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That Scoundrel Émile Dubois
Sophie de Courcy, living as companion to an elderly countess in an isolated mansion on the mountains in North Wales, dreams of romance and adventure, but despairs of having any.
Their unpleasant neighbour Kenrick, with his wild talk of the legends of Transylvannia and of what the Countess calls his 'Mischievous Experiments' , hardly counts.
But when Sophie's long term hero, the rascally Émile Dubois, comes with his confidential manservant on a suspiciously hasty visit to his aunt the Countess, Kenrick's machinations draw him, and Sophie too, into a world of man vampires and time warps.
Obviously there can be nothing in the gossip that Émile is also the notorious highwayman Monsieur Gilles, or that George is is his companion in crime.
It is lucky for Sophie that she has a staunch ally in her lady's maid Agnes, who combines common sense with a talent for Tarot reading.
Winner of the coveted BRAG medallion for outstanding self-published fiction, this over-the-top Gothic adventure is full of dark humour, romance and derring-do and a perfect read for those who enjoy a spoof on the themes of classical Gothic.
Their unpleasant neighbour Kenrick, with his wild talk of the legends of Transylvannia and of what the Countess calls his 'Mischievous Experiments' , hardly counts.
But when Sophie's long term hero, the rascally Émile Dubois, comes with his confidential manservant on a suspiciously hasty visit to his aunt the Countess, Kenrick's machinations draw him, and Sophie too, into a world of man vampires and time warps.
Obviously there can be nothing in the gossip that Émile is also the notorious highwayman Monsieur Gilles, or that George is is his companion in crime.
It is lucky for Sophie that she has a staunch ally in her lady's maid Agnes, who combines common sense with a talent for Tarot reading.
Winner of the coveted BRAG medallion for outstanding self-published fiction, this over-the-top Gothic adventure is full of dark humour, romance and derring-do and a perfect read for those who enjoy a spoof on the themes of classical Gothic.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2012
12 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Lucinda Elliot
9 books116 followersLucinda Elliot is a five times winner of the B.R.A.G medallion for outstanding fiction, for 'That Scoundrel Emile Dubois' 'Ravensdale, 'their sequel 'Where Worlds Meet' , another historical gothic spoof called, 'The Villainous Viscount Or the Curse of the Venns' and for her historical novel about the Peterloo Massare, 'The Peterloo Affair'.
She loves writing Gothic style stories, which isn't surprising because she was brought up in a series of great old isolated houses about England and Wales which her parents were refurbishing (it wasn't so fashionable back then). After that, she lived, studied and worked in London for many years and now lives in Mid Wales with her family.
She loves writing about strong women to complement gung ho males. She also likes to depict historical reality in her historical stories, with the rough and brutal side of life in the Georgian UK not edited out as in so many 'historical' romances.
Her interests include weight training, and she was once a champion Sportsfighter, but apart from that her interests are quite geeky. Reading classic novels, conservation, gardening, and even names and their meanings (bring on the carrot juice). She loves a laugh above anything.
She loves writing Gothic style stories, which isn't surprising because she was brought up in a series of great old isolated houses about England and Wales which her parents were refurbishing (it wasn't so fashionable back then). After that, she lived, studied and worked in London for many years and now lives in Mid Wales with her family.
She loves writing about strong women to complement gung ho males. She also likes to depict historical reality in her historical stories, with the rough and brutal side of life in the Georgian UK not edited out as in so many 'historical' romances.
Her interests include weight training, and she was once a champion Sportsfighter, but apart from that her interests are quite geeky. Reading classic novels, conservation, gardening, and even names and their meanings (bring on the carrot juice). She loves a laugh above anything.
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October 23, 2012
Find the enhanced version of this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
How to describe Lucinda Elliot's That Scoundrel Emile Dubois? I've been pondering the question for some time, but nothing I put together quite seems to do the book justice.
I am somewhat hesitate to make the comparison because so many have such strong feelings in regards to the classics, but reading Scoundrel took me straight back to A Tale of Two Cities and Dracula, both of which are ranked among my personal all time favorites. Elliot replicated the spirit and feel of these books in a most creative and original manner, seamlessly blending historic fiction and paranormal with good old fashioned story telling and strikingly characters in one memorable volume.
One aspect of particular note was the integration of French and Welsh into the dialogue. It is one thing to set a story against the French Revolution and the mysterious Welsh hills but Elliot's use of language adds an appealing touch of authenticity that setting and description could not manage alone.
Of course Elliot doesn't stop there. She also incorporates several recognizable items of note from Ann Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Uldolpho to Samuel Richardson's Pamela. I personally appreciated the reference to the Marquis de Sade and the appearance of a famous line from Thomas More, but that's the historian in me talking.
Don't make the mistake of thinking That Scoundrel Emile Dubois is yet another vampire novel for it is anything but typical. Elliot's is a richly imagined, original story, that is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet.
How to describe Lucinda Elliot's That Scoundrel Emile Dubois? I've been pondering the question for some time, but nothing I put together quite seems to do the book justice.
I am somewhat hesitate to make the comparison because so many have such strong feelings in regards to the classics, but reading Scoundrel took me straight back to A Tale of Two Cities and Dracula, both of which are ranked among my personal all time favorites. Elliot replicated the spirit and feel of these books in a most creative and original manner, seamlessly blending historic fiction and paranormal with good old fashioned story telling and strikingly characters in one memorable volume.
One aspect of particular note was the integration of French and Welsh into the dialogue. It is one thing to set a story against the French Revolution and the mysterious Welsh hills but Elliot's use of language adds an appealing touch of authenticity that setting and description could not manage alone.
Of course Elliot doesn't stop there. She also incorporates several recognizable items of note from Ann Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Uldolpho to Samuel Richardson's Pamela. I personally appreciated the reference to the Marquis de Sade and the appearance of a famous line from Thomas More, but that's the historian in me talking.
Don't make the mistake of thinking That Scoundrel Emile Dubois is yet another vampire novel for it is anything but typical. Elliot's is a richly imagined, original story, that is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet.
April 15, 2018
I am middle-aged, middle-class, heterosexual and, most of all, male. I’m not an accountant and I don’t play golf, but for the purposes of this caricature I may as well do. Romance I can deal with, and I’m prepared to accept that the paranormal has its place. But both at once? In the same book? Surely my eyes would be too busy rolling to focus on the words?
As it turns out, Lucinda Elliot has a cunning plan for dealing with readers like me. There is no mention of anything remotely vampirish for the first few chapters, and only vague hints in the next few after that. It’s all good old-fashioned historical fiction with a plucky heroine. Nothing to be concerned about with that. True, romance occasionally rears its head, but only in an offhand and generally inoffensive manner. Better still, it’s wrapped up in a premise about a meeting between Sophie and her cousin Emile in the turmoil of post-revolutionary Paris that may or may not have actually taken place, with hints of some sort of time travel involved. All very intriguing.
It’s not until about a third of the way into the story that the fangs finally get bared in earnest. That was when I realized I was the frog and the water was starting to get kind of hot. But by then it was too late – I was already cooked. Won over by a peculiar story that kept taking intriguing turns and a heroine, Sophie, who you would need a heart of ice not to warm to.
Lots of period language and detail, it reads more like historical fiction than pa***al rom**ce, with the horrors of the French revolution and its impact on the lower gentry giving the story extra punch. All this and a sense of humour too, with a supporting cast of interesting and believable minor characters.
I liked it a lot.
As it turns out, Lucinda Elliot has a cunning plan for dealing with readers like me. There is no mention of anything remotely vampirish for the first few chapters, and only vague hints in the next few after that. It’s all good old-fashioned historical fiction with a plucky heroine. Nothing to be concerned about with that. True, romance occasionally rears its head, but only in an offhand and generally inoffensive manner. Better still, it’s wrapped up in a premise about a meeting between Sophie and her cousin Emile in the turmoil of post-revolutionary Paris that may or may not have actually taken place, with hints of some sort of time travel involved. All very intriguing.
It’s not until about a third of the way into the story that the fangs finally get bared in earnest. That was when I realized I was the frog and the water was starting to get kind of hot. But by then it was too late – I was already cooked. Won over by a peculiar story that kept taking intriguing turns and a heroine, Sophie, who you would need a heart of ice not to warm to.
Lots of period language and detail, it reads more like historical fiction than pa***al rom**ce, with the horrors of the French revolution and its impact on the lower gentry giving the story extra punch. All this and a sense of humour too, with a supporting cast of interesting and believable minor characters.
I liked it a lot.
February 26, 2013
Lucinda Elliot describes her novel as a “cod gothic,” a seriocomic parody of a venerable genre that often satirizes itself. The book is a delightful read, with an intriguing story, lively sometimes-outrageous characters, and well-placed touches of humour. An outstanding feature of this amusing vampire tale is the delicious contrast between the staid nobility of settled aristocrats intent upon keeping up appearances and the scandalous behaviour of an arch scoundrel (himself of noble blood) named Emile Dubois.
Complicating matters is a regal country house full of bloodthirsty half-vampires, one of whom, Goronwy Kenrick, schemes to harness “thought forms” so he can travel through time. Throughout the tale, serious trouble with vampires alternates with episodes of good-natured fun or even all out farce. Especially droll are the scenes where the vampire elite angrily holler down corridors and stairwells at reluctant servants (who often distantly shout back).
It is 1797 and the well-paced story is largely set in three great houses nestled in the mountains of Wales. Soon winter comes and the wind drives snow at rattling windows and moans round the chimney tops. Dark trees writhe in the cold unsettled nights. Snow blankets the quiet countryside and fills its narrow winding lanes. Adding to the winter chill are rumoured sightings of huge eerie bats.
Sophie de Courcy, the novel’s lovely blonde heroine, enjoys wriggling her toes before the fire. She is a poor relation who hopes to assure herself a comfortable place in life by marrying well. Lucky in the generosity of her more illustrious relatives, she has her own maid, a practical young Welsh woman named Agnes who manages to combine good sense with complete faith in the prophetic power of her tarot cards. Excitingly, Agnes foresees handsome dashing young men for Sophie and herself.
Sophie finds her chance with her cousin, Emile Dubois, although the rakish fellow’s bizarre insistence that they have already met in Paris, a city Sophie has never visited, muddles the courtship. Emile went by the name of Gilles Long Legs then, and associated with the likes of Marcel Sly Boots, Southern Georges (now his valet), and other assorted questionable characters, all of them intent on hiding their real identities behind suggestive nicknames. In England, Emile is rumoured to have been a masked highwayman. He is a man desperately distracting himself from horrendous personal tragedies suffered during the French Revolution. Sophie is beguiled.
One of the novel’s most amusing scenes is Sophie’s wedding night. Having worked herself into a fine case of cold feet, she must lie in the marriage bed with her decidedly lusty, not to mention well-endowed, husband. Also enjoyable are the scenes with the odd assortment of criminals and ruffians who loyally staff Emile and Sophie’s new home.
The local vampires (in the person of the hypnotically seductive Mrs. Kenrick) have already bitten Emile. Georges is soon infected as well and much of the story deals with Sophie and Agnes’ determined struggle to save the men from becoming living vampires. Luckily, Emile has rescued a 12-year-old waif from the clutches of Kenrick. Little Katarina is from Transylvania and knows all about battling the vampire curse. The women brew foul potions, deploy garlic, “charge” wine by exposing it to the insides of a church, and hide talismans in strategic places. Everyone wears a protective “papist” crucifix. Unhappily, nothing seems to work.
Sophie has married Emile knowing he is infected. As he succumbs, Sophie must wrestle with his desire to bite her so she can join him in the long life of the half-vampire. Elliot invokes the old 17th century idea that Sophie may refuse her husband his coveted bite because being infected would violate her right to follow her Christian pursuit of salvation. The long unequal power struggle between obedient wife and dominant husband is intriguing. As Emile’s condition steadily worsens, and his courtly ways erode, Sophie’s precarious situation of sleeping with a half-vampire generates a frisson of suspense.
Elliot’s characters are vividly presented and memorable. The loving interplay between the respectable Sophie and the scoundrel / gentleman Emile is one of the most gratifying aspects of the tale. Sophie and Agnes shine as the former demonstrates her increasing independence and the latter her admirable ability to cope sensibly with just about anything. Georges is a cigar-smoking thug, but made lovable nonetheless. The half-vampire Kenricks are exquisitely wicked and depraved.
That Scoundrel, Emile Dubois is a sophisticated and sensual example of the humorous gothic novel.
Complicating matters is a regal country house full of bloodthirsty half-vampires, one of whom, Goronwy Kenrick, schemes to harness “thought forms” so he can travel through time. Throughout the tale, serious trouble with vampires alternates with episodes of good-natured fun or even all out farce. Especially droll are the scenes where the vampire elite angrily holler down corridors and stairwells at reluctant servants (who often distantly shout back).
It is 1797 and the well-paced story is largely set in three great houses nestled in the mountains of Wales. Soon winter comes and the wind drives snow at rattling windows and moans round the chimney tops. Dark trees writhe in the cold unsettled nights. Snow blankets the quiet countryside and fills its narrow winding lanes. Adding to the winter chill are rumoured sightings of huge eerie bats.
Sophie de Courcy, the novel’s lovely blonde heroine, enjoys wriggling her toes before the fire. She is a poor relation who hopes to assure herself a comfortable place in life by marrying well. Lucky in the generosity of her more illustrious relatives, she has her own maid, a practical young Welsh woman named Agnes who manages to combine good sense with complete faith in the prophetic power of her tarot cards. Excitingly, Agnes foresees handsome dashing young men for Sophie and herself.
Sophie finds her chance with her cousin, Emile Dubois, although the rakish fellow’s bizarre insistence that they have already met in Paris, a city Sophie has never visited, muddles the courtship. Emile went by the name of Gilles Long Legs then, and associated with the likes of Marcel Sly Boots, Southern Georges (now his valet), and other assorted questionable characters, all of them intent on hiding their real identities behind suggestive nicknames. In England, Emile is rumoured to have been a masked highwayman. He is a man desperately distracting himself from horrendous personal tragedies suffered during the French Revolution. Sophie is beguiled.
One of the novel’s most amusing scenes is Sophie’s wedding night. Having worked herself into a fine case of cold feet, she must lie in the marriage bed with her decidedly lusty, not to mention well-endowed, husband. Also enjoyable are the scenes with the odd assortment of criminals and ruffians who loyally staff Emile and Sophie’s new home.
The local vampires (in the person of the hypnotically seductive Mrs. Kenrick) have already bitten Emile. Georges is soon infected as well and much of the story deals with Sophie and Agnes’ determined struggle to save the men from becoming living vampires. Luckily, Emile has rescued a 12-year-old waif from the clutches of Kenrick. Little Katarina is from Transylvania and knows all about battling the vampire curse. The women brew foul potions, deploy garlic, “charge” wine by exposing it to the insides of a church, and hide talismans in strategic places. Everyone wears a protective “papist” crucifix. Unhappily, nothing seems to work.
Sophie has married Emile knowing he is infected. As he succumbs, Sophie must wrestle with his desire to bite her so she can join him in the long life of the half-vampire. Elliot invokes the old 17th century idea that Sophie may refuse her husband his coveted bite because being infected would violate her right to follow her Christian pursuit of salvation. The long unequal power struggle between obedient wife and dominant husband is intriguing. As Emile’s condition steadily worsens, and his courtly ways erode, Sophie’s precarious situation of sleeping with a half-vampire generates a frisson of suspense.
Elliot’s characters are vividly presented and memorable. The loving interplay between the respectable Sophie and the scoundrel / gentleman Emile is one of the most gratifying aspects of the tale. Sophie and Agnes shine as the former demonstrates her increasing independence and the latter her admirable ability to cope sensibly with just about anything. Georges is a cigar-smoking thug, but made lovable nonetheless. The half-vampire Kenricks are exquisitely wicked and depraved.
That Scoundrel, Emile Dubois is a sophisticated and sensual example of the humorous gothic novel.
January 16, 2019
That Scoundrel Emile Dubois is something of a genre-bender. It is set during the Regency era (in terms of its atmosphere and background, rather than in a strictly chronological sense), and evokes a social milieu that will be familiar to readers of Jane Austen. The heroine, Sophie, is also a character that Austen might have recognised: a plucky poor relation who has to transcend social boundaries in order to find love (in this case with her distant but much more noble relative, the titular Emile Dubois). Dubois and his valet Georges are the kind of scoundrels who find a natural home in gothic romance. After escaping from Revolutionary France (where he suffered horrific personal tragedies), Emile becomes a "Gentleman of the Road" – the kind of mannerly, dashing highwayman who wouldn't be out of place in a Barbara Cartland novel. What follows, however, owes less to Mills and Boon than to the Hammer House of Horror, just as it owes less to Austen than to the sensational gothic novels of Ann Radcliffe.
This is a vampire novel, and a genuinely creepy one on occasion. Every blast of wind and flurry of snow seems to herald some stealthily-approaching menace. Dark deeds are carried out in isolated country houses, and mysterious creatures flit outside the windows; some places are so cursed, so abhorrent to nature that even the birds refuse to sing there. It is also, in part, speculative fiction, with time travel forming a significant strand of the story. Arguably, it might fall under the admittedly vague heading of "steampunk", though in general steampunk is inspired by the mid- to late-Victorian period. "Regencypunk", perhaps?
Sophie, at the outset, is meek, unassuming, and altogether rather unassertive (and not, therefore, the kind of feisty heroine we tend to admire these days). Gradually, however, as she finds herself fighting for both her own soul and that of Emile, she begins to draw upon inner reserves of strength; "I must be braver and fight harder," she tells her tough, sensible maid Agnes. Sophie, a good Christian girl, sees vampirism as an aberration from God's ordained plan, a monstrosity; but to other, less devout characters it holds a distinct attraction: "Is it so bad a fate, mon ami, to lose the threat of the worm and the grave?"
I was impressed by the way Elliot not only reproduces the style and tone of the late eighteenth century, but maintains it throughout the novel. Admittedly, I'm by no means an expert on the period, but I couldn't detect a single lapse or false note. The novel is also notably well-researched, to the extent that Elliot includes a glossary of terms at the end.
There is also a lovely vein of humour that runs through the novel. A few examples:
"Mademoiselle Sophie has seen something unpleasant – do not glare at me so, it was no part of me."
Just prior to a marriage proposal: "Alors, you deserve to be asked with all due punctilio, though I think I see some splinters on the floor, which I will avoid, as my springing up with a yell would detract from the gravity of the occasion."
"I never thought things like this would happen here in our village… Now, if it had happened down in Swansea, where folks are about All Sorts of Mischief, I would be less surprised."
It’s difficult to point to any particular weaknesses in the novel. The only one I could honestly complain of was the "clunkiness" of one or two sentence constructions: "Forgive my roughness, I must be careful, which also applies to what Ma Tante terms these Mischievous Experiments as much as my strength, chérie, given you have poor taste enough to fear the loss of your wicked brigand." I would have split that sentence up a bit, to make it read a bit more smoothly; as it is, it jolted me out of the story for a moment while I tried to understand exactly what was being said. However, this only occurs once or twice in the course of the novel, and didn't spoil my overall enjoyment of it. If you like gothic romance, vampire fiction, humour, or indeed all three, this would be an excellent choice of reading.
This is a vampire novel, and a genuinely creepy one on occasion. Every blast of wind and flurry of snow seems to herald some stealthily-approaching menace. Dark deeds are carried out in isolated country houses, and mysterious creatures flit outside the windows; some places are so cursed, so abhorrent to nature that even the birds refuse to sing there. It is also, in part, speculative fiction, with time travel forming a significant strand of the story. Arguably, it might fall under the admittedly vague heading of "steampunk", though in general steampunk is inspired by the mid- to late-Victorian period. "Regencypunk", perhaps?
Sophie, at the outset, is meek, unassuming, and altogether rather unassertive (and not, therefore, the kind of feisty heroine we tend to admire these days). Gradually, however, as she finds herself fighting for both her own soul and that of Emile, she begins to draw upon inner reserves of strength; "I must be braver and fight harder," she tells her tough, sensible maid Agnes. Sophie, a good Christian girl, sees vampirism as an aberration from God's ordained plan, a monstrosity; but to other, less devout characters it holds a distinct attraction: "Is it so bad a fate, mon ami, to lose the threat of the worm and the grave?"
I was impressed by the way Elliot not only reproduces the style and tone of the late eighteenth century, but maintains it throughout the novel. Admittedly, I'm by no means an expert on the period, but I couldn't detect a single lapse or false note. The novel is also notably well-researched, to the extent that Elliot includes a glossary of terms at the end.
There is also a lovely vein of humour that runs through the novel. A few examples:
"Mademoiselle Sophie has seen something unpleasant – do not glare at me so, it was no part of me."
Just prior to a marriage proposal: "Alors, you deserve to be asked with all due punctilio, though I think I see some splinters on the floor, which I will avoid, as my springing up with a yell would detract from the gravity of the occasion."
"I never thought things like this would happen here in our village… Now, if it had happened down in Swansea, where folks are about All Sorts of Mischief, I would be less surprised."
It’s difficult to point to any particular weaknesses in the novel. The only one I could honestly complain of was the "clunkiness" of one or two sentence constructions: "Forgive my roughness, I must be careful, which also applies to what Ma Tante terms these Mischievous Experiments as much as my strength, chérie, given you have poor taste enough to fear the loss of your wicked brigand." I would have split that sentence up a bit, to make it read a bit more smoothly; as it is, it jolted me out of the story for a moment while I tried to understand exactly what was being said. However, this only occurs once or twice in the course of the novel, and didn't spoil my overall enjoyment of it. If you like gothic romance, vampire fiction, humour, or indeed all three, this would be an excellent choice of reading.
December 26, 2012
My first impression of this book was that it was Sherlock Holmes meets Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It's a mystery that you, the reader will be piecing together as you go. Lucinda Elliot opens up with a prologue that will have you wondering how Sophie and Emile got to where they are and she leaves clues along the way that have your mind racing with possibilities. What I want to do most with this book is to read it again to see if I notice more hints along the way of what's to come.
I was a little apprehensive about a story with both vampires and time traveling; however Elliot brings them together well. My only disappointment is that there wasn't more time traveling. The trips to the past that Emile and his friends take are fun little adventures that keep the plot moving at a nice pace. Emile's grief over the loss of his family is moving, and I wouldn't have minded seeing more of him revisiting his past. Also, I wish I had been told a little more about the mechanics of time traveling. The general ideas of how it came about were explained, but I wanted a little more.
Set during the French Revolution That Scoundrel Emile Dubois is a historical fiction with traditional vampires. It's written in a way that feels fitting to the era, but you can understand it as if it were written in modern day English. It's also very reminiscent of "Dracula" with classic mythology, and yet brand new at the same time. You will find some classic themes in this book, but they are used in a very original story.
I really enjoyed seeing scary vampires in a story again, real vampires that hate garlic and crosses and drink blood. Kenrick in particular made my skin crawl, and his wife Ceridwen is a seductive and powerful woman who you'll love to hate. Also, the battle that Emile fights as he deals with this disease as it starts to overcome him will have you feeling his struggle as well.
Elliot's characters are deep and well written. That Scoundrel Emile Dubois is just that, a scoundrel, a highwayman, a rogue. But, he also has a lot of heart and deep down is a truly genuine person. Emile is a Robin Hood type character who gets into some unsavory situations but is always there to do right by good people. His love interest, Sophie, is a little quiet at the beginning of the book. She starts out as the typical subversive female, quiet and polite. But, as the story goes on she really finds herself and becomes stronger and more independent. I really enjoyed watching her character grow. I also found the relationship between Sophie and Emile to be real and heartwarming.
Also, Agnes the Tarot reading maid and Emile's footman Georges added a lot of humor to this piece as well as being deep and fascinating characters themselves.
Some of the details I really loved were the little bits of French, and use of other words and phrases that would be appropriate for the place and time period. Elliot does a wonderful job of letting you know when her characters are speaking in French or other languages. She's able to get that feeling of culture in her story without losing readability. There's just enough hints and actual French thrown in that it flows really nicely. Most of this story is set in English-speaking locations, but for the pieces of it that aren't it felt very authentic to have the characters speaking in the way they would in that area.
This is a complicated story, but the farther I got into it the more the pieces started to come together, and the more it sucked me in. It had humor, and an ending that tied up all loose ends, if you like vampires or historical fiction I would highly recommend this book.
For More Reviews by Lauryn April go to http://laurynapril.blogspot.com
I was a little apprehensive about a story with both vampires and time traveling; however Elliot brings them together well. My only disappointment is that there wasn't more time traveling. The trips to the past that Emile and his friends take are fun little adventures that keep the plot moving at a nice pace. Emile's grief over the loss of his family is moving, and I wouldn't have minded seeing more of him revisiting his past. Also, I wish I had been told a little more about the mechanics of time traveling. The general ideas of how it came about were explained, but I wanted a little more.
Set during the French Revolution That Scoundrel Emile Dubois is a historical fiction with traditional vampires. It's written in a way that feels fitting to the era, but you can understand it as if it were written in modern day English. It's also very reminiscent of "Dracula" with classic mythology, and yet brand new at the same time. You will find some classic themes in this book, but they are used in a very original story.
I really enjoyed seeing scary vampires in a story again, real vampires that hate garlic and crosses and drink blood. Kenrick in particular made my skin crawl, and his wife Ceridwen is a seductive and powerful woman who you'll love to hate. Also, the battle that Emile fights as he deals with this disease as it starts to overcome him will have you feeling his struggle as well.
Elliot's characters are deep and well written. That Scoundrel Emile Dubois is just that, a scoundrel, a highwayman, a rogue. But, he also has a lot of heart and deep down is a truly genuine person. Emile is a Robin Hood type character who gets into some unsavory situations but is always there to do right by good people. His love interest, Sophie, is a little quiet at the beginning of the book. She starts out as the typical subversive female, quiet and polite. But, as the story goes on she really finds herself and becomes stronger and more independent. I really enjoyed watching her character grow. I also found the relationship between Sophie and Emile to be real and heartwarming.
Also, Agnes the Tarot reading maid and Emile's footman Georges added a lot of humor to this piece as well as being deep and fascinating characters themselves.
Some of the details I really loved were the little bits of French, and use of other words and phrases that would be appropriate for the place and time period. Elliot does a wonderful job of letting you know when her characters are speaking in French or other languages. She's able to get that feeling of culture in her story without losing readability. There's just enough hints and actual French thrown in that it flows really nicely. Most of this story is set in English-speaking locations, but for the pieces of it that aren't it felt very authentic to have the characters speaking in the way they would in that area.
This is a complicated story, but the farther I got into it the more the pieces started to come together, and the more it sucked me in. It had humor, and an ending that tied up all loose ends, if you like vampires or historical fiction I would highly recommend this book.
For More Reviews by Lauryn April go to http://laurynapril.blogspot.com
October 5, 2012
Rating: 4 stars
by Anne Carlisle
REVIEW of
THAT SCOUNDREL ÉMILE DUBOIS (by Lucinda Elliot)
I don't often read vampire novels, though I was a fan of Anne Rice. However, from the get-go, I loved this historical Gothic romance by a Wales writer, Lucinda Elliot.
Immediately we know we are in the hands of a capable, well-read writer with a flair for language when the opening image is of "the candle guttering on the mantelpiece". The word "guttering" is picture-perfect; we can see the candle dripping and the channels forming in the hot wax.
And, from the first show of Emile's talons and Sophie's jealousy, we know we are in for a fast-paced and exhilarating read. "Inhuman Chuckling" and "Mischievous Experiments" accompany a vampire's saga of brutal assaults. The paranormal and sexual elements are blended in subtly and craftily, and with humor.
Ms. Elliot has done her homework. The dialogue, the furniture, the dress, and the aura all take us back to the 18th century, a period when reason was a deity and masked vampires passed for royalty in drawing rooms. However, it's not all fustian. There is an appealing mixture of "upstairs/downstairs" folk in the novel. The characters, no matter if they are human or paranormal, upper-class or servants, are loveable and believable.
Simple, elegant reminders of the phantasmagoric--"Emile's form wavered"-- are a relief, for this reader at least, in a genre that is, generally speaking, over-stated. The intelligence of her readers is never insulted as Elliot's weaves together elegant aristocrats, fairy-tale realism, 18th century European history, and Tarot cards into a Gothic horror tale/novel of manners.
The story always captivates and delights while occasionally creating chills down the spine. Each character (Sophie's young maid is a case in point) brings something fresh and new to the gory banquet table. The narrative is action driven and the dialogue is always apt. One of many compelling vignettes is when Kenrick bites Morwenna's neck, and she discerns in his cold eyes a human secret, an image of a lover's welcoming arms.
I heartily recommend this new book to readers on both sides of the pond who like sly humor and artifice mixed in with their erotic/historical tales of vampires and romance.
by Anne Carlisle
REVIEW of
THAT SCOUNDREL ÉMILE DUBOIS (by Lucinda Elliot)
I don't often read vampire novels, though I was a fan of Anne Rice. However, from the get-go, I loved this historical Gothic romance by a Wales writer, Lucinda Elliot.
Immediately we know we are in the hands of a capable, well-read writer with a flair for language when the opening image is of "the candle guttering on the mantelpiece". The word "guttering" is picture-perfect; we can see the candle dripping and the channels forming in the hot wax.
And, from the first show of Emile's talons and Sophie's jealousy, we know we are in for a fast-paced and exhilarating read. "Inhuman Chuckling" and "Mischievous Experiments" accompany a vampire's saga of brutal assaults. The paranormal and sexual elements are blended in subtly and craftily, and with humor.
Ms. Elliot has done her homework. The dialogue, the furniture, the dress, and the aura all take us back to the 18th century, a period when reason was a deity and masked vampires passed for royalty in drawing rooms. However, it's not all fustian. There is an appealing mixture of "upstairs/downstairs" folk in the novel. The characters, no matter if they are human or paranormal, upper-class or servants, are loveable and believable.
Simple, elegant reminders of the phantasmagoric--"Emile's form wavered"-- are a relief, for this reader at least, in a genre that is, generally speaking, over-stated. The intelligence of her readers is never insulted as Elliot's weaves together elegant aristocrats, fairy-tale realism, 18th century European history, and Tarot cards into a Gothic horror tale/novel of manners.
The story always captivates and delights while occasionally creating chills down the spine. Each character (Sophie's young maid is a case in point) brings something fresh and new to the gory banquet table. The narrative is action driven and the dialogue is always apt. One of many compelling vignettes is when Kenrick bites Morwenna's neck, and she discerns in his cold eyes a human secret, an image of a lover's welcoming arms.
I heartily recommend this new book to readers on both sides of the pond who like sly humor and artifice mixed in with their erotic/historical tales of vampires and romance.
November 14, 2016
We are proud to announce that THAT SCOUNDREL EMILE DUBOIS by Lucinda Elliot is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
April 27, 2019
I haven’t loved every vampire book I’ve read – only read the first one by Anne Rice, and never got more than a few chapters into Twilight – but as a rule I enjoy them, and this one is no exception. The author came up with some interesting twists on the whole idea that ‘made the old new again’, which is always a joy. And the way the time travel elements are woven in make sense within the vampiric tradition, as well. Historically, vampire stories deal in regrets and the tragedy of changes that cannot be reversed, and so does this one, but in a very different way – a way that makes the vampiric characters far more rounded that Stoker’s, to my mind.
But this is not just a vampire story – it’s also a romance, and a successful one. Our heroine, Sophie, is just adorable; sweet without being saccharine; determined but not dictatorial; kind and gentle but not a pushover. I am less fond of the titular hero, Emile Dubois, however I can see why Sophie loves him, and I worried about him and wondered what he was up to right along with her. And I’m very fond of Agnes, Sophie’s gloriously managing maid, who may not be much for conformity, but has a good heart.
The bad guys, as vampires, are perhaps less rounded than the heroic characters, yet they are not the Stoker-type heartless, monomaniacal vampire. Despite the disease that controls them, and despite some of the truly terrible, selfish things they do, their most profound motivations are ultimately human. Even the one who I consider the most cruel, who quite deliberately takes control over the hero’s will and manipulates him for her own amusement, displays a vulnerability and sorrow that somewhat humanizes her in the end.
Where this story perhaps most diverges from the usual vampire tale is in tone – this story is often witty and amusing, which most vampire stories are not. And while there are moody characters within the story, the story itself is not moody – it is hilarious and frightening and intense; joyful and tragic; and a bit worrying, now and then, but rarely gloomy. Pulled me right in and kept me entertained.
But what worked for me seems to challenge some readers – this is not a book that neatly fits into any boxes. I thought it a lovely story with a good heart, that needs to be taken on its own terms. Readers who can suspend their expectations and go along for the ride should enjoy it, I’d think.
But this is not just a vampire story – it’s also a romance, and a successful one. Our heroine, Sophie, is just adorable; sweet without being saccharine; determined but not dictatorial; kind and gentle but not a pushover. I am less fond of the titular hero, Emile Dubois, however I can see why Sophie loves him, and I worried about him and wondered what he was up to right along with her. And I’m very fond of Agnes, Sophie’s gloriously managing maid, who may not be much for conformity, but has a good heart.
The bad guys, as vampires, are perhaps less rounded than the heroic characters, yet they are not the Stoker-type heartless, monomaniacal vampire. Despite the disease that controls them, and despite some of the truly terrible, selfish things they do, their most profound motivations are ultimately human. Even the one who I consider the most cruel, who quite deliberately takes control over the hero’s will and manipulates him for her own amusement, displays a vulnerability and sorrow that somewhat humanizes her in the end.
Where this story perhaps most diverges from the usual vampire tale is in tone – this story is often witty and amusing, which most vampire stories are not. And while there are moody characters within the story, the story itself is not moody – it is hilarious and frightening and intense; joyful and tragic; and a bit worrying, now and then, but rarely gloomy. Pulled me right in and kept me entertained.
But what worked for me seems to challenge some readers – this is not a book that neatly fits into any boxes. I thought it a lovely story with a good heart, that needs to be taken on its own terms. Readers who can suspend their expectations and go along for the ride should enjoy it, I’d think.
October 8, 2021
An awesome blend of genres.
That Scoundrel Émile Dubois: Or the Light of Other Days by author Lucinda Elliot is a new version of classic gothic novels. Sophie is the main character, who lives as a poor relative with the family of a countess in a mansion in North Wales. She dreams with romance and adventure but will find much more than this.
The first thing I can say is that it is a strange but really good story. In my opinion, Elliot is an excellent writer because he was able to create an amazing story which combines romance, vampires and time travel. Also, the author wrote it with dark humour which I enjoyed.
I recommend it because it's a fantastic option to read and a great opportunity to know various literary genres at the same time.
That Scoundrel Émile Dubois: Or the Light of Other Days by author Lucinda Elliot is a new version of classic gothic novels. Sophie is the main character, who lives as a poor relative with the family of a countess in a mansion in North Wales. She dreams with romance and adventure but will find much more than this.
The first thing I can say is that it is a strange but really good story. In my opinion, Elliot is an excellent writer because he was able to create an amazing story which combines romance, vampires and time travel. Also, the author wrote it with dark humour which I enjoyed.
I recommend it because it's a fantastic option to read and a great opportunity to know various literary genres at the same time.
October 13, 2021
This novel was enjoyable from beginning to end. That Scoundrel Émile Dubois is a book written by author Elliot, who has a very nice writing style that captured my attention as from the description of the book.
It has a bit of everything and all together form a great read; romance, spicy humour, and elements of the classic gothic genre, which I really like. Reading this book took me some time as it is a bit long but, although I believe it could have been shorter, I enjoyed it a lot. I didn’t feel bored or overwhelmed because of its length, but I should mention that readers should pay attention to details and characters. I recommend this read!
It has a bit of everything and all together form a great read; romance, spicy humour, and elements of the classic gothic genre, which I really like. Reading this book took me some time as it is a bit long but, although I believe it could have been shorter, I enjoyed it a lot. I didn’t feel bored or overwhelmed because of its length, but I should mention that readers should pay attention to details and characters. I recommend this read!
October 12, 2021
“That Scoundrel Émile Dubois: Or the Light of Other Days” by author Lucinda Elliot is a book that has an interesting mixture of genres and should be read with some time as it is not a light or short read.
I really enjoyed the setting of the novel; descriptions were very well constructed, making me imagine everything. The dialogues are another good thing to point out, because I enjoyed reading them and didn’t find a dull part.
I would recommend reading this novel because of the good points I’ve mentioned and because the narrative in general is very good.
I really enjoyed the setting of the novel; descriptions were very well constructed, making me imagine everything. The dialogues are another good thing to point out, because I enjoyed reading them and didn’t find a dull part.
I would recommend reading this novel because of the good points I’ve mentioned and because the narrative in general is very good.
October 11, 2017
A must read. Well written story, elegant use of words and good visualization and word flow. You'll be hanging on the book from start to end.
If there's any book that has to always be on your book shelf, make sure this is there.
If there's any book that has to always be on your book shelf, make sure this is there.
January 24, 2014
I have long been a fan of historical romance. I have long been an admiring devotee of authors who write about one of my favorite paranormal creatures...the vampire. Thus, I admit great excitement at the prospect of reading this book, which included many of the things that I love.
In the interest of honesty and integrity I am going to bespeak of the things I liked about the book, as when one ranks something at only 3 Stars, there is likely something that lacked.
Elliot has a true talent for crafting intriguing characters. I found Emile & Sophie a most delightful compliment to each other, as were Agnes and Georges. The rest of the cast of characters were developed without a lack for attention, thus making them a stellar portion of the tale. The story is a complicated one though, and that is the main issue that I had with it. When the story flowed...it flew like a bat through the night, but when it hit a rough patch, I'll admit I was hard-pressed not to put the book down and run away like a scared peasant in the village. Developing the proper phrases and language use in a historical romance can be complicated and this was unfortunately another stumbling point that made the read difficult at times. When the writing was good...well, it was exceptional, but when you stumbled...getting back into the story, was not necessarily easy.
Ultimately, I loved these characters.... as when I was younger and read a particularly wonderful novel, I could imagine myself as Sophie, in love with Emile. Unfortunately the story is overwhelming, taking too long to come to fruition and to make sense. The vampire story buried within, is exceptional, but takes too long to develop, and comes out of nowhere abruptly. In some ways, I would have preferred to see this broken into multiple stories to better compliment the author's talents. The story of Emile Dubois, the tale of Sophie's ordeals more developed, and the vampire adventure a novel in itself.
Would I recommend this book? Yes and no. If you have patience and enjoy these type of stories please do read, but if you want a clean story that flow fast, this probably would not be the novel for you...as it borders on being an epic novel, and not a normal romance length novel.
Best of luck to Lucinda Elliot, and I do so hope to see more stories from her in the future.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in receipt of a fair review.
In the interest of honesty and integrity I am going to bespeak of the things I liked about the book, as when one ranks something at only 3 Stars, there is likely something that lacked.
Elliot has a true talent for crafting intriguing characters. I found Emile & Sophie a most delightful compliment to each other, as were Agnes and Georges. The rest of the cast of characters were developed without a lack for attention, thus making them a stellar portion of the tale. The story is a complicated one though, and that is the main issue that I had with it. When the story flowed...it flew like a bat through the night, but when it hit a rough patch, I'll admit I was hard-pressed not to put the book down and run away like a scared peasant in the village. Developing the proper phrases and language use in a historical romance can be complicated and this was unfortunately another stumbling point that made the read difficult at times. When the writing was good...well, it was exceptional, but when you stumbled...getting back into the story, was not necessarily easy.
Ultimately, I loved these characters.... as when I was younger and read a particularly wonderful novel, I could imagine myself as Sophie, in love with Emile. Unfortunately the story is overwhelming, taking too long to come to fruition and to make sense. The vampire story buried within, is exceptional, but takes too long to develop, and comes out of nowhere abruptly. In some ways, I would have preferred to see this broken into multiple stories to better compliment the author's talents. The story of Emile Dubois, the tale of Sophie's ordeals more developed, and the vampire adventure a novel in itself.
Would I recommend this book? Yes and no. If you have patience and enjoy these type of stories please do read, but if you want a clean story that flow fast, this probably would not be the novel for you...as it borders on being an epic novel, and not a normal romance length novel.
Best of luck to Lucinda Elliot, and I do so hope to see more stories from her in the future.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in receipt of a fair review.
January 2, 2014
I received this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.
I was pleasantly surprised by this romance. It had an old-fashioned feel to the writing. It was a gothic historical romance with a vampire element against the backdrop of the French Revolution.
The story basically follows the heroine Sophie who is being sent to be a companion to the Countess of Ruthin by her brother and his wife. They look on Sophie as a burden and want to be rid of her. She arrives at Lord Ynyr's and is greeted with open arms except for Morweena.
Soon, Lord Ynyr's cousin Emile and his servant Georges arrive at the estate. Emile's family was killed in the French Revolution and he is only recently surfaced after being in hiding under an assumed name. Emile insists he and Sophie have met and loved before. She does not remember any of this. He accuses her of lying and this creates a rift between them until they are both pulled into the past and relive the scene where they met and fell in love. He realizes she never lied about not remembering him and now wants to marry her as soon as possible. At the same time, an evil lurks in and around them in the form of vampires. Kenrick and his wife are the leaders and live on a neighboring estate. There are rumors and attacks in the village. Emile goes to Kenrick's estate to offer recompense for taking one of their servants away. Kenrick's wife lures him in and turns him into a half-vampire. Emile is sick for awhile and even though they try to cure him it doesn't work and he is turned into a half-vampire. He tries to tell her to leave, but she refuses and marries him anyway.
The rest of the book consists of Sophie and her maid Agnes trying to cure vampirism and the eventual defeat of Kenrick and his clan of vampires.
Overall, an unique tale of vampires and time travel.
I was pleasantly surprised by this romance. It had an old-fashioned feel to the writing. It was a gothic historical romance with a vampire element against the backdrop of the French Revolution.
The story basically follows the heroine Sophie who is being sent to be a companion to the Countess of Ruthin by her brother and his wife. They look on Sophie as a burden and want to be rid of her. She arrives at Lord Ynyr's and is greeted with open arms except for Morweena.
Soon, Lord Ynyr's cousin Emile and his servant Georges arrive at the estate. Emile's family was killed in the French Revolution and he is only recently surfaced after being in hiding under an assumed name. Emile insists he and Sophie have met and loved before. She does not remember any of this. He accuses her of lying and this creates a rift between them until they are both pulled into the past and relive the scene where they met and fell in love. He realizes she never lied about not remembering him and now wants to marry her as soon as possible. At the same time, an evil lurks in and around them in the form of vampires. Kenrick and his wife are the leaders and live on a neighboring estate. There are rumors and attacks in the village. Emile goes to Kenrick's estate to offer recompense for taking one of their servants away. Kenrick's wife lures him in and turns him into a half-vampire. Emile is sick for awhile and even though they try to cure him it doesn't work and he is turned into a half-vampire. He tries to tell her to leave, but she refuses and marries him anyway.
The rest of the book consists of Sophie and her maid Agnes trying to cure vampirism and the eventual defeat of Kenrick and his clan of vampires.
Overall, an unique tale of vampires and time travel.
June 26, 2013
Absolutely loved this book, and coming from someone who is generally only interested in contemporary realism, that is probably the highest compliment I can offer.
Even I became completely entangled in the world of ever-sharpening teeth and the lust for fresh blood. I willingly found myself engrossed in the world of time-travel, and the powers of charged wine and amulets. It all just became wonderful to me.
And the reason for me being so easily led away from my comfort zone? Simple; Lucinda Elliot is a stunningly good writer.
Imagine if you will, a novel where strong, fluid and often lyrical writing is complimented by a cast of original and compelling characters. Add to this the author's dry, mischievous sense of humour, and a plot that gathers pace, urgency and emotion as it hurtles towards its exciting denouement. Finally, introduce a historical element that conveys setting and atmosphere so skilfully, that the reader feels as though they themselves have achieved time-travel, as they believe themselves to have actually been there. Only then, will you be some way towards imagining how great this novel is.
There will be something for everybody in this book, I guarantee. If it's not the Vampires, it will be the accounts of revolutionary Paris, if it's not that it will the Gothic elements, or the great characterisation of Agnes and Georges and Mr and Mrs Kit, or the horror. And if it is none of these, it will definitely be the deep, but highly problematic romance between Sophie and the dangerously dashing Emile.
I would recommend it to anyone without hesitation. Definitely give this one a go!
Even I became completely entangled in the world of ever-sharpening teeth and the lust for fresh blood. I willingly found myself engrossed in the world of time-travel, and the powers of charged wine and amulets. It all just became wonderful to me.
And the reason for me being so easily led away from my comfort zone? Simple; Lucinda Elliot is a stunningly good writer.
Imagine if you will, a novel where strong, fluid and often lyrical writing is complimented by a cast of original and compelling characters. Add to this the author's dry, mischievous sense of humour, and a plot that gathers pace, urgency and emotion as it hurtles towards its exciting denouement. Finally, introduce a historical element that conveys setting and atmosphere so skilfully, that the reader feels as though they themselves have achieved time-travel, as they believe themselves to have actually been there. Only then, will you be some way towards imagining how great this novel is.
There will be something for everybody in this book, I guarantee. If it's not the Vampires, it will be the accounts of revolutionary Paris, if it's not that it will the Gothic elements, or the great characterisation of Agnes and Georges and Mr and Mrs Kit, or the horror. And if it is none of these, it will definitely be the deep, but highly problematic romance between Sophie and the dangerously dashing Emile.
I would recommend it to anyone without hesitation. Definitely give this one a go!
January 29, 2014
“That Scoundrel” by Lucinda Elliott was quite the interesting read for me….so much so that’s it’s even a little hard to put an accurate description on it. It’s a bit of adventure, romance, historical, mystery, drama and paranormal…all wrapped up in a fascinating and entertaining read.
The first chapter kinda throws you because instead of reading about the typical introduction of the main characters, Sophie and Emile, you aren’t starting off with their first meeting, or their last or even from the middle…it’s just a little off-center from middle…no balance to it, if that makes any sense. Yes, it seems rather odd, but throughout the story, Sophie, Emile and other characters experience sporadic time jumps into the past…so, it was actually really brilliant of Lucinda Elliott to grab the reader right off with a displaced sense of time.
Now if time traveling isn’t enough to grab your attention, we also have vampires thrown in for our enjoyment as well. But…NOT the sparkly kind…oh no, and thank goodness! No, Lucinda went old-school with the crosses and garlic…and I loved it! I just really liked how Lucinda portrayed the process of the transition and how the strengths of vampirism can be viewed as such a positive to some; all the while, not recognizing the heartache they are causing to their loved ones.
I just can’t say enough about how impressed I am with Lucinda Elliott’s talent, between the depth of the characters she created and the descriptive flair for the houses, countryside…well, just everything, I swear it felt like I was there with those characters…just amazing!
4 Stars ~Kathy
The first chapter kinda throws you because instead of reading about the typical introduction of the main characters, Sophie and Emile, you aren’t starting off with their first meeting, or their last or even from the middle…it’s just a little off-center from middle…no balance to it, if that makes any sense. Yes, it seems rather odd, but throughout the story, Sophie, Emile and other characters experience sporadic time jumps into the past…so, it was actually really brilliant of Lucinda Elliott to grab the reader right off with a displaced sense of time.
Now if time traveling isn’t enough to grab your attention, we also have vampires thrown in for our enjoyment as well. But…NOT the sparkly kind…oh no, and thank goodness! No, Lucinda went old-school with the crosses and garlic…and I loved it! I just really liked how Lucinda portrayed the process of the transition and how the strengths of vampirism can be viewed as such a positive to some; all the while, not recognizing the heartache they are causing to their loved ones.
I just can’t say enough about how impressed I am with Lucinda Elliott’s talent, between the depth of the characters she created and the descriptive flair for the houses, countryside…well, just everything, I swear it felt like I was there with those characters…just amazing!
4 Stars ~Kathy
October 26, 2014
I started reading this book back in February 2013, and was enchanted right from the start. This, I felt, was absolutely a five-star read, a self-published vampire book that deserved to be in the bookshops, on one of those tables with piles of the same book waiting to be snapped up by hungry readers. It should have a catchy tag-line:
If Jane Austen had written a vampire novel...
For all I know, she did, though if so I doubt it had time travel in the mix. I am generally not a fan of time travel, Dr Who excepted, but every so often it's done well (I adored My Dirty Little Book of Stolen Time, for instance) and Lucinda Elliot has used it very effectively in That Scoundrel Émile Dubois.
Set in Wales and Paris during the last two decades of the Eighteenth Century, it's good (if a little confusing to non-natives) to see Welsh words and place names given prominence. Lucinda's familiarity with and love of Eighteenth Century literature also shines through, along with her Literary Humour.
I loved the first half of the novel with its romance and humour, despite a general frustration with grammatical clumsiness (although much of this has been fixed in the current version on Amazon), and then ground to a halt. It has taken me a year and a half of half-hearted attempts to progress from 50%-ish through to 70%-ish... but then had no difficulty finishing.
In conclusion: Often delightful, but feels like a book of two halves.
If Jane Austen had written a vampire novel...
For all I know, she did, though if so I doubt it had time travel in the mix. I am generally not a fan of time travel, Dr Who excepted, but every so often it's done well (I adored My Dirty Little Book of Stolen Time, for instance) and Lucinda Elliot has used it very effectively in That Scoundrel Émile Dubois.
Set in Wales and Paris during the last two decades of the Eighteenth Century, it's good (if a little confusing to non-natives) to see Welsh words and place names given prominence. Lucinda's familiarity with and love of Eighteenth Century literature also shines through, along with her Literary Humour.
I loved the first half of the novel with its romance and humour, despite a general frustration with grammatical clumsiness (although much of this has been fixed in the current version on Amazon), and then ground to a halt. It has taken me a year and a half of half-hearted attempts to progress from 50%-ish through to 70%-ish... but then had no difficulty finishing.
In conclusion: Often delightful, but feels like a book of two halves.
January 24, 2014
That Scoundrel Emile’ Dubois
I got the book from the author, and Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock for an honest review.
I give this book four fangs because it is an interesting read. The author lets us know all about the people in it, and their surroundings with great detail. It’s like you are there with her characters in the book. I enjoyed the unexpected travel through time, and I think it meshed will with the story telling. I think the author does good job with that.
It tells us about Francoise, who is a steady girl, and not one of those girls, and her Grand-mere and how she can to be with her. How Giles Long Legs was kind to her, wanting her to be happy with her sweetheart she longed to be with, and live on a farm.
Then we meet Sophie, who feels as if she is the poor relative living at the Manor. She wants to hurry and Find a husband before the young Lord Yner married so she is not an old maid by the time she is 31. We are introduced to Mr. Kenrick, who has eyes for her and is lecherous when left alone with Sophie. While they were at dinner she was thinking he could be mistaken for a vampire since he had been to Transylvania. He appears to her later at a time when he shouldn’t.
When Emile sees Sophie he thinks he knows her and has met her before, but she doesn’t know him. We find out later that she does actually know him. I won’t tell you how, that would spoil the story. I liked Sophie, and I did find myself smiling as she and Emile’ are getting to know more about each other when he has fallen ill.
I got the book from the author, and Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock for an honest review.
I give this book four fangs because it is an interesting read. The author lets us know all about the people in it, and their surroundings with great detail. It’s like you are there with her characters in the book. I enjoyed the unexpected travel through time, and I think it meshed will with the story telling. I think the author does good job with that.
It tells us about Francoise, who is a steady girl, and not one of those girls, and her Grand-mere and how she can to be with her. How Giles Long Legs was kind to her, wanting her to be happy with her sweetheart she longed to be with, and live on a farm.
Then we meet Sophie, who feels as if she is the poor relative living at the Manor. She wants to hurry and Find a husband before the young Lord Yner married so she is not an old maid by the time she is 31. We are introduced to Mr. Kenrick, who has eyes for her and is lecherous when left alone with Sophie. While they were at dinner she was thinking he could be mistaken for a vampire since he had been to Transylvania. He appears to her later at a time when he shouldn’t.
When Emile sees Sophie he thinks he knows her and has met her before, but she doesn’t know him. We find out later that she does actually know him. I won’t tell you how, that would spoil the story. I liked Sophie, and I did find myself smiling as she and Emile’ are getting to know more about each other when he has fallen ill.
August 16, 2018
That Scoundrel Emile Dubois was nothing like I was expecting. I mean that in a good and bad way.
The story is Charlotte Bronte meets Bram Stoker.
I have to admit, I've not the love I once had for vampires, but the premise of this book caught my eye, because it was a mixture of just about everything I like.
Sophie is the perfect gothic heroine. She's a poor relation gone to be the companion to a Countess. She has very strict morals and a etiquette, though even that isn't strong enough to keep her from befriending her outspoken, tarot card reading maid, Agnes.
Then there's Emile part Robin Hood and a little bit Marius from Les Miz (I know wrong time period but still). He is a scoundrel and at times, both when he was human and when he was a man vampire, that you wouldn't mind "staking" him.
His relationship with Sophie is a bit complex and them finding each other has to do with some wibbly wobbly timey whimey stuff, which also figures into the story with the vampires in the next estate and past events in Emile's life.
Sophie and Agnes spend the better part of the novel trying to change their man vampires back into mortals, while the man vampires well, its hard to tell what they really want.
The plot was solid and the characters fascinating. For me, the pacing was a bit slow. It took me over a week to read this book and I'm usually a fast reader. I needed a little more action to keep my attention.
This won't keep me from finding out what happens in the next book.
The story is Charlotte Bronte meets Bram Stoker.
I have to admit, I've not the love I once had for vampires, but the premise of this book caught my eye, because it was a mixture of just about everything I like.
Sophie is the perfect gothic heroine. She's a poor relation gone to be the companion to a Countess. She has very strict morals and a etiquette, though even that isn't strong enough to keep her from befriending her outspoken, tarot card reading maid, Agnes.
Then there's Emile part Robin Hood and a little bit Marius from Les Miz (I know wrong time period but still). He is a scoundrel and at times, both when he was human and when he was a man vampire, that you wouldn't mind "staking" him.
His relationship with Sophie is a bit complex and them finding each other has to do with some wibbly wobbly timey whimey stuff, which also figures into the story with the vampires in the next estate and past events in Emile's life.
Sophie and Agnes spend the better part of the novel trying to change their man vampires back into mortals, while the man vampires well, its hard to tell what they really want.
The plot was solid and the characters fascinating. For me, the pacing was a bit slow. It took me over a week to read this book and I'm usually a fast reader. I needed a little more action to keep my attention.
This won't keep me from finding out what happens in the next book.
September 27, 2012
What a wonderful surprise this book was. It was all it proposed and more plus a very good price.
A previous reviewer compared it with a Sherlock Holmes story mixed with some Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. I absolute can see that, but I would change it to Jane Austen meets Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Jules Verne was the editor.
I saw a lot of Jane Austen in the story - it plays at the end of the 18 th century somewhere in England, the female heroine is poor and relying on the mercy of her rich relatives. Sophie, is obedient and willing to do anything for the benefit of her family , but shows so much more potential only obvious to the reader.
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde are represented in the male lead - Emile Dubois - and good natured man with a rascal side turned ....well .....turned into something that jeopardizes everything he was working for.
..and last but not least - Jules Verne is mirrored in the mystery, the time travel the utopia element of this story, which holds everything tightly together.
The book is very entertaining and hard to put down. The story is going fast and dull moments are not present. For the sake of the reader, the lose ends are wrapped up nicely, but secretly - Ms Elliot - I really hope you are planning more stories of the Scroundrel and his company , I for myself know for sure, would read it :)
A previous reviewer compared it with a Sherlock Holmes story mixed with some Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. I absolute can see that, but I would change it to Jane Austen meets Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Jules Verne was the editor.
I saw a lot of Jane Austen in the story - it plays at the end of the 18 th century somewhere in England, the female heroine is poor and relying on the mercy of her rich relatives. Sophie, is obedient and willing to do anything for the benefit of her family , but shows so much more potential only obvious to the reader.
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde are represented in the male lead - Emile Dubois - and good natured man with a rascal side turned ....well .....turned into something that jeopardizes everything he was working for.
..and last but not least - Jules Verne is mirrored in the mystery, the time travel the utopia element of this story, which holds everything tightly together.
The book is very entertaining and hard to put down. The story is going fast and dull moments are not present. For the sake of the reader, the lose ends are wrapped up nicely, but secretly - Ms Elliot - I really hope you are planning more stories of the Scroundrel and his company , I for myself know for sure, would read it :)
August 1, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Set in 1795 Wales, it’s a cod gothic featuring Emile Dubois, a dashing French emigre and highwayman and his true love Sophie.
Sophie is a poor relation and is companion to the Dowager Countess, Emile’s aunt. When Emile visits his aunt, he recognises Sophie as the girl he fell in love with in Paris eight months ago.
However, Sophie can’t remember their meeting before. When Emile is tempted by the neighbouring seductive Half Vampire, their romance seems doomed.
Throw in time-travel, Sophie’s Brave Fight against the evil neighbouring vampires who want to use Emile for their own ends along with a romantic subplot featuring Sophie’s loyal maid Agnes and Emile’s brother-in-arms Georges, this is a rollicking, fast paced Gothic that is a fitting tribute to the Gothics of the late 1700s.
Will Emile remain a Half Vampire? Or can Sophie save him? (You’ll have to read the book to find out!)
A 5 star read!
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sophie is a poor relation and is companion to the Dowager Countess, Emile’s aunt. When Emile visits his aunt, he recognises Sophie as the girl he fell in love with in Paris eight months ago.
However, Sophie can’t remember their meeting before. When Emile is tempted by the neighbouring seductive Half Vampire, their romance seems doomed.
Throw in time-travel, Sophie’s Brave Fight against the evil neighbouring vampires who want to use Emile for their own ends along with a romantic subplot featuring Sophie’s loyal maid Agnes and Emile’s brother-in-arms Georges, this is a rollicking, fast paced Gothic that is a fitting tribute to the Gothics of the late 1700s.
Will Emile remain a Half Vampire? Or can Sophie save him? (You’ll have to read the book to find out!)
A 5 star read!
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2014
Very entertaining read! What first came to mind when I sat down to write this review was, “What didn’t this book have?” Set against a backdrop of The French Revolution, That Scoundrel Emile Dubois offers time travel, vampires, romance, mystery, adventure, horror and yes, even comedy. As the synopsis states, it has a Gothic feel to it which, for me, was an enjoyable change of pace. It took me a few pages to feel comfortable with period language, but once I fell into a flow, the language served to right into the story. Elliot wrote a story that is jam-packed with interesting, albeit sometimes over-the-top, characters and a complicated storyline that commands your full attention. Not a light read, I recommend this book to those looking to invest a little time in a great novel. I will definitely keep my eye on Lucinda Elliot as she has proven her ability to draw the reader in and keep us highly entertained!
April 13, 2025
It is long but it keeps you enchanted so much that I found myself staying up all night to finish it! It's a great read and it has a little of everything!
Émile ~ He is such a scoundrel but he has a big heart where Sophie is concerned! He goes to great ends to keep her safe, even though he ends up hurting her more than anyone else! And although I don't condone what he did, I understood that he didn't really have a choice! For he was under a trance And had no free will of his own anymore!
Sophie ~ She thought so lowly of herself throughout the first part of the book! It wasn't till Émile started to abuse her emotionally that she found her backbone and actually thought of herself as an equal. She became a strong woman and she endured more than any woman now a days could have dealt with!
Till next time ~ Sweets Books
Émile ~ He is such a scoundrel but he has a big heart where Sophie is concerned! He goes to great ends to keep her safe, even though he ends up hurting her more than anyone else! And although I don't condone what he did, I understood that he didn't really have a choice! For he was under a trance And had no free will of his own anymore!
Sophie ~ She thought so lowly of herself throughout the first part of the book! It wasn't till Émile started to abuse her emotionally that she found her backbone and actually thought of herself as an equal. She became a strong woman and she endured more than any woman now a days could have dealt with!
Till next time ~ Sweets Books
November 23, 2012
This was one of those books I was sad to come to the end of, as I had grown quite attached to the characters. One thing I will complain about: if a man did that much "Chin Chucking" to me I would divorce him. Other than that, Emile was quite engaging. Recommended for anyone who likes vampire stories, the kind which seems, somehow, to combine the sexy vampire (ala Twilight) with the evil vampire (ala Dracula). And time traveling. And high adventure, and rascally scoundrels, and Victorian literature, and Welsh scenery.
August 23, 2012
Loved this book. There's so much humour and character-driven interest that it pulls you in without you even realising. The plot, which somehow succeeds in integrating the French Revolution with time-travel and 'Man Vampires' is like nothing I've ever read before. It's worth reading just for Agnes alone - the Tarot-Reading maid was my favourite - but there are so many good solid characters in this. The evil, slavering Kenrick is really creepy. A feel-good read with bags of Gothic-style adventure
July 29, 2016
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Lucinda Elliot did a great job writing this book with the time traveling,historical romance and vampires. What a great combination. I mean I love historical romance novels, I love vampire stories and time traveling books as well so if you love at least two of the mentioned genres than this book is for you. I really got into this story and hated to put it down. I hope to read more of Lucinda's book in the future.
Lucinda Elliot did a great job writing this book with the time traveling,historical romance and vampires. What a great combination. I mean I love historical romance novels, I love vampire stories and time traveling books as well so if you love at least two of the mentioned genres than this book is for you. I really got into this story and hated to put it down. I hope to read more of Lucinda's book in the future.
January 18, 2014
I feel out of place saying this as given the other reviews everything seemed wonderful. Except not for me... three stars is being generous.. I forced myself to finish.
This was hard to follow for me, didn't flow well and the story bounced around and didn't make sense. I tried numerous times to get into it and when I did I was just left entirely..confused.
This was hard to follow for me, didn't flow well and the story bounced around and didn't make sense. I tried numerous times to get into it and when I did I was just left entirely..confused.
October 15, 2015
Clever, inventive and absorbing, this re-imagination of 18th century literature and characters is one of those many-levelled things. It is at once an entertaining gothic adventure - ripe with vampires, magic and dashing highwaymen - and a modern re-interpretation of what it really meant to be a woman of modest means in a world obsessed with class and 'station'.
November 30, 2022
This is a fun, inventive spoof on the gothic classics. Oh, and there's vampires and time travel! If you can wrap your head around the mathematics of time jumping (or you're like me and don't have to understand it to enjoy it) you'll enjoy the witty dialogue, gothic setting, and stereotype-defying characters.
October 7, 2021
Complex, and with its flaws, but original and enjoyable
That Scoundrel Emile Dubois by Lucinda Elliot was intriguing from the start as a book advertised as a classic gothic vampire narrative mixed with the Victorian class values of Jane Austen, tied together with a splash of time travel. I will say two things about this book: it’s a lot, but it’s worth a read. The relationship between Emile and Sophie is lovely and well-written, because both characters are well-developed. I also liked Agnes’ character, and her foreshadowing in tarot cards in the first chapter.
However, this book does mix a lot of themes. These, on top of welsh (there is an index of terms at the end, that I didn’t find until the end), disordered events, and some grammatical issues made it take a while to get through. However, I’m happy that I made it. It’s clear the author's effort and passion for the world she’s created.
That Scoundrel Emile Dubois by Lucinda Elliot was intriguing from the start as a book advertised as a classic gothic vampire narrative mixed with the Victorian class values of Jane Austen, tied together with a splash of time travel. I will say two things about this book: it’s a lot, but it’s worth a read. The relationship between Emile and Sophie is lovely and well-written, because both characters are well-developed. I also liked Agnes’ character, and her foreshadowing in tarot cards in the first chapter.
However, this book does mix a lot of themes. These, on top of welsh (there is an index of terms at the end, that I didn’t find until the end), disordered events, and some grammatical issues made it take a while to get through. However, I’m happy that I made it. It’s clear the author's effort and passion for the world she’s created.
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