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Lady Anne Addison Mysteries #2
Revenge of the Barbary Ghost
Fans of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries by Deanna Raybourn will be equally compelled by these historical mysteries.
Cornwall, England, 1786
Fleeing the attentions of the handsome and commanding Marquess of Darkefell, Lady Anne Addison arrives on the doorstep of her dear friend. Seeking nothing but rest and relaxation, she soon finds herself putting her investigative talents to work after a sighting of the Barbary Ghost. Always a skeptic of the supernatural, Anne immediately suspects the apparition is nothing more than a diversionary tactic to conceal smugglers on the beach below her friend’s house.
When the infuriating – though enticing - marquess follows her to Cornwall, Anne is distracted from her ghost hunt by his alluring kisses, until murder gets her attention. Forced once again to work with the marquess to uncover the truth behind a mystery, she soon discovers that her passionate attraction to him has not abated. Should she run from him again, or give in to temptation?
Cornwall, England, 1786
Fleeing the attentions of the handsome and commanding Marquess of Darkefell, Lady Anne Addison arrives on the doorstep of her dear friend. Seeking nothing but rest and relaxation, she soon finds herself putting her investigative talents to work after a sighting of the Barbary Ghost. Always a skeptic of the supernatural, Anne immediately suspects the apparition is nothing more than a diversionary tactic to conceal smugglers on the beach below her friend’s house.
When the infuriating – though enticing - marquess follows her to Cornwall, Anne is distracted from her ghost hunt by his alluring kisses, until murder gets her attention. Forced once again to work with the marquess to uncover the truth behind a mystery, she soon discovers that her passionate attraction to him has not abated. Should she run from him again, or give in to temptation?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
317 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Donna Lea Simpson
45 books113 followersDonna Lea Simpson is a nationally bestselling romance and mystery novelist with over twenty titles published in the last ten years. An early love for the novels of Jane Austen and Agatha Christie was a portent of things to come; Donna believes that a dash of mystery adds piquancy to a romantic tale, and a hint of romance adds humanity to a mystery story. Besides writing romance and mystery novels and reading the same, Donna has a long list of passions: cats and tea, cooking and vintage cookware, cross-stitching and watercolor painting among them. Karaoke offers her the chance to warble Dionne Warwick tunes, and nature is a constant source of comfort and inspiration. A long walk is her favorite exercise, and a fruity merlot is her drink of choice when the tea is all gone. Donna lives in Canada.
The best writing advice, Donna believes, comes from the letters of Jane Austen. The author wrote, in an October 26th, 1813 letter to her sister, Cassandra, “I am not at all in a humor for writing; I must write on till I am.”
The best writing advice, Donna believes, comes from the letters of Jane Austen. The author wrote, in an October 26th, 1813 letter to her sister, Cassandra, “I am not at all in a humor for writing; I must write on till I am.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 22, 2023
Cornwall, England. 1786. Victoria Hamilton’s Revenge of the Barbary Ghost (Lady Anne Addison, #2) finds Lady Anne visiting her close friend, Lady Pamela St. James, who has taken an house, Cliff House, by the sea on Cornwall’s north (west) coast in St Wyllow and her brother, Captain Marcus St. James of the Light Dragoons, who is “billeted in nearby St. Ives,” which is located at the southern tip of Cornwall’s peninsula in SE England. Lady Anne ‘fled’ Yorkshire to get away from the Marquess of Darkefell. You remember the tall, dark, and handsome lord who is pursuing Lady Anne! Lady Anne’s strategy does not work. Guess who just arrived in St. Wyllow? Yes, the Marquess of Darkefell. Along with the sexual tension between the two main characters, the author highlights two controversial topics then and now, womens rights and prejudice. In addition to these social problems, the author illustrates a criminal behavior that showed itself well over southern England, smuggling. The Marquess finally ‘sees’ what Lady Anne has been trying to tell him. “He thought of her life, as a being of intelligence, courage, and wisdom, and yet she could not work, nor order her own life, nor command her own money.” The author creates this brilliant character, Osei Boatin, the Marquess’s secretary. Mr. Boatin, a prince in Africa, had been sold into slavery, but rescued by the Marquess, who then offered him education and after that, a job, but people in England because the color of his skin look askance at him when he speaks so eloquently or they must work with him in his role as secretary to the Marquess and all of his estates. Finally, smuggling all kinds of goods be they wines, various liquors, tobacco, or fine fabric is a large part of the plot. The author includes the dangers, desperate men, the law or as in this story ‘the prevention men’ and even murder to expose smuggling to the reader, a huge problem during this era. A fun and fascinating read. 4 stars.
March 16, 2020
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I really enjoyed this book. After listening to the first book in the series, Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark, I was pretty excited to get to this installment because I felt like Darkefell and Lady Anne had some unfinished business to deal with. Once I started listening, I was quickly taken with the new mystery in Lady Anne's life and couldn't wait to see how things would work out.
After leaving Darkefell's home, Lady Anne goes to visit a friend for a while. She isn't there for long before she sees the Barbary Ghost and decides to figure out what is really going on. Lord Darkefell isn't ready to give up on Lady Anne and finds her in Cornwall and before long is helping her investigate everything that is happening. I found the mystery to be quite complex and liked the fact that I couldn't quite put all of the pieces together on my own. There were definitely a few surprises thrown into the mix.
Lady Anne and Lord Darkefell make a great team. They really do work well together and they have a lot of chemistry. They are both great characters and I really want to see them work things out. Lord Darkefell is used to being in charge and can become too authoritative with Lady Anne. They both want each other but Lady Anne isn't sure that she wants marriage since it will mean giving up her freedom.
I thought that Danielle Cohen did a fantastic job with the narration of this book. I seem to be enjoying this narrator more and more each time I listen to her work. I like the different voices that she uses and I think that she adds a lot of emotion into the reading of the story. I think she has a very pleasant voice that is easy to listen to for hours at a time and I think that the accent she uses works wonderfully with this series.
I would recommend this series to others. This is the second book in the Lady Anne Addison Mysteries series which is best read in order if possible because of the ongoing character relationships. I cannot wait to get started on the next book in this series.
I received a review copy of this audiobook from the narrator.
I really enjoyed this book. After listening to the first book in the series, Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark, I was pretty excited to get to this installment because I felt like Darkefell and Lady Anne had some unfinished business to deal with. Once I started listening, I was quickly taken with the new mystery in Lady Anne's life and couldn't wait to see how things would work out.
After leaving Darkefell's home, Lady Anne goes to visit a friend for a while. She isn't there for long before she sees the Barbary Ghost and decides to figure out what is really going on. Lord Darkefell isn't ready to give up on Lady Anne and finds her in Cornwall and before long is helping her investigate everything that is happening. I found the mystery to be quite complex and liked the fact that I couldn't quite put all of the pieces together on my own. There were definitely a few surprises thrown into the mix.
Lady Anne and Lord Darkefell make a great team. They really do work well together and they have a lot of chemistry. They are both great characters and I really want to see them work things out. Lord Darkefell is used to being in charge and can become too authoritative with Lady Anne. They both want each other but Lady Anne isn't sure that she wants marriage since it will mean giving up her freedom.
I thought that Danielle Cohen did a fantastic job with the narration of this book. I seem to be enjoying this narrator more and more each time I listen to her work. I like the different voices that she uses and I think that she adds a lot of emotion into the reading of the story. I think she has a very pleasant voice that is easy to listen to for hours at a time and I think that the accent she uses works wonderfully with this series.
I would recommend this series to others. This is the second book in the Lady Anne Addison Mysteries series which is best read in order if possible because of the ongoing character relationships. I cannot wait to get started on the next book in this series.
I received a review copy of this audiobook from the narrator.
May 5, 2019
Despite a rather slow beginning, it picks up speed and becomes engrossing. The characters are interesting and engaging even when they act like twits! There's no difficulty in following the plot even if, like me, you haven't read the first book. The publisher's blurb is pretty good for setting the stage.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley.
April 27, 2019
The adventure continues!
Lady Anne Addison's heartfelt confusion, her refusal of marriage to the enigmatic and attractive Marquess of Darkefell continues, peppered with the chasing down of smugglers and murderers in a crumbling manor atop the Cornish cliffs. A house with the perfect smuggler's bay at the foot of its cliffs.
I'm agog at where Anne's indecision, or maybe yes her decisiveness, will take her.
Anne flees Darkefell's attentions to join her dear friends Pamela and Marcus St. James, at their rented house on the Barbary Coast. An "effervescent brother and sister, [they have been] friends since Anne’s disastrous Season many years before."
However there's another mystery brewing! And the endings all atremble with it!
A ghostly figure rises up out of the mists just as smugglers are landing their goods and the excise men are surrounding the beach landing area. Anne is an unintentional witness to the action.
Anne suspects the apparition has a clear scientific basis. She brings her investigative powers to bear, joined as it happens, by the Marquess of Darkefell who has pursued her to Cornwall.
Murder, mystery and romance move hand in hand as Anne struggles with her feelings for Darkefell and her wish for independence, all the while investigating a murder that will once again harken back to Darkefell's past.
This tale was originally published by Donna Lea Simpson. It has been updated and republished under Simpson's pseudonym, Victoria Hamilton.
A Beyond the Page Publications ARC via NetGalley
Lady Anne Addison's heartfelt confusion, her refusal of marriage to the enigmatic and attractive Marquess of Darkefell continues, peppered with the chasing down of smugglers and murderers in a crumbling manor atop the Cornish cliffs. A house with the perfect smuggler's bay at the foot of its cliffs.
I'm agog at where Anne's indecision, or maybe yes her decisiveness, will take her.
Anne flees Darkefell's attentions to join her dear friends Pamela and Marcus St. James, at their rented house on the Barbary Coast. An "effervescent brother and sister, [they have been] friends since Anne’s disastrous Season many years before."
However there's another mystery brewing! And the endings all atremble with it!
A ghostly figure rises up out of the mists just as smugglers are landing their goods and the excise men are surrounding the beach landing area. Anne is an unintentional witness to the action.
Anne suspects the apparition has a clear scientific basis. She brings her investigative powers to bear, joined as it happens, by the Marquess of Darkefell who has pursued her to Cornwall.
Murder, mystery and romance move hand in hand as Anne struggles with her feelings for Darkefell and her wish for independence, all the while investigating a murder that will once again harken back to Darkefell's past.
This tale was originally published by Donna Lea Simpson. It has been updated and republished under Simpson's pseudonym, Victoria Hamilton.
A Beyond the Page Publications ARC via NetGalley
December 15, 2020
I enjoyed book two, with a small quibble. About the 3/4s mark I was getting very annoyed with the "will she / won't she" drama Anne cannot get past about her feelings for Darkfell. I wanted to shake her soundly and shout: "MAKE A DECISION!" Although I want them to get together, at that point I wouldn't even have cared if she said "no", I was just irritated by her unceasing drama about her feelings and how she would have to give up her independence to marry him. It was over-wrought and too much for me.
That said, the plot was very entertaining and a well-constructed story to wrap around, and, thankfully distract from the contstant hand-wringing by Anne over Tony. I enjoyed the ghost's story, and the smuggling side-plot very much.
I am continuing with this series, because the set-up for the next book at the end of this one was very intriguing, but if there is not a resolution between Anne and Darkfell by the end of the next book I will be seriously annoyed. We shall see!
That said, the plot was very entertaining and a well-constructed story to wrap around, and, thankfully distract from the contstant hand-wringing by Anne over Tony. I enjoyed the ghost's story, and the smuggling side-plot very much.
I am continuing with this series, because the set-up for the next book at the end of this one was very intriguing, but if there is not a resolution between Anne and Darkfell by the end of the next book I will be seriously annoyed. We shall see!
July 2, 2020
A fun read. The title is great. The novel has Gothic elements: a crumbling stone mansion set on the cliffs in Cornwall, a ghost, smugglers, a murder and a bit of romance. The chemistry between Lady Darkefell and Anne simmers while Anne wonders if she can ever be happy in marriage when she becomes subservient in all way under all the law for Anne is not a submissive woman. She is determined to make that clear, especially since she hasn't decided if she will marry Darkefell or not. Murder investigation full gallop ahead.
The characters are great and I'm interested in finding out what happens to even the secondary characters. Hamilton creates a superb atmosphere and a superior story. Enjoy.
The characters are great and I'm interested in finding out what happens to even the secondary characters. Hamilton creates a superb atmosphere and a superior story. Enjoy.
April 25, 2019
Two weeks have passed since Lady Anne Addison left Yorkshire. She is now staying in Cornwall, at the village of St. Wyllow with her old friends, brother and sister Pamela and Marcus St. James. But all is not well and as she spends a night on the cliff she sees The Barbary Ghost and what looks like smugglers down on the beach. So Lady Anne decides to investigate. Meanwhile Lord Darkefell has come looking for her.
Although this can be read as a standalone details from the first book are mentioned, and you can also read how these characters are developing.
Again, another delightful well-written Georgian mystery, with a touch of romance. I have enjoyed reading about these characters and not just the two main ones.
A NetGalley Book
Although this can be read as a standalone details from the first book are mentioned, and you can also read how these characters are developing.
Again, another delightful well-written Georgian mystery, with a touch of romance. I have enjoyed reading about these characters and not just the two main ones.
A NetGalley Book
November 19, 2019
This one was less dark, but more emotional. Lady Anne will have a hard time figuring out her feeling for Darkefell and figuring out all the mysteries surrounding a gang of smugglers.
Anne is equal to herself, she is strong, independent, shrewd, curious and still puts reason before feelings. After reading her new adventure, I am left with the feeling that the romance and Anne's coming of age was the most prominent part of the book. Even withs schemes as complex, the mystery was created by strong feelings: . And throw in the mix Darkefell's marriage plan and his lust inducing kisses.
Still it was all well weaved together and everything felt organic and natural. It's only after finishing the book that I could see the recurring theme of emotions. But, don't get me wrong, the smugglers and murder are quite present from start to finish.
In this book, Lady Anne great intelligence and independence are not always her greatest weapon in face of her dilemmas, but I won't say more. You'll have to read it!
Anne is equal to herself, she is strong, independent, shrewd, curious and still puts reason before feelings. After reading her new adventure, I am left with the feeling that the romance and Anne's coming of age was the most prominent part of the book. Even withs schemes as complex, the mystery was created by strong feelings: . And throw in the mix Darkefell's marriage plan and his lust inducing kisses.
Still it was all well weaved together and everything felt organic and natural. It's only after finishing the book that I could see the recurring theme of emotions. But, don't get me wrong, the smugglers and murder are quite present from start to finish.
In this book, Lady Anne great intelligence and independence are not always her greatest weapon in face of her dilemmas, but I won't say more. You'll have to read it!
February 24, 2020
3.5 stars
May 16, 2019
After Darkefell's rather demanding proposal, Lady Anne has travelled to Cornwall in order to take some time away and visit at the home of Pamela and Marcus St James, two siblings whom became Anne's dear friends during her come out season. But as Anne soon discovers not everything is as it seems, when she witnesses a circumspect ghost and smugglers from the the cliffs bordering the house at which she is visiting. Everyone around her seems unwilling to acknowledge the goings on by the cliffs or to even talk about the possibility of smugglers. Anne will not be thwarted though and is determined to solve the puzzle presented to her.
To her surprise, Darkefell has followed her all the way to Cornwall and is determined that now she must agree to his marriage proposal. Anne is as attracted to him as ever, but still wars with the idea of losing her freedom and independence to any man. With mixed feeling about the man himself and his assitance, they seek to find some answer to this new mystery that they are facing. With several bumps along the way and some shocking truths, this case will be more trying than their last.
I absolutely ADORED this book. The first in the series was good, but I found this one so much more engaging and entertaining. In the first book, Anne's bravery and involvement in the case bordered on recklessness as she continued to unnecessarily put herself at risk. In this book, however, her actions seem more logical and reasonable and when she does put herself in the line of danger it is in order to pretect someone she cares for and she takes precautions and plans ahead. So much growth right there.
I found both Anne and Darkefell to be more likable and relatable charcters in this book, but especially he. We learn so much more about the kind of people our characters are and their actions are so much more understandable in this book. Further this mystery felt more high stakes and the mystery more believable. I was also much more invested in the fates and well being of the background characters this time around as they felt more fleshed out and 3-dimensional.
I suppose this book could serve as a standalone novel, as it is detailed for us how our characters have gotten to where they have and what has transpired between Lady Anne and Darkefell. But where's the fun in that, right? It would be so much better just to read the whole series as you'll have a better understanding of the characters and their reasonings and they're both great books. I would definitely recommend this series.
Many thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing who granted my request to read this title via NetGalley.
To her surprise, Darkefell has followed her all the way to Cornwall and is determined that now she must agree to his marriage proposal. Anne is as attracted to him as ever, but still wars with the idea of losing her freedom and independence to any man. With mixed feeling about the man himself and his assitance, they seek to find some answer to this new mystery that they are facing. With several bumps along the way and some shocking truths, this case will be more trying than their last.
I absolutely ADORED this book. The first in the series was good, but I found this one so much more engaging and entertaining. In the first book, Anne's bravery and involvement in the case bordered on recklessness as she continued to unnecessarily put herself at risk. In this book, however, her actions seem more logical and reasonable and when she does put herself in the line of danger it is in order to pretect someone she cares for and she takes precautions and plans ahead. So much growth right there.
I found both Anne and Darkefell to be more likable and relatable charcters in this book, but especially he. We learn so much more about the kind of people our characters are and their actions are so much more understandable in this book. Further this mystery felt more high stakes and the mystery more believable. I was also much more invested in the fates and well being of the background characters this time around as they felt more fleshed out and 3-dimensional.
I suppose this book could serve as a standalone novel, as it is detailed for us how our characters have gotten to where they have and what has transpired between Lady Anne and Darkefell. But where's the fun in that, right? It would be so much better just to read the whole series as you'll have a better understanding of the characters and their reasonings and they're both great books. I would definitely recommend this series.
Many thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing who granted my request to read this title via NetGalley.
May 16, 2019
After Darkefell's rather demanding proposal, Lady Anne has travelled to Cornwall in order to take some time away and visit at the home of Pamela and Marcus St James, two siblings whom became Anne's dear friends during her come out season. But as Anne soon discovers not everything is as it seems, when she witnesses a circumspect ghost and smugglers from the the cliffs bordering the house at which she is visiting. Everyone around her seems unwilling to acknowledge the goings on by the cliffs or to even talk about the possibility of smugglers. Anne will not be thwarted though and is determined to solve the puzzle presented to her.
To her surprise, Darkefell has followed her all the way to Cornwall and is determined that now she must agree to his marriage proposal. Anne is as attracted to him as ever, but still wars with the idea of losing her freedom and independence to any man. With mixed feeling about the man himself and his assitance, they seek to find some answer to this new mystery that they are facing. With several bumps along the way and some shocking truths, this case will be more trying than their last.
I absolutely ADORED this book. The first in the series was good, but I found this one so much more engaging and entertaining. In the first book, Anne's bravery and involvement in the case bordered on recklessness as she continued to unnecessarily put herself at risk. In this book, however, her actions seem more logical and reasonable and when she does put herself in the line of danger it is in order to pretect someone she cares for and she takes precautions and plans ahead. So much growth right there.
I found both Anne and Darkefell to be more likable and relatable charcters in this book, but especially he. We learn so much more about the kind of people our characters are and their actions are so much more understandable in this book. Further this mystery felt more high stakes and the mystery more believable. I was also much more invested in the fates and well being of the background characters this time around as they felt more fleshed out and 3-dimensional.
I suppose this book could serve as a standalone novel, as it is detailed for us how our characters have gotten to where they have and what has transpired between Lady Anne and Darkefell. But where's the fun in that, right? It would be so much better just to read the whole series as you'll have a better understanding of the characters and their reasonings and they're both great books. I would definitely recommend this series.
To her surprise, Darkefell has followed her all the way to Cornwall and is determined that now she must agree to his marriage proposal. Anne is as attracted to him as ever, but still wars with the idea of losing her freedom and independence to any man. With mixed feeling about the man himself and his assitance, they seek to find some answer to this new mystery that they are facing. With several bumps along the way and some shocking truths, this case will be more trying than their last.
I absolutely ADORED this book. The first in the series was good, but I found this one so much more engaging and entertaining. In the first book, Anne's bravery and involvement in the case bordered on recklessness as she continued to unnecessarily put herself at risk. In this book, however, her actions seem more logical and reasonable and when she does put herself in the line of danger it is in order to pretect someone she cares for and she takes precautions and plans ahead. So much growth right there.
I found both Anne and Darkefell to be more likable and relatable charcters in this book, but especially he. We learn so much more about the kind of people our characters are and their actions are so much more understandable in this book. Further this mystery felt more high stakes and the mystery more believable. I was also much more invested in the fates and well being of the background characters this time around as they felt more fleshed out and 3-dimensional.
I suppose this book could serve as a standalone novel, as it is detailed for us how our characters have gotten to where they have and what has transpired between Lady Anne and Darkefell. But where's the fun in that, right? It would be so much better just to read the whole series as you'll have a better understanding of the characters and their reasonings and they're both great books. I would definitely recommend this series.
June 28, 2020
Actually, 2.5 stars.
Revenge of the Barbary Ghost picks up where Lady Anne and The Howl in the Dark left off. Lady Anne Addison tries to forget about Lord Darkfell by visiting her friend in Cornwall. Upon her arrival, Anne hears the tale of the Barbary Ghost. Anne does not believe the tale and decides to investigate the ghost story herself. She finds that the ghost story was a ruse to conceal the smugglers that hide nearby her friend’s house. Anne is also surprised that Lord Darkfell has followed her to Cornwall in the hopes of wooing her. Will Anne run away from Lord Darkfell or could she finally admit her love for him?
I found Anne, in the book Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark to be a fun character. She was engaging and sassy heroine in the first novel. However, in this book, I found her to be a very annoying and frustrating character. It was clear that Lady Anne was in love with Lord Darkfell by the time the first novel ended, yet there was no reason she constantly kept pushing him away. Her treatment of Lord Darkfell did not make sense. Thus, I found her to be very stubborn and immature. I thought that Lord Darkfell should just forget her and go back home. She obviously did not seem like she deserved him.
Overall, Revenge of the Barbary Ghost was a very predictable mystery. I liked the setting of Cornwall because it had a dark and mysterious atmosphere. Still, I found this novel to be more of a filler. The loose strands that were left in the first novel seem like they would be tied in the third installment. Therefore, this mystery seemed to be completely irrelevant in the whole series. Don't worry if you skipped Revenge of the Barbary Ghost in the Lady Anne mysteries because you haven’t missed anything. Thus, this was fun as a standalone, but it did not contribute to the series as a whole.
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley).
Revenge of the Barbary Ghost picks up where Lady Anne and The Howl in the Dark left off. Lady Anne Addison tries to forget about Lord Darkfell by visiting her friend in Cornwall. Upon her arrival, Anne hears the tale of the Barbary Ghost. Anne does not believe the tale and decides to investigate the ghost story herself. She finds that the ghost story was a ruse to conceal the smugglers that hide nearby her friend’s house. Anne is also surprised that Lord Darkfell has followed her to Cornwall in the hopes of wooing her. Will Anne run away from Lord Darkfell or could she finally admit her love for him?
I found Anne, in the book Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark to be a fun character. She was engaging and sassy heroine in the first novel. However, in this book, I found her to be a very annoying and frustrating character. It was clear that Lady Anne was in love with Lord Darkfell by the time the first novel ended, yet there was no reason she constantly kept pushing him away. Her treatment of Lord Darkfell did not make sense. Thus, I found her to be very stubborn and immature. I thought that Lord Darkfell should just forget her and go back home. She obviously did not seem like she deserved him.
Overall, Revenge of the Barbary Ghost was a very predictable mystery. I liked the setting of Cornwall because it had a dark and mysterious atmosphere. Still, I found this novel to be more of a filler. The loose strands that were left in the first novel seem like they would be tied in the third installment. Therefore, this mystery seemed to be completely irrelevant in the whole series. Don't worry if you skipped Revenge of the Barbary Ghost in the Lady Anne mysteries because you haven’t missed anything. Thus, this was fun as a standalone, but it did not contribute to the series as a whole.
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley).
November 10, 2012
Reviewed by:Robin
Book provided by: Author
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Anne and the Marquess of Darkefell meet once again. Having not read the first book I think it really is a must in order to figure out the whole romance behind Anne and Tony, as Anne calls the Marquess.
They are both enamored with each other and Tony keeps trying desperately to get Anne to marry him. Most think of her as rather plain but Tony sees past that and finds her other qualities more to his liking.
She is a challenge to him and she is leery of losing herself to the intuition of marriage.
As Anne has a way of doing, she soon finds that she is embroiled in the midst of a mystery that involves good friends, a ghost, smugglers and unsavory characters.
Tony searching for Anne meets with her mother and grandmother. He finds that he too becomes involved in the mystery. He is helping an old employee of his father who fears his son is involved. Odd how somehow, although starting at different points, end up working towards the same goal. Kudos in that aspect for Ms. Simpson.
I loved the mystery behind the story and the subtle way that Anne and Tony try to hide the feelings that they have, which at times, become pretty intense.
Anne although she has strong feelings for Tony turns him down once again as she wants R-E-S-P-E-C-T...plain and simple. Not someone to lord over her but to work beside her.
Ms. Simpson has a good basis for the story but I find that at times it lacks depth. She tends to vague, while only giving the briefest of information which leaves the reader or this one at least wanting more depth.
This is a light story and to most would find it quite satisfying. But this avid reader was looking for...more.
Book provided by: Author
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Anne and the Marquess of Darkefell meet once again. Having not read the first book I think it really is a must in order to figure out the whole romance behind Anne and Tony, as Anne calls the Marquess.
They are both enamored with each other and Tony keeps trying desperately to get Anne to marry him. Most think of her as rather plain but Tony sees past that and finds her other qualities more to his liking.
She is a challenge to him and she is leery of losing herself to the intuition of marriage.
As Anne has a way of doing, she soon finds that she is embroiled in the midst of a mystery that involves good friends, a ghost, smugglers and unsavory characters.
Tony searching for Anne meets with her mother and grandmother. He finds that he too becomes involved in the mystery. He is helping an old employee of his father who fears his son is involved. Odd how somehow, although starting at different points, end up working towards the same goal. Kudos in that aspect for Ms. Simpson.
I loved the mystery behind the story and the subtle way that Anne and Tony try to hide the feelings that they have, which at times, become pretty intense.
Anne although she has strong feelings for Tony turns him down once again as she wants R-E-S-P-E-C-T...plain and simple. Not someone to lord over her but to work beside her.
Ms. Simpson has a good basis for the story but I find that at times it lacks depth. She tends to vague, while only giving the briefest of information which leaves the reader or this one at least wanting more depth.
This is a light story and to most would find it quite satisfying. But this avid reader was looking for...more.
May 19, 2019
I gave the first in this trilogy, Lady Anne and the Howl in the Night, four stars. This, the second, deserves five stars. WE travel with Lady Anne from Yorkshire to Cornwall as she seeks a break, time to relax with friends and ponder the proposal made to her by The Marquess of Darkefell. Pamela and Marcus St. James are brother and sister, friends since the days of they coming out into society. Lady Anne envisions a happy time spent catching up with friends and enjoying the countryside. Alas, that is not meant to be as she finds that Darkefell has followed her to Cornwall and is demanding an answer to his proposal. Being the strong willed female that Lady Anne is, she is torn between her attraction to him and her desire to remain her own woman, independent of any man. If that wasn't enough to deal with, there are some very strange goings on around the cliffs near the home of Pamela and Marcus. People are keeping a lot of secrets and soon Lady Anne and Darkefell are investigating.
When we first met Lady Anne she was a bit on the reckless side when it came to her investigating. Now she is more thoughtful and deliberate when searching for answers. Her character has developed and I like her even more. We find out more of their backgrounds which gives them more for me to care about. If you are wondering if this works as a standalone - I would urge you to read them in order so you get the complete picture of their developing relationship.
My thanks to the publisher Beyond the Page and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
When we first met Lady Anne she was a bit on the reckless side when it came to her investigating. Now she is more thoughtful and deliberate when searching for answers. Her character has developed and I like her even more. We find out more of their backgrounds which gives them more for me to care about. If you are wondering if this works as a standalone - I would urge you to read them in order so you get the complete picture of their developing relationship.
My thanks to the publisher Beyond the Page and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 25, 2021
Not a mystery
I'm sure some will enjoy this book better than I. I have no objection to romance mingled with a tale, but the romance here simply isn't believable. This is the second book in the series, and it's unlikely that I would have purchased or read it if it hadn't come as a package buy of three. It's not the underlying tale, which isn't much of a mystery, but is a good tale anyway and realistic. It's the forced, flat characters. Darkfell isn't clever or bold or anything in particular that we see in the story, he just storms in, kisses the girl and somehow magically off stage, comes up with solutions. The heroine is supposedly brave, educated and independent, but again, her actions are seldom seen on stage. We are told about her brief encounter with chemistry and somehow she is capable of making a flash grenade in a period where gunpowder and it's properties weren't well known. Do we see her do this? Nope. Never a muss or fuss... Pam apparently isn't smart enough to come up with a fake wedding certificate but can run a smuggling operation? Seriously? And sorry, at some point it would be nice to have a hero or heroine with a clever dog rather than the inevitable cat that doesn't act like a real cat.
I'm sure some will enjoy this book better than I. I have no objection to romance mingled with a tale, but the romance here simply isn't believable. This is the second book in the series, and it's unlikely that I would have purchased or read it if it hadn't come as a package buy of three. It's not the underlying tale, which isn't much of a mystery, but is a good tale anyway and realistic. It's the forced, flat characters. Darkfell isn't clever or bold or anything in particular that we see in the story, he just storms in, kisses the girl and somehow magically off stage, comes up with solutions. The heroine is supposedly brave, educated and independent, but again, her actions are seldom seen on stage. We are told about her brief encounter with chemistry and somehow she is capable of making a flash grenade in a period where gunpowder and it's properties weren't well known. Do we see her do this? Nope. Never a muss or fuss... Pam apparently isn't smart enough to come up with a fake wedding certificate but can run a smuggling operation? Seriously? And sorry, at some point it would be nice to have a hero or heroine with a clever dog rather than the inevitable cat that doesn't act like a real cat.
July 31, 2020
So this may not be a popular opinion since part of the whole point of the books is that Anne and Tony eventually get together, but I don't think they should. With her so obsessed about every aspect of marriage and him so domineering, I think they would drive each other crazy. She is so concerned about either of them being miserable once they marry that she is going to make them miserable. A self-fulfilling prophecy kind of situation. Plus, as much as the author keeps writing that she is intelligent, she doesn't really show it. Why in the world would she think she is the person to get involved with smugglers. She has no weapon and no physical skills, so why would she decide it's a good idea to get in the middle of a gunfight. Not being as simpering and empty headed as those around her doesn't actually equate intelligence. She does stupid things just to try and show that she can be independent. I thought there were some legitimately funny and shocking scenes in this. It would have gotten a much higher rating if the characters would just stop and show some common sense.
July 20, 2009
Lady Anne and the Ghost’s Revenge (Book 2)
Written By: Donna Lea Simpson
Published By: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Date: August 2009
Pages: 368
Format: Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 978-1402217920
(*Publication has been delayed...future publication date unknown*)
Lady Anne and the Ghost’s Revenge is the continuing story of Lady Anne, as she tries to distance herself from Marquess of Darkefell and ends up in more trouble then she’d bargained for. The Marquess is darkly handsome and very intense; his devotion to Lady Anne, though sometimes misguided, is very sincere and heartwarming. The story itself is fast-paced, has some interesting plot twists full of intrigue and has sprinklings of g-rated romance. I found many of the names of the people and places just a little bit silly; it seemed to me anyhow, that...
* Please follow the link to read the full review:
http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress....
Written By: Donna Lea Simpson
Published By: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Date: August 2009
Pages: 368
Format: Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 978-1402217920
(*Publication has been delayed...future publication date unknown*)
Lady Anne and the Ghost’s Revenge is the continuing story of Lady Anne, as she tries to distance herself from Marquess of Darkefell and ends up in more trouble then she’d bargained for. The Marquess is darkly handsome and very intense; his devotion to Lady Anne, though sometimes misguided, is very sincere and heartwarming. The story itself is fast-paced, has some interesting plot twists full of intrigue and has sprinklings of g-rated romance. I found many of the names of the people and places just a little bit silly; it seemed to me anyhow, that...
* Please follow the link to read the full review:
http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress....
January 31, 2021
The first book in this series was fun, even if people did not really behave historically acurately (a young lady worried about her reputation would really not spend so much time unchaperoned). But this one got on my nerves. I do not have any patience at all with a heroine who does stupidly dangerous things just because the hero told her not to do it. That is not independence that is too stupid to live.
September 20, 2023
It is with IMMENSE relief that I mark this book as finished; I genuinely can’t remember the last time I struggled so much to finish a book. Thank god I’m free!!
It is not that this book was terrible. While the “mystery” was barely that and therefore didn’t really come close to the previous werewolf case in tension or complexity, Book 1 left us with such a cliffhanger in Anne and Darkefell’s relationship that I was very eager to find out how they’ll get together. Much promise for romantic and character development on paper.
The problem is that I cannot stand Anne, one of the most frustrating, self-absorbed and contradictory heroines I’ve had the misfortune of reading. With her as heroine, there can be no satisfactory progress. She made my blood pressure skyrocket with every chapter.
It took a whole book for Anne to go back full circle to virtually the same place she was at at the end of Book 1. When she’s not wilfully misunderstanding Darkefell’s good intentions and lashing out at him rudely, she’s rejecting him with the tired old issue of her being commitment-phobic.
Loss of freedom is a very realistic concern for a woman in that period and her fears are natural, but the issue with Anne is that she keeps waffling. She hems and haws, refuses to address her own fears in her own quiet time and gets angry at Darkefell for not being able to read her mind. She honestly treats him horribly, always jumping to the worst assumptions about him without giving him a chance to explain. If only she treated him with half the care she showed towards her two undeserving friends; one mocked her looks and devalued her publicly and the other selfishly pressured her into an illegal operation, but she showed them ten times more affection than she showed Darkefell.
To top it off, she does incredibly stupid things that undermine her claim that she’s an intelligent, independent woman capable of making her own decisions and instead justify Darkefell being overprotective - I mean, agreeing to help a friend with a smuggling run, knowing full well she could be hanged?! Or running towards the chaos when a gunfight breaks out, simply because she “must know what’s going on”? She never acknowledges her mistakes or failures either, and it makes my blood boil.
For all his many flaws, Darkefell on the other hand repeatedly acknowledges his mistakes. He humbles himself in front of Anne, endures the humiliation of being rejected over and over again and even asks his right hand man for advice on how to better communicate with her. He really tries, bless him.
It’s a miserable thing to reach the end of a romance novel and discover that you’re actually proud of the hero for finally walking way from a woman who has treated him like garbage. After all this time Anne still can’t even give him an answer on whether she loves him, and certainly I doubt the depth of her love if she isn’t even willing to give him a chance. At this stage, all I can say is that Darkefell deserves better.
Obviously the story will eventually reunite them and maybe Anne will finally grow up a bit, but sadly I don’t know if I have the strength to read Book 3 to find out.
It is not that this book was terrible. While the “mystery” was barely that and therefore didn’t really come close to the previous werewolf case in tension or complexity, Book 1 left us with such a cliffhanger in Anne and Darkefell’s relationship that I was very eager to find out how they’ll get together. Much promise for romantic and character development on paper.
The problem is that I cannot stand Anne, one of the most frustrating, self-absorbed and contradictory heroines I’ve had the misfortune of reading. With her as heroine, there can be no satisfactory progress. She made my blood pressure skyrocket with every chapter.
It took a whole book for Anne to go back full circle to virtually the same place she was at at the end of Book 1. When she’s not wilfully misunderstanding Darkefell’s good intentions and lashing out at him rudely, she’s rejecting him with the tired old issue of her being commitment-phobic.
Loss of freedom is a very realistic concern for a woman in that period and her fears are natural, but the issue with Anne is that she keeps waffling. She hems and haws, refuses to address her own fears in her own quiet time and gets angry at Darkefell for not being able to read her mind. She honestly treats him horribly, always jumping to the worst assumptions about him without giving him a chance to explain. If only she treated him with half the care she showed towards her two undeserving friends; one mocked her looks and devalued her publicly and the other selfishly pressured her into an illegal operation, but she showed them ten times more affection than she showed Darkefell.
To top it off, she does incredibly stupid things that undermine her claim that she’s an intelligent, independent woman capable of making her own decisions and instead justify Darkefell being overprotective - I mean, agreeing to help a friend with a smuggling run, knowing full well she could be hanged?! Or running towards the chaos when a gunfight breaks out, simply because she “must know what’s going on”? She never acknowledges her mistakes or failures either, and it makes my blood boil.
For all his many flaws, Darkefell on the other hand repeatedly acknowledges his mistakes. He humbles himself in front of Anne, endures the humiliation of being rejected over and over again and even asks his right hand man for advice on how to better communicate with her. He really tries, bless him.
It’s a miserable thing to reach the end of a romance novel and discover that you’re actually proud of the hero for finally walking way from a woman who has treated him like garbage. After all this time Anne still can’t even give him an answer on whether she loves him, and certainly I doubt the depth of her love if she isn’t even willing to give him a chance. At this stage, all I can say is that Darkefell deserves better.
Obviously the story will eventually reunite them and maybe Anne will finally grow up a bit, but sadly I don’t know if I have the strength to read Book 3 to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2020
First a werewolf, now a ghost! If Lady Anne and Lord Darkefell are going to continue to spend time together, they should be prepared for non-stop excitement and danger. Revenge of the Barbary Ghost is the second book in the Lady Anne Addison Mysteries series, and it’s every bit as delightful as the first, Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark. If you are new to the series this book will work just fine standalone. But do yourself a favor, stop right now and catch up. The history and backstories are fascinating and will add much to your reading pleasure.
Anne and Darkefell spend about equal time mesmerized by or irritated with each other. They are, or will be, a terrific couple, but after Anne nearly loses her life and Darkefell, in a moment of panic, demands she “stop this foolishness” and marry him immediately she flees his estate in Yorkshire and goes to stay with friends in Cornwall to think things through. She is powerfully attracted to him but marriage was not on her agenda. Of course he follows her, but not before she learns of sightings of “The Barbary Ghost” and decides to investigate. Anne doesn’t believe in ghosts any more than she believes in werewolves and thinks the ghost is a cover for smugglers. When she learns of Darkefell’s arrival she hopes to enlist his aid in solving the mystery. Darkefell, however, has barely recovered from the fear of losing her due to her recklessness and again lectures her about how she needs to calm down, back off, stay safe and let him handle things. Anne, in effect, storms off in a huff. These two have a lot to learn about relationships but they are absolutely charming as they blunder through their mutual steamy attraction. They are pretty adept, though, at solving mysteries and the superbly written, well-developed, smooth flowing, detailed plot and clues provided by author Victoria Hamilton make for a great read.
Anne’s maid Mary and Darkefell’s secretary Osei Boatin are back and as interesting as ever, and Anne’s friend Pamela and her brother Marcus keep you guessing. This is a story that will claim your attention and delight you, full of action and danger and unexplained happenings.
Once again author Hamilton (aka Donna Lea Simpson) has skillfully blended a romance with some heat and a mystery that will make you think into a thoroughly entertaining Georgian historical. I was fortunate enough to have an audio copy of Revenge the Barbary Ghost and the author’s story and Danielle Cohen’s narration make for one terrific listen. I was not required or expected to provide a review and all opinions are my own. I loved this story and love this series. Lucky for me the adventures of Lady Anne and the Marquess of Darkefell will continue!
Anne and Darkefell spend about equal time mesmerized by or irritated with each other. They are, or will be, a terrific couple, but after Anne nearly loses her life and Darkefell, in a moment of panic, demands she “stop this foolishness” and marry him immediately she flees his estate in Yorkshire and goes to stay with friends in Cornwall to think things through. She is powerfully attracted to him but marriage was not on her agenda. Of course he follows her, but not before she learns of sightings of “The Barbary Ghost” and decides to investigate. Anne doesn’t believe in ghosts any more than she believes in werewolves and thinks the ghost is a cover for smugglers. When she learns of Darkefell’s arrival she hopes to enlist his aid in solving the mystery. Darkefell, however, has barely recovered from the fear of losing her due to her recklessness and again lectures her about how she needs to calm down, back off, stay safe and let him handle things. Anne, in effect, storms off in a huff. These two have a lot to learn about relationships but they are absolutely charming as they blunder through their mutual steamy attraction. They are pretty adept, though, at solving mysteries and the superbly written, well-developed, smooth flowing, detailed plot and clues provided by author Victoria Hamilton make for a great read.
Anne’s maid Mary and Darkefell’s secretary Osei Boatin are back and as interesting as ever, and Anne’s friend Pamela and her brother Marcus keep you guessing. This is a story that will claim your attention and delight you, full of action and danger and unexplained happenings.
Once again author Hamilton (aka Donna Lea Simpson) has skillfully blended a romance with some heat and a mystery that will make you think into a thoroughly entertaining Georgian historical. I was fortunate enough to have an audio copy of Revenge the Barbary Ghost and the author’s story and Danielle Cohen’s narration make for one terrific listen. I was not required or expected to provide a review and all opinions are my own. I loved this story and love this series. Lucky for me the adventures of Lady Anne and the Marquess of Darkefell will continue!
October 27, 2024
Ugh. I am done with Anne, the ridiculous main character of this series. I was sick of her come here/go away/ help! save me/go away I WANT TO BE INDEPENDENT stupid shtick in the last (first) book. Anne is the worst kind of insufferable tease. "I'm inflamed by his kisses, but do I love him? Better make him go away till I can figure it out". Or, "I don't know if I want to spend the rest of my life with you. What will happen when the thrill wears off? Yet I can't stop thinking about his kiss..." News flash girlie: the thrill doesn't last but when a couple love, respect and care for each other it develops into something much nicer. Anne, as the author draws her, is VERY immature and this sends a VERY BAD message to girls & women who think if they're not panting in the heat of passion 24/7 then it's not love. Are you listening Donna? And by the way, Anne, as for the "rest of your life", this is the 18th century. You'll he lucky to have 10-20 good years left. Now for others who praise Anne for being a strong, independent woman, no, she's not. The only reason she can dash around the country, doing what she wants and going where she wants is because she has absentee and indulgent parents and she's wealthy. 90% of the population at this time, women and men, didn't know from day to day if they would have food to eat. Anne equates "independence" with having her own selfish desires fulfilled and bossing others around. Being a bully is not strength, in fact its root cause is fear. Anne is not only immature when it comes to relationships but insecure, constantly calling herself "plain" or mentioning her big nose or being bony, etc. She doesn't understand how Darkfell could love her and is constantly asking for affirmation. So no. She's neither strong or independent. Try lonely and strident. Again, this is it for me.
April 29, 2019
3.5 stars
After Lady Anne's abrupt departure from Yorkshire, she decides to visit her friend Pamela in Cornwall. Confused over feelings for Darkefell (he is dark and a little broody, but certainly no Heathcliff), she quickly becomes involved in another mystery after seeing the "Barbary Ghost" and a band of smugglers on the beach below Cliff House.
Oh, dear. The determined Darkefell discovers where she has gone and plans to again attempt to persuade Anne to marry him. He immediately wants to protect her from danger and continues to spoil his pursuit of marriage by issuing commands that frustrate and anger Anne.
I rarely read romance, but the combination of mystery and suspense has made the Lady Anne Addison series a fun and enjoyable experience. Anne continues to struggle with her attraction to Darkefell and her need to be able to maintain her independence. Maybe too many kisses and explanatory sequences, but fun nevertheless.
NetGalley/Beyond the Page
Mystery/Romance/Historical Fiction. 2014; April, 2019. Print length: 345 pages.
After Lady Anne's abrupt departure from Yorkshire, she decides to visit her friend Pamela in Cornwall. Confused over feelings for Darkefell (he is dark and a little broody, but certainly no Heathcliff), she quickly becomes involved in another mystery after seeing the "Barbary Ghost" and a band of smugglers on the beach below Cliff House.
Oh, dear. The determined Darkefell discovers where she has gone and plans to again attempt to persuade Anne to marry him. He immediately wants to protect her from danger and continues to spoil his pursuit of marriage by issuing commands that frustrate and anger Anne.
I rarely read romance, but the combination of mystery and suspense has made the Lady Anne Addison series a fun and enjoyable experience. Anne continues to struggle with her attraction to Darkefell and her need to be able to maintain her independence. Maybe too many kisses and explanatory sequences, but fun nevertheless.
NetGalley/Beyond the Page
Mystery/Romance/Historical Fiction. 2014; April, 2019. Print length: 345 pages.
May 27, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley , the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in return for review based upon my honest opinion.
This was the second book in this series, I don’t feel like you needed to read the first book to enjoy the second book but it would definitely help as it’s a great progression of characters. This was a great period mystery. I found this storyline really interesting I enjoyed the tale of the Barbary ghost, interesting to read about the smugglers and to continue our story with lady Anne and the Marquess Darkefell. While I enjoyed the story of the ghost and Pam and Marcus, of course the big story in the book is about Lady Anne trying to reconcile being a single woman of the time, having her independence, and finding herself madly smitten with Tony. I also found her very frustrating because it’s obvious she wants to marry him and that ending?! Starting the third book right now. I have to get to the bottom of this and see them happily betrothed.
This was the second book in this series, I don’t feel like you needed to read the first book to enjoy the second book but it would definitely help as it’s a great progression of characters. This was a great period mystery. I found this storyline really interesting I enjoyed the tale of the Barbary ghost, interesting to read about the smugglers and to continue our story with lady Anne and the Marquess Darkefell. While I enjoyed the story of the ghost and Pam and Marcus, of course the big story in the book is about Lady Anne trying to reconcile being a single woman of the time, having her independence, and finding herself madly smitten with Tony. I also found her very frustrating because it’s obvious she wants to marry him and that ending?! Starting the third book right now. I have to get to the bottom of this and see them happily betrothed.
October 8, 2020
3.5 stars.
This second instalment is much heavier on the romance side than the first book. So it should satisfy readers who were after more romance. Anne spent a lot of time grappling with her attraction to Darkefell and her quite understandable misgivings of losing her independence if she was to marry. Tony, being a man of the times, wanted to cosset and protect her but simultaneously, admired her for her self-assurance. Again, there were quite a few hot confrontations between the two as well as a couple of heavy petting scenes.
As for the mystery, the Barbary Ghost was actually solved quite early. And initially I thought the whole smuggling thing was just a bit of a lark until it turned deadly After that, the tone of the book did turn more ominous. That ending though...
The epilogue introduces a new mystery pointing back to Tony's family.... so it'll be interesting to see what happens next.
This second instalment is much heavier on the romance side than the first book. So it should satisfy readers who were after more romance. Anne spent a lot of time grappling with her attraction to Darkefell and her quite understandable misgivings of losing her independence if she was to marry. Tony, being a man of the times, wanted to cosset and protect her but simultaneously, admired her for her self-assurance. Again, there were quite a few hot confrontations between the two as well as a couple of heavy petting scenes.
As for the mystery, the Barbary Ghost was actually solved quite early. And initially I thought the whole smuggling thing was just a bit of a lark until it turned deadly After that, the tone of the book did turn more ominous. That ending though...
The epilogue introduces a new mystery pointing back to Tony's family.... so it'll be interesting to see what happens next.
October 15, 2019
A headstrong woman in Cornwall
I’m quite enjoying this series. Lady Anne is a very forthright and intelligent woman who is determined not to end up under the thumb of some man who would have dominion over her money, her body, and her life, if she wed.
Anthony, Marquee of Darkefell, is a a man on a mission - to get a certain prickly Lady to marry him. He’s impetuous, loyal, steadfast, hot-headed, and doesn’t have a clue as to how to win the affections of said lady.
So while these two are dancing around each other, and yes, even a blind man can see how they feel about each other, they stumble upon yet another murder. This time it’s an acquaintance of Lady Anne’s, and it’s once again a scrabble to bring the culprit to justice while fumbling about their haphazard relationship.
Entertaining - I absolutely adore Irusan 🐈 - and unexpectedly engaging.
3.5 stars ⭐️
I’m quite enjoying this series. Lady Anne is a very forthright and intelligent woman who is determined not to end up under the thumb of some man who would have dominion over her money, her body, and her life, if she wed.
Anthony, Marquee of Darkefell, is a a man on a mission - to get a certain prickly Lady to marry him. He’s impetuous, loyal, steadfast, hot-headed, and doesn’t have a clue as to how to win the affections of said lady.
So while these two are dancing around each other, and yes, even a blind man can see how they feel about each other, they stumble upon yet another murder. This time it’s an acquaintance of Lady Anne’s, and it’s once again a scrabble to bring the culprit to justice while fumbling about their haphazard relationship.
Entertaining - I absolutely adore Irusan 🐈 - and unexpectedly engaging.
3.5 stars ⭐️
November 5, 2019
This is the second in the series and one I enjoyed a great deal. It continued the romantic attraction between Lord Darkefell and Lady Anne while entertaining the reader with a wild tale of the Barbary Ghost and smugglers on the coast of Cornwall. This is a regency era tale, but delves into feminist issues that still resonate today, such as independence in a marriage, financial security, marriages in name only, fidelity, etc. Lady Anne is her own person and is very hesitant to give up her independence in life and questions the customs of the day regarding not only marriage, but a woman’s role in society in general. I think anyone who enjoys this time period will be thoroughly entertained and challenged as well.
May 18, 2020
Enjoyed this one more than the first one. Not so gothic and I could belive the friendship between Pam and Anne more than the one between Anne and Lydia. Probably because Pam had more appearances than Lydia.
Darkefell also improved in his behaviour towards Anne, at least somewhat, he's no longer calling her unfeminine or molesting her.
As for the rest of their relationship, I think I'll reserve my judgement for after next book, but I kind of like that Anne's still not sure if she wants to marry him because this makes it a Her problem and gives way for more character growth.
Another plus point: Abraham Goldsmith, I liked his character
Darkefell also improved in his behaviour towards Anne, at least somewhat, he's no longer calling her unfeminine or molesting her.
As for the rest of their relationship, I think I'll reserve my judgement for after next book, but I kind of like that Anne's still not sure if she wants to marry him because this makes it a Her problem and gives way for more character growth.
Another plus point: Abraham Goldsmith, I liked his character
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2019
It was a lot fun to read, as much as the first installment.
The series seems to be improving and this book is engaging and entertaining.
I liked the cast of characters, the plot and the gothic atmosphere.
I look forward to reading the next installment.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
The series seems to be improving and this book is engaging and entertaining.
I liked the cast of characters, the plot and the gothic atmosphere.
I look forward to reading the next installment.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
May 9, 2019
Revenge of the Barbary Ghost was originally published as Lady Anne and the Ghost's Revenge in 2009 under the name Donna Lea Simpson (an established romance novelist). Like the first book in the series, this might appeal more to romance readers who want a bit of a mystery than to readers of historical mysteries, but it was a quick, fun read. I'll need to read the sequel to find out what happens with Anne and Darkefell!
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher, Beyond the Page, and NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher, Beyond the Page, and NetGalley in return for an honest review.
December 28, 2020
Excellent!
Terrific adventure! Tony follows Anne to Cornwall, where she is visiting friends made during her presentation season. All is not as it appears---- smugglers are using the beach in front of their rented house to land good! Question is who can be trusted, who is involved, who are the leaders, and what should be done to stop it, safely!
Terrific adventure! Tony follows Anne to Cornwall, where she is visiting friends made during her presentation season. All is not as it appears---- smugglers are using the beach in front of their rented house to land good! Question is who can be trusted, who is involved, who are the leaders, and what should be done to stop it, safely!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews