play the servant part. She’s surely no servant material. The old marchioness was so much fun! I loved the interaction between India and the marchioness.
We see more flirting between India and French which started in the previous book. I’m curious to see how this will turn out but I hope we get to see them together at some point. I also want to know more about their past. There was some hints but I hope we will learn more at some point.
I think this was little tamer book than the first one and less snarky but not too much. But we don’t see India as a madam here so that may explain the tamer aspect.
July 7, 2015
Read This Review & More Like It On My Blog!
4.25 out of 5
India Black returns for a second outing - true to form, and full of the same humor and wit that made her so memorable and damned fun in the first novel. While I found this second in the series to be just slightly below the level of the first, India Black and the Widow of Windsor is still a highly entertaining, genuinely fun, and interesting new historical mystery. Here in round number two as a madam of espionage, India must once again go under covers (but not under the covers!damn and blast) with the charming but mysterious French as her ally in a fight to save the English Queen from angry, violent Scottish nationals. Full of the same voice, tone, and adventure as the first book in the seriers, fans from the original novel will find more of the same to love in this romp from talented author Carol K. Carr.
A strong followup to a wonderful first escapade, India Black and the Widow of Windsor is more focused on the mystery aspect of the plot, rather than the sheer adventure that took over the latter part of the first novel. While not a detriment to the novel as a whole, as the mystery is strongly constructed, hard to suss out, and full of red herrings to keep readers guessing, I missed the sheer audacity of the turns of events from the first novel. India lost none of her charm in the journey from book one to two, and her attempts to ferret out a spy within the castle of Balmoral are just as fun and witty as I had come to expect from the madam of many talents. My friend Audra compares her to a Victorian Bond Girl, and that is so appropriate it's ridiculous. Just as suave, if not as subtle, India is a joy to read during her travails to save Queen, Country, but herself above all. The plot may edge on the goofy side of things occasionally, but India herself is again the star of the show and with help from her alluring foil French, keeps India Black and the Widow of Windsor from falling victim to uneven sequel syndrome.
New, laugh-out-loud characters, old familiar faces, new villains and motives help to round out the 300+ novel with ease. I obviously could always do with more French on the page, but the new additions melded well with the frame and plot created for this. Like the first, though this is obviously India's vehicle, the secondary and tertiary characters are more than able to hold their own. I found the antagonists harder to suss out than in the first; I loved the interactions between India and the Marchioness; I loved the mentions of Disreali, the Queen, John Brown, etc. Weaving factual figures with such vivacity is one of Carr's many adept turns as the author of this inimitable series. The characters were and continue to be one of the many standouts of these books, and I love that each new novel has revealed more (if not much!) about the principal players.
India Black and the Widow of Windsor is a fine follow-up to its predecessor, if not quiiiite as much of an off-the-walls madcap adventure. Like before, the characters, the mystery, the adventures are top notch and finely tuned making for a fast, breezy read full of wit and humor. The wait for the e-short and the third book will surely kill me. India Black is not a heroine to forget and her most recent adventure with companions French and Vincent left often much about each character, all the while teasing with ever more hints about the pasts/presents? of the two very compatible adults. Not one to dole out immediate answers, Carol K. Carr sure knows how to dangle a hook and catch readers in her vivid imaginations and nuanced characters. I for one can't wait to see what else we learn about this daring duo in the forthcoming India Black and the Shadows of Anarchy. I can only hope it's as excellent as the first two so wonderfully crafted by this lawyer-turned-author.
4.25 out of 5
India Black returns for a second outing - true to form, and full of the same humor and wit that made her so memorable and damned fun in the first novel. While I found this second in the series to be just slightly below the level of the first, India Black and the Widow of Windsor is still a highly entertaining, genuinely fun, and interesting new historical mystery. Here in round number two as a madam of espionage, India must once again go under covers (but not under the covers!damn and blast) with the charming but mysterious French as her ally in a fight to save the English Queen from angry, violent Scottish nationals. Full of the same voice, tone, and adventure as the first book in the seriers, fans from the original novel will find more of the same to love in this romp from talented author Carol K. Carr.
A strong followup to a wonderful first escapade, India Black and the Widow of Windsor is more focused on the mystery aspect of the plot, rather than the sheer adventure that took over the latter part of the first novel. While not a detriment to the novel as a whole, as the mystery is strongly constructed, hard to suss out, and full of red herrings to keep readers guessing, I missed the sheer audacity of the turns of events from the first novel. India lost none of her charm in the journey from book one to two, and her attempts to ferret out a spy within the castle of Balmoral are just as fun and witty as I had come to expect from the madam of many talents. My friend Audra compares her to a Victorian Bond Girl, and that is so appropriate it's ridiculous. Just as suave, if not as subtle, India is a joy to read during her travails to save Queen, Country, but herself above all. The plot may edge on the goofy side of things occasionally, but India herself is again the star of the show and with help from her alluring foil French, keeps India Black and the Widow of Windsor from falling victim to uneven sequel syndrome.
New, laugh-out-loud characters, old familiar faces, new villains and motives help to round out the 300+ novel with ease. I obviously could always do with more French on the page, but the new additions melded well with the frame and plot created for this. Like the first, though this is obviously India's vehicle, the secondary and tertiary characters are more than able to hold their own. I found the antagonists harder to suss out than in the first; I loved the interactions between India and the Marchioness; I loved the mentions of Disreali, the Queen, John Brown, etc. Weaving factual figures with such vivacity is one of Carr's many adept turns as the author of this inimitable series. The characters were and continue to be one of the many standouts of these books, and I love that each new novel has revealed more (if not much!) about the principal players.
India Black and the Widow of Windsor is a fine follow-up to its predecessor, if not quiiiite as much of an off-the-walls madcap adventure. Like before, the characters, the mystery, the adventures are top notch and finely tuned making for a fast, breezy read full of wit and humor. The wait for the e-short and the third book will surely kill me. India Black is not a heroine to forget and her most recent adventure with companions French and Vincent left often much about each character, all the while teasing with ever more hints about the pasts/presents? of the two very compatible adults. Not one to dole out immediate answers, Carol K. Carr sure knows how to dangle a hook and catch readers in her vivid imaginations and nuanced characters. I for one can't wait to see what else we learn about this daring duo in the forthcoming India Black and the Shadows of Anarchy. I can only hope it's as excellent as the first two so wonderfully crafted by this lawyer-turned-author.
September 22, 2011
Picked this up because I saw it described as a fun, light read. I wasn't feeling well, and thought it might be nice to read while lying in bed. Unfortunately, I found reading it to be a tedious chore, interspersed with moments of serious aggravation.
Our heroine, India Black is supposed to be the proprietress of a brothel. It's nothing more than a gimmick, because we never see her acting as such. She makes a few callous remarks regarding her "sluts," but that's it. The problem is that India isn't a sympathetic character (you can't really have sympathy for a person who truly doesn't care whether her "girls" are murdered in her whorehouse), but neither is she the sort of character whose amorality the reader can revel in (she's no 'Talented Mr. Ripley,' and Carr is no Patricia Highsmith.) She's just sort of annoying and unappealing, a shallow, self-centered bigot whom the book treats as a light-hearted heroine. I got sick of her company quickly.
I also got sick of hearing about how Queen Victoria (and others) were fat and ugly every three pages. It's not just India's perspective, everyone in the book harps on the Queen's gluttony nonstop. It's her only character trait. I was left with the impression that Carr may have some body-image issues.
The Queen's Indian servants appear only as window-dressing, and, apparently, for other characters to make disparaging comments about. None even have a speaking role to stick up for themselves.
The historical setting was unconvincing, and I felt it was poorly researched, as far as the general goings-on of life at court. The characters were flat, and the 'mystery,' (who is planning to assassinate the queen?) didn't have enough detail to catch my interest. (You can't try to figure out whodunnit, or, more accurately, 'who-wanna-do-it' when there aren't any clues to unravel.) India doesn't show any particular talent as a spy, and I was unconvinced that she would have been recruited as one.
Yes, I may be feeling crankier than usual due to being sick while reading this, but this is really just not a very good book.
Our heroine, India Black is supposed to be the proprietress of a brothel. It's nothing more than a gimmick, because we never see her acting as such. She makes a few callous remarks regarding her "sluts," but that's it. The problem is that India isn't a sympathetic character (you can't really have sympathy for a person who truly doesn't care whether her "girls" are murdered in her whorehouse), but neither is she the sort of character whose amorality the reader can revel in (she's no 'Talented Mr. Ripley,' and Carr is no Patricia Highsmith.) She's just sort of annoying and unappealing, a shallow, self-centered bigot whom the book treats as a light-hearted heroine. I got sick of her company quickly.
I also got sick of hearing about how Queen Victoria (and others) were fat and ugly every three pages. It's not just India's perspective, everyone in the book harps on the Queen's gluttony nonstop. It's her only character trait. I was left with the impression that Carr may have some body-image issues.
The Queen's Indian servants appear only as window-dressing, and, apparently, for other characters to make disparaging comments about. None even have a speaking role to stick up for themselves.
The historical setting was unconvincing, and I felt it was poorly researched, as far as the general goings-on of life at court. The characters were flat, and the 'mystery,' (who is planning to assassinate the queen?) didn't have enough detail to catch my interest. (You can't try to figure out whodunnit, or, more accurately, 'who-wanna-do-it' when there aren't any clues to unravel.) India doesn't show any particular talent as a spy, and I was unconvinced that she would have been recruited as one.
Yes, I may be feeling crankier than usual due to being sick while reading this, but this is really just not a very good book.
January 17, 2015
Loads of fun! India pretends to be a ladies maid for a guest at Christmas at Balmoral. The Scots are rebelling and want the Queen dead. Poor Vicky! India and French save the day and India finds out a little something about her deceased mother.
December 28, 2023
A bit bored, business on the quiet side as all her clientele is off in the bosoms of their families for the holidays, and missing the adrenalin rush from her first assist as a spy for Disraeli, India jumps at the chance to accompany French to Balmoral Castle in Queen Victoria's entourage. While posing as a lady's maid to an ancient crone of a Marchionesse, India works to protect the 'Vicky' from assassins while also unmasking who in her inner circle is their leader.
I just love this series - it's amusingly irreverent, and India is unlike any other protagonist of historical mysteries I have encountered. It's not just that she is the madame of an upper class brothel, it's also her confidence, pride, intelligence, practicality, and even arrogance. I also like that while there might be the faintest of embers of a romance for India with French, it's barely an one ember, keeping the focus on the antics and plotting. And oh joy, street urchin Vincent is back! I laughed out loud, smirked and thoroughly enjoyed this romp.
I just love this series - it's amusingly irreverent, and India is unlike any other protagonist of historical mysteries I have encountered. It's not just that she is the madame of an upper class brothel, it's also her confidence, pride, intelligence, practicality, and even arrogance. I also like that while there might be the faintest of embers of a romance for India with French, it's barely an one ember, keeping the focus on the antics and plotting. And oh joy, street urchin Vincent is back! I laughed out loud, smirked and thoroughly enjoyed this romp.
July 2, 2018
Ok so...what was with the author's obsession with describing the marchioness' sneezing? It was always so detailed and gross! Not a chapter went by that it wasn't brought up at least twice. This would have been a much better book if the plot didn't have to take a back seat to an old lady's addiction to snuff. I usually try to say at least a few good things about every book, but less than halfway in I couldn't wait for it to end so I wouldn't have to read those descriptions anymore. Please let the next one be better...
August 16, 2025
A summons from the Prime Minister leads to a London madam returning to the world of political intrigue and espionage alongside an enigmatic spy who knows just how to disconcert her. Carol K Carr’s Madam of Espionage series took me a bit by surprise with its lighthearted wit and banter and sometimes silly escapades so I was primed and ready for more as I continued onward with the series.
India Black and the Widow of Windsor is the second book in the Victorian era Madam of Espionage series. While the mission is new, much about the characters and relationships carry over so it works best when read in order.
India feels a sense of accomplishment that she runs a well-heeled brothel with a good clientele. Ennui has set in and she considers a trip abroad to get away and see something new. Too bad, she didn’t specify where that trip would be because not even a day after these thoughts, Mr. French re-enters her life and drags her off to the PM, Disraeli, who needs her and French to join him at Scotland’s Balmoral castle over the Christmas season because a threat against the queen’s life has been issued and, of course, Victoria stubbornly insists on the trip.
With the Scottish being stirred up a secret society who promise to take out the queen and put a Scot on the Scot’s throne, going to Balmoral Castle for the holidays is fraught with danger. French is going in the guise of Disraeli’s secretary, but India lands the thankless task of ladies’ maid to a crotchety old Scottish Marchioness so she can investigate below stairs among the visiting staff and castle servants. A few near-fatal mishaps lead their team to realize that the danger is real.
India Black and the Widow of Windsor possessed all the éclat of book one. In fact, I found myself snorting and giggling over a few hilarious bits- the old marchioness steels the show so many times.
The historical setting of life below stairs in an aristocratic household was depicted well as were the characters and activities above stairs. Fortunately, India can’t be shocked by the debauched antics of the Prince of Wales or some of the others because she does spend her time ducking the prince who wants to try it on with every pretty maid. A few curious hints to French’s past and her own have me wanting to know more. The pair do a decent job of studying out those around them, but also get lucky and stumble into the perpetrators.
All in all, an entertaining read with a humorous tone and a cozy mystery feel in a solid historical setting. Looking forward to the next installment!
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 8.3.25
#SeriesOnSunday
India Black and the Widow of Windsor is the second book in the Victorian era Madam of Espionage series. While the mission is new, much about the characters and relationships carry over so it works best when read in order.
India feels a sense of accomplishment that she runs a well-heeled brothel with a good clientele. Ennui has set in and she considers a trip abroad to get away and see something new. Too bad, she didn’t specify where that trip would be because not even a day after these thoughts, Mr. French re-enters her life and drags her off to the PM, Disraeli, who needs her and French to join him at Scotland’s Balmoral castle over the Christmas season because a threat against the queen’s life has been issued and, of course, Victoria stubbornly insists on the trip.
With the Scottish being stirred up a secret society who promise to take out the queen and put a Scot on the Scot’s throne, going to Balmoral Castle for the holidays is fraught with danger. French is going in the guise of Disraeli’s secretary, but India lands the thankless task of ladies’ maid to a crotchety old Scottish Marchioness so she can investigate below stairs among the visiting staff and castle servants. A few near-fatal mishaps lead their team to realize that the danger is real.
India Black and the Widow of Windsor possessed all the éclat of book one. In fact, I found myself snorting and giggling over a few hilarious bits- the old marchioness steels the show so many times.
The historical setting of life below stairs in an aristocratic household was depicted well as were the characters and activities above stairs. Fortunately, India can’t be shocked by the debauched antics of the Prince of Wales or some of the others because she does spend her time ducking the prince who wants to try it on with every pretty maid. A few curious hints to French’s past and her own have me wanting to know more. The pair do a decent job of studying out those around them, but also get lucky and stumble into the perpetrators.
All in all, an entertaining read with a humorous tone and a cozy mystery feel in a solid historical setting. Looking forward to the next installment!
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 8.3.25
#SeriesOnSunday
December 17, 2011
3.5 stars
"And so my life as a lady's maid began."
India Black is back in book two, and she's just as feisty and irreverent as ever. Queen Victoria is convinced that Albert's ghost wants her to join him in Scotland at Balmoral castle, but there's a slight hitch as it seems there's a plot afoot to off the Queen and free Scotland. Disraeli (Dizzy) calls in French and India to go under cover and stop the evil doers and they're soon on their way to Scotland to join the festivities - India gets the job as maid to a very dotty Marchioness and French hob nobs with the upper crusts (he sure does seem comfortable there...). Oh, and don't worry as our street urchin Vincent manages to come along for the ride as well.
And that's all you really need to know, if you liked the first book you should enjoy this one as well, but I did feel this was a bit of a let down for me. India and French are great fun, and there were some very interesting hints at secrets of their lives still to be revealed, and yes that sexual tension is beginning to heat up between them. The Dowager Marchioness of Tullibardine was fun, but still a wee bit too over the top with the snuff business (you'll know what I mean when you get there). I also wasn't terribly fond of the way Bertie was portrayed. Yes, we know he was a rank womanizer and man about town but did we need constant reminders with him grabbing, groping and pinching any and all women except the Dowager Marchioness? I got it the first time, and I'd always had the impression that he respected his wife Alex and didn't flaunt the women in his face and for that I'm knocking off half a star. Still an enjoyable, quick easy read with a mystery that keeps you guessing and reading until the end, and I am looking forward to more with this pair.
My copy obtained via library loan.
"And so my life as a lady's maid began."
India Black is back in book two, and she's just as feisty and irreverent as ever. Queen Victoria is convinced that Albert's ghost wants her to join him in Scotland at Balmoral castle, but there's a slight hitch as it seems there's a plot afoot to off the Queen and free Scotland. Disraeli (Dizzy) calls in French and India to go under cover and stop the evil doers and they're soon on their way to Scotland to join the festivities - India gets the job as maid to a very dotty Marchioness and French hob nobs with the upper crusts (he sure does seem comfortable there...). Oh, and don't worry as our street urchin Vincent manages to come along for the ride as well.
And that's all you really need to know, if you liked the first book you should enjoy this one as well, but I did feel this was a bit of a let down for me. India and French are great fun, and there were some very interesting hints at secrets of their lives still to be revealed, and yes that sexual tension is beginning to heat up between them. The Dowager Marchioness of Tullibardine was fun, but still a wee bit too over the top with the snuff business (you'll know what I mean when you get there). I also wasn't terribly fond of the way Bertie was portrayed. Yes, we know he was a rank womanizer and man about town but did we need constant reminders with him grabbing, groping and pinching any and all women except the Dowager Marchioness? I got it the first time, and I'd always had the impression that he respected his wife Alex and didn't flaunt the women in his face and for that I'm knocking off half a star. Still an enjoyable, quick easy read with a mystery that keeps you guessing and reading until the end, and I am looking forward to more with this pair.
My copy obtained via library loan.
September 14, 2020
Posted firs on my Blog The Purple Booker
Time for another adventure with India Black and this time not only is she working for Queen and country, but she is staying in the same residence as her Majesty. As I found in the first book India herself is very entertaining, she gets up to a great deal and her commentary is always spot on. Poor India having to run away from Bertie so much!
However, the plot of this one was not nearly as good as the first one so I found at points I almost wanted to give up on it. I am glad I didn't, because I do enjoy the world that has been created here. I just wish the bones of this one had been a little better. Most of he twists were pretty obvious and some points were just pretty pointless. Though a great deal was made up for with India's "employer" this time around, now she was a hoot! Even blew snuff all over Queen Victoria! She was of course not amused at all.
So overall, this one was a big of a sluggish read, but I feel the series is worthwhile and I will be trying the next one out as well. India really is a fantastic character and she alone is worth allowing a little bit of a slower read that wasn't as exciting to be overlooked. She is a girl after my own heart too enjoying a well turned calve.
Time for another adventure with India Black and this time not only is she working for Queen and country, but she is staying in the same residence as her Majesty. As I found in the first book India herself is very entertaining, she gets up to a great deal and her commentary is always spot on. Poor India having to run away from Bertie so much!
However, the plot of this one was not nearly as good as the first one so I found at points I almost wanted to give up on it. I am glad I didn't, because I do enjoy the world that has been created here. I just wish the bones of this one had been a little better. Most of he twists were pretty obvious and some points were just pretty pointless. Though a great deal was made up for with India's "employer" this time around, now she was a hoot! Even blew snuff all over Queen Victoria! She was of course not amused at all.
So overall, this one was a big of a sluggish read, but I feel the series is worthwhile and I will be trying the next one out as well. India really is a fantastic character and she alone is worth allowing a little bit of a slower read that wasn't as exciting to be overlooked. She is a girl after my own heart too enjoying a well turned calve.
April 15, 2014
I do think I liked this even better than book 1. It might have been the downstairs/upstairs things ;)
Right, so our favorite brothel owner has been sent to Scotland. There she will play the part of a servant. Being a former whore, India does know how to act and get information. Sure she is not the best all the time, but who would be that when put in a situation like this without any schooling. So I like her.
French is there too playing the bored aristocrat who does what he wants. And there was something almost said that the beginning that sure had me wondering. Will we never learn more about him?
Amusing situations, danger, spying and one strange old lady. India sure has her hands full in this book. I also wonder if the almost flirting between her and French will lead somewhere...oh yes the questions. I guess I just need to read book 3.
A Christmas gathering turned deadly. Two spies, a lusty nobleman to avoid and the question of who is trying to kill the queen. A fun book that had me guessing.
Right, so our favorite brothel owner has been sent to Scotland. There she will play the part of a servant. Being a former whore, India does know how to act and get information. Sure she is not the best all the time, but who would be that when put in a situation like this without any schooling. So I like her.
French is there too playing the bored aristocrat who does what he wants. And there was something almost said that the beginning that sure had me wondering. Will we never learn more about him?
Amusing situations, danger, spying and one strange old lady. India sure has her hands full in this book. I also wonder if the almost flirting between her and French will lead somewhere...oh yes the questions. I guess I just need to read book 3.
A Christmas gathering turned deadly. Two spies, a lusty nobleman to avoid and the question of who is trying to kill the queen. A fun book that had me guessing.
July 1, 2013
India Black finds herself drafted again to assist Prime Minister Disraeli in foiling a plots against the Crown and the government. This time, it is a radical Scots independence group threatening to assisinate Queen Victoria. Both French, the mysterious and attractive government agent and the odiferous imp, Vincent, are there as well. They travel to Balmoral castle as a ne'er do well fop, a ladies maid and a stable boy to uncover the plot.
Another great narrative with a strong minded heroine with a mind of her own. She is confident, witty, and clever. There's edge of your seat action, a very funny cast of eccentric players, and a satirical view of royals, the upper classes, and life in general.
Another great narrative with a strong minded heroine with a mind of her own. She is confident, witty, and clever. There's edge of your seat action, a very funny cast of eccentric players, and a satirical view of royals, the upper classes, and life in general.
September 3, 2013
The second installment in the India Black series didn't quite live up to its predecessor but it was still a good read. As the events all took place at Balmoral Castle, as India, French, and Vincent try to ferret out a nationalist plot to assassinate the Queen, it lacked some of the sense of adventure that the first novel had. India remains an entertaining, smart heroine however and her interactions with French continue to intrigue. Speaking of French, I think the story could've benefited from a bit more of him and I found myself wishing that the story was told in third person POV (or at least alternating first person POV) more than once. I am looking forward to reading book three.
April 16, 2013
I still love India Black. She's still tons of fun, still unapologetically a whore (or, well, a madam really), still extremely funny, and still does not give a fuck what anyone thinks of her. Also, the marchioness in this book is AMAZING, full stop. An elderly woman who knows all and attempts to hint to her dumb-as-bricks co-collaborators? And sprays snuff on the Queen of England? YES PLEASE.
Seriously, this is funny, apparently historically accurate (not my period, but it seems good to me) and a quick, entertaining read. Definitely recommended.
Seriously, this is funny, apparently historically accurate (not my period, but it seems good to me) and a quick, entertaining read. Definitely recommended.
June 5, 2012
This is a fun, witty series that reminds me a bit of Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia Gray books. I love the mild sexual tension between India and French as well as the mystery and I will admit I couldn't quite figure out who the potential assassin was. All in all in spite of some coarse language, this series is very entertaining and great to read if you don't have a lot of time to devote to reading. This was definitely and improvement on book one.
May 24, 2012
This book was so much better than the first one! India, French and Vincent get sent to Balmoral to try and stop a plot to kill the queen. This time around, India and French have some sexual tension building up - and maybe more on his part than on hers. The mystery was good - I didn't see it coming until the end and I enjoyed the new characters introduced. Looking forward to reading more and finding out about India's mother.
June 6, 2016
A very entertaining read, at times laugh out loud funny. No joke, my family gave me odd looks when I would suddenly start cackling at something in the book which incidentally happened a lot with these characters, loved the Marchioness and her penchant for snuff. I think that I have found a new favourite author.
July 29, 2016
India's gone to Scotland with Queen Victoria to spend Christmas at Balmoral. Disraeli suspects someone is out to kill the old girl, so India and French are sent to look after her. If you like a good historical mystery with a cheeky heroine, this one may be for you! Recommend!
February 8, 2017
Loved this book. It had some really funny moments and the Marchioness was such a hoot. India Black working as an agent for the British Government might be just the perfect ingredient for trying to solve a crime. I use the word trying as sometimes the results aren't quite what you expect.
May 25, 2018
-A very enjoyable adventure in late 19th Century England of the additional adventures of India Black, a proprietress of an upscale house of ill repute, accompanied by a government agent, known only as French. As in the first book, the heroine retains her wit and sarcasm, and the author has done an even better job with the story line than the first book in the series, which introduced us to the main characters.
-In the first book, India was brought in to help the government recover certain very sensitive documents, and she has now been summoned to assist the Prime Minister, Disraeli, in his attempts to save the Queen from being assassinated. The Queen has been lured to spend the New Year festivities in Scotland, but word has reached the authorities that an attempt is to be made on her life by Scottish loyalists in an effort to free Scotland from the yoke of English control. India has agreed to go undercover to the castle in Scotland which the Queen controls, along with French and others, in order to overturn the plot against the Queen by mixing with the Queen’s entourage.
-As part of her disguise, India is assigned to be the servant of a half senile marchioness, whose habit of imbibing in snuff is used to set up a series of very funny scenes, where, in the absence of snuff, all sorts of powders are snorted, to hilarious effect. She must play nursemaid to the marchioness, and, at the same time, must scout out with French, and her young acquaintance, Vincent, the different possible suspected assassins. There are so many funny situations that the author sets up, like the need for India to avoid the crown prince, whose only talent is cornering any half attractive woman that he sees, which makes India constantly on her guard each time she walks out of her room; and the escapades that India and French get into as they search the castle; and the abundance of situations that happen to India because of the marchioness’ actions.
-Fun is also made of the characters of the Queen, the Prime Minister and others, and the author makes the search for the assassin a real mystery filled with danger, but, at the same time, the story is filled with dry humor. It’s obvious that there was a tremendous amount of research done on the history of the uprisings by the people of Scotland against the crown, which plays so prominently in the story.
-This is a very fun read.
-In the first book, India was brought in to help the government recover certain very sensitive documents, and she has now been summoned to assist the Prime Minister, Disraeli, in his attempts to save the Queen from being assassinated. The Queen has been lured to spend the New Year festivities in Scotland, but word has reached the authorities that an attempt is to be made on her life by Scottish loyalists in an effort to free Scotland from the yoke of English control. India has agreed to go undercover to the castle in Scotland which the Queen controls, along with French and others, in order to overturn the plot against the Queen by mixing with the Queen’s entourage.
-As part of her disguise, India is assigned to be the servant of a half senile marchioness, whose habit of imbibing in snuff is used to set up a series of very funny scenes, where, in the absence of snuff, all sorts of powders are snorted, to hilarious effect. She must play nursemaid to the marchioness, and, at the same time, must scout out with French, and her young acquaintance, Vincent, the different possible suspected assassins. There are so many funny situations that the author sets up, like the need for India to avoid the crown prince, whose only talent is cornering any half attractive woman that he sees, which makes India constantly on her guard each time she walks out of her room; and the escapades that India and French get into as they search the castle; and the abundance of situations that happen to India because of the marchioness’ actions.
-Fun is also made of the characters of the Queen, the Prime Minister and others, and the author makes the search for the assassin a real mystery filled with danger, but, at the same time, the story is filled with dry humor. It’s obvious that there was a tremendous amount of research done on the history of the uprisings by the people of Scotland against the crown, which plays so prominently in the story.
-This is a very fun read.
June 20, 2020
with exquisite historical details which i truly appreciate, the characters and plots continue to be above par. Pairing India with French and Vincent is a delectable confederation. The snuff lady is pretty disgusting and gets tiring, but her ancient wiles are essential to a continuing story of India's antecedents. The descriptions of the queen in perpetual mourning with a trencherman's appetite, and her 'companion' John Brown is handled well enough to incite curiosity to explore the actual rumors. Scotland has always been an intractable thorn to the English with good reason. The queen's obliviousness is a fact, as her fascination with the highland ponies which did get their well deserved obeisance. Details of the Hindoos were also historically appropriate. although the hints from the old snuff bitch were sufficient to point to the actual leader
There were sufficient twists to keep pages turning in a single read. There is a thread of simmering attraction but too subtle between French and India. In this case less is quite more. Vincent proves a true gem and has more important roles as the series continues. The mystery of India is exploded as the old bat she has cared for, the dowager duchess of tullabardine shouts from her train window that she knew her mother at the end of the book leaving a cliff hanger for the next installment.
Not as nail biting as the first book, it remains head and shoulders above the usual fare.
There were sufficient twists to keep pages turning in a single read. There is a thread of simmering attraction but too subtle between French and India. In this case less is quite more. Vincent proves a true gem and has more important roles as the series continues. The mystery of India is exploded as the old bat she has cared for, the dowager duchess of tullabardine shouts from her train window that she knew her mother at the end of the book leaving a cliff hanger for the next installment.
Not as nail biting as the first book, it remains head and shoulders above the usual fare.
June 20, 2018
The last book I read before this was a painfully self-important piece of literary fiction, and this was the perfect antidote: just a good fun read. Carol Carr names George MacDonald Fraser as one of her influences, and I see a lot of Harry Flashman in India Black's irreverence and opportunism. But I like India better because she runs towards trouble while Flashman tends to run away, and she is (somewhat) more principled. This book had a few holes in the plot that were a bit too big to ignore, and it dragged a bit when India and her fellow infiltrators met to review what they'd learned and plotted their next move. But mostly it was one of those wonderful books I can't put down, and I'm looking forward to reading the first and subsequent books in the series.
August 28, 2021
I was not that into this book for the first 25%. I just was not in the right mindset or something. Then I got into the story and found India to be a treat. To see the world of Victorian Balmoral through her eyes was so much fun! The Marchioness and her interactions with India were great. I hope she somehow manages to show up in another book. India is a Madame in London who has also been drug into working as a spy for Prime Minister Disraeli when needed. She works with Mr. French who is a legitimate spy and they have quite the exciting time together. This series is not stuffy, serious period drama. There is a lot of lower London, tongue-in-cheek jokes and mocking of the establishment. I am looking forward to where India goes next.
September 29, 2018
I find thus series frustrating. On one hand I enjoy the ambience of the setting and the thriller type espionage but I find India herself to be incredibly annoying.
She has this weird blinkered view on life and is whiny with very few redeeming features and is generally an idiot.
Also I find the writing of the book to be mildly irritating too, the accents ring false (but I rarely get on with accents transcribed that way) and the slang word choice was jarring, bint and cove in particular. I also feel that the portrayal of queen Victoria was astonishingly cliched. But I quite like French so I think I will read at least one more in the series.
She has this weird blinkered view on life and is whiny with very few redeeming features and is generally an idiot.
Also I find the writing of the book to be mildly irritating too, the accents ring false (but I rarely get on with accents transcribed that way) and the slang word choice was jarring, bint and cove in particular. I also feel that the portrayal of queen Victoria was astonishingly cliched. But I quite like French so I think I will read at least one more in the series.
February 8, 2019
I have had this sitting on my shelf for too long. I had bought it almost immediately after reading the first book in the series because I enjoyed it so very much. This second book is as good and absorbing as I remember the first one being. This time India and Co. are off to Balmoral in Scotland to celebrate Christmas with Queen Victoria. OF COURSE there is a plot to assassinate the Queen by Scottish nationalists that India and French must foil. There's not much Christmas and not much celebrating but oh what a wonderful adventure it is to ride along with India. I will not leave so long before I read the next book!
August 14, 2023
3.5
Book 2 in the series was another great read which I finished in 2 days.
Not quite as much chase and adventure but more of a mystery to solve in this one. (I was half correct in my deduction but still surprised at the reveal)
The Marchioness was by far my character in this story (besides India and French obviously) and she was almost as sassy as India.
Once again lots of the story line based on historical events but the boom is not bogged down with too much detail.
The tension between India & French is building and it
was nice to see some information about French and India’s pasts being hinted at, leading very nicely into the next book that I shall be seeking out soon.
Book 2 in the series was another great read which I finished in 2 days.
Not quite as much chase and adventure but more of a mystery to solve in this one. (I was half correct in my deduction but still surprised at the reveal)
The Marchioness was by far my character in this story (besides India and French obviously) and she was almost as sassy as India.
Once again lots of the story line based on historical events but the boom is not bogged down with too much detail.
The tension between India & French is building and it
was nice to see some information about French and India’s pasts being hinted at, leading very nicely into the next book that I shall be seeking out soon.
September 14, 2017
This is Book 2 of the India Black series. The story takes place at Balmoral castle. There is a plot to murder Queen Victoria so India, French and Vincent travel to Scotland to protect the queen and find out who wants her dead.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I liked Book #1. India is the same smart-mouth which I enjoy but there was just something missing. Most of the plot was of India pretending to be a maid to an ancient Scottish aristocrat.
It was an easy, quick read, and some of India's comments had me laughing out loud.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I liked Book #1. India is the same smart-mouth which I enjoy but there was just something missing. Most of the plot was of India pretending to be a maid to an ancient Scottish aristocrat.
It was an easy, quick read, and some of India's comments had me laughing out loud.
March 10, 2021
Just Discovered a favorite new author
Being a male, you'd be surprised that I would enjoy it so much, but I must own up to the fact that the skewering of my sex by female authors can be highly entertaining. Add to it the additional parody of the upper crust and this mixture makes delicious treat for fans of historical (or do I mean hysterical) fiction. This author has produced a voice as unique as the late great Elizabeth Peters. May she produce as many fun novels as well. But I digress.
Being a male, you'd be surprised that I would enjoy it so much, but I must own up to the fact that the skewering of my sex by female authors can be highly entertaining. Add to it the additional parody of the upper crust and this mixture makes delicious treat for fans of historical (or do I mean hysterical) fiction. This author has produced a voice as unique as the late great Elizabeth Peters. May she produce as many fun novels as well. But I digress.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews