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Pink Carnation #11
The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla
In the latest Pink Carnation novel from national bestselling author Lauren Willig, rumors spreading among the ton turn deadly as a young couple unites to solve a mystery....
In October of 1806, the Little Season is in full swing, and Sally Fitzhugh has had enough of the endless parties and balls. With a rampant vampire craze sparked by the novel The Convent of Orsino, it seems no one can speak of anything else. But when Sally hears a rumor that the reclusive Duke of Belliston is an actual vampire, she cannot resist the challenge of proving such nonsense false. At a ball in Belliston Square, she ventures across the gardens and encounters the mysterious Duke.
Lucien, Duke of Belliston, is well versed in the trouble gossip can bring. He’s returned home to dispel the rumors of scandal surrounding his parents’ deaths, which hint at everything from treason to dark sorcery. While he searches for the truth, he welcomes his fearsome reputation—until a woman is found dead in Richmond. Her blood drained from her throat.
Lucien and Sally join forces to stop the so-called vampire from killing again. Someone managed to get away with killing the last Duke of Belliston. But they won’t kill this duke—not if Sally has anything to say about it.
In October of 1806, the Little Season is in full swing, and Sally Fitzhugh has had enough of the endless parties and balls. With a rampant vampire craze sparked by the novel The Convent of Orsino, it seems no one can speak of anything else. But when Sally hears a rumor that the reclusive Duke of Belliston is an actual vampire, she cannot resist the challenge of proving such nonsense false. At a ball in Belliston Square, she ventures across the gardens and encounters the mysterious Duke.
Lucien, Duke of Belliston, is well versed in the trouble gossip can bring. He’s returned home to dispel the rumors of scandal surrounding his parents’ deaths, which hint at everything from treason to dark sorcery. While he searches for the truth, he welcomes his fearsome reputation—until a woman is found dead in Richmond. Her blood drained from her throat.
Lucien and Sally join forces to stop the so-called vampire from killing again. Someone managed to get away with killing the last Duke of Belliston. But they won’t kill this duke—not if Sally has anything to say about it.
481 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2014
65 people are currently reading
2748 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Willig
42 books4,730 followersLauren Willig is the New York Times bestselling author of nineteen works of historical fiction. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages, awarded the RITA, Booksellers Best and Golden Leaf awards, and chosen for the American Library Association's annual list of the best genre fiction. After graduating from Yale University, she embarked on a PhD in History at Harvard before leaving academia to acquire a JD at Harvard Law while authoring her "Pink Carnation" series of Napoleonic-set novels. She lives in New York City, where she now writes full time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews
August 6, 2014
A new Pink Carnation novel is always the highlight on my reading season, though the anticipation for The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla was stifling. How could Lauren Willig’s eleventh addition equal or surpass her previous highly-successful novels seeped in Napoleonic spies, romance and burlesque comedy? Yes, comedy. They say "dying is easy; comedy is hard" and it is so true. There are few authors in the genre who will even attempt it. Willig excels.
One of the main reasons I enjoy the Pink series so much (besides the humor) is that they take me back to Regency England and her characters are so original. Willig started the series in 2004 with The Secret History of the Pink Carnation. Each successive novel features a new set of protagonists; a romantic couple thrown together by danger, espionage and love. After ten novels I have never been disappointed.
Set in 1806 London, The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla re-introduces us to the three young Misses from Miss Climpson’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies in Bath, brought together in the seventh novel, The Mischief of the Mistletoe: Miss Sally Fitzhugh, Miss Agnes Wooliston and Miss Lizzy Reid. They are in Town for the Season, chaperoned by the Vaughn’s whose next door neighbor is reported to be a vampire. Yes, vampires are all the rage in London at the moment due to Lizzy Reid’s step-mother’s best-selling novel The Convent of Orsino. No one is above suspicion, especially aristocrats.
Bored by the soiree in progress, Sally takes up the challenge and enters the creepy, un-kept garden of the purported vampire next-door and immediately meets a tall, dark, pale stranger, Lucien, Duke of Belliston. Eeeek! Curiosity and sparks fly for the enigmatic duke and the adventurous Miss. After some witty repartee, Sally returns to her friends without any loss of blood or ego, determined to learn more about him. Her chance presents itself at the next ball, a coming out party for Lucien’s younger sister, who has been raised by her aunt and uncle at the family estate in England while Lucien escaped to his mother’s family in Louisiana. Their parent’s had died twelves year prior under a cloud of mystery. Was their death by poison an accident or murder? Haunted by scandal and his past, Lucien has returned to England to discover the truth. When Sally and Lucien re-connect at the party a mysterious note call them to a midnight meeting in the garden only to discover a young woman dead on a garden bench—the blood drained from her throat. Someone has set him up as the killer and continues to set him up as the perpetrator of further crimes until Lucien and Sally join forces to stop the so-called vampire slayings and uncover a decade-old murder of his parents.
Vampires? Really? I was skeptical. Haven’t vampires been done to death in novels lately? It didn’t take long for me to realize that this plot axis was great fun – a way to bridge Gwendolyn Reid’s (nee Miss Gwendolyn Meadows) novel The Convent of Orsino, introduced in in The Passion of the Purple Plumeria and connect Sally Fitzhugh, sister of the famous Reginald “Turnip” Fitzhugh. Connections and creativity is what Willig is all about as a writer. Her historical research is also Nonpareil. Readers will be wowed by references to Gothic Fiction that Jane Austen’s heroine Catherine Morland was addicted to in Northanger Abbey and all other manner of social context to the era and modern times including Monty Python Flying Circus jokes and Stephenie Meyer’s sparkly vampire Edward Cullen.
What sets this novel apart in the series is its new direction away from its roots: historical/spy/comedy/romance adventure. There is still all the Willig style of high-burlesque comedy, witty banter and suspenseful adventure, but those dead set on a Napoleonic vs. British spy battles will be thwarted. Refreshingly, this is a Regency-era mystery with undertones of spy themes. We still have the modern day story of Eloisa and Colin popping in to delay the historical adventure, but her hunky historical hero Lucien is one of her most swoon worthy and her spunky heroine Sally is down-right admirable. Vampire plot not-with-standing, I was totally glamoured and entranced by every word.
5 out of 5 Regency Stars
One of the main reasons I enjoy the Pink series so much (besides the humor) is that they take me back to Regency England and her characters are so original. Willig started the series in 2004 with The Secret History of the Pink Carnation. Each successive novel features a new set of protagonists; a romantic couple thrown together by danger, espionage and love. After ten novels I have never been disappointed.
Set in 1806 London, The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla re-introduces us to the three young Misses from Miss Climpson’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies in Bath, brought together in the seventh novel, The Mischief of the Mistletoe: Miss Sally Fitzhugh, Miss Agnes Wooliston and Miss Lizzy Reid. They are in Town for the Season, chaperoned by the Vaughn’s whose next door neighbor is reported to be a vampire. Yes, vampires are all the rage in London at the moment due to Lizzy Reid’s step-mother’s best-selling novel The Convent of Orsino. No one is above suspicion, especially aristocrats.
Bored by the soiree in progress, Sally takes up the challenge and enters the creepy, un-kept garden of the purported vampire next-door and immediately meets a tall, dark, pale stranger, Lucien, Duke of Belliston. Eeeek! Curiosity and sparks fly for the enigmatic duke and the adventurous Miss. After some witty repartee, Sally returns to her friends without any loss of blood or ego, determined to learn more about him. Her chance presents itself at the next ball, a coming out party for Lucien’s younger sister, who has been raised by her aunt and uncle at the family estate in England while Lucien escaped to his mother’s family in Louisiana. Their parent’s had died twelves year prior under a cloud of mystery. Was their death by poison an accident or murder? Haunted by scandal and his past, Lucien has returned to England to discover the truth. When Sally and Lucien re-connect at the party a mysterious note call them to a midnight meeting in the garden only to discover a young woman dead on a garden bench—the blood drained from her throat. Someone has set him up as the killer and continues to set him up as the perpetrator of further crimes until Lucien and Sally join forces to stop the so-called vampire slayings and uncover a decade-old murder of his parents.
Vampires? Really? I was skeptical. Haven’t vampires been done to death in novels lately? It didn’t take long for me to realize that this plot axis was great fun – a way to bridge Gwendolyn Reid’s (nee Miss Gwendolyn Meadows) novel The Convent of Orsino, introduced in in The Passion of the Purple Plumeria and connect Sally Fitzhugh, sister of the famous Reginald “Turnip” Fitzhugh. Connections and creativity is what Willig is all about as a writer. Her historical research is also Nonpareil. Readers will be wowed by references to Gothic Fiction that Jane Austen’s heroine Catherine Morland was addicted to in Northanger Abbey and all other manner of social context to the era and modern times including Monty Python Flying Circus jokes and Stephenie Meyer’s sparkly vampire Edward Cullen.
What sets this novel apart in the series is its new direction away from its roots: historical/spy/comedy/romance adventure. There is still all the Willig style of high-burlesque comedy, witty banter and suspenseful adventure, but those dead set on a Napoleonic vs. British spy battles will be thwarted. Refreshingly, this is a Regency-era mystery with undertones of spy themes. We still have the modern day story of Eloisa and Colin popping in to delay the historical adventure, but her hunky historical hero Lucien is one of her most swoon worthy and her spunky heroine Sally is down-right admirable. Vampire plot not-with-standing, I was totally glamoured and entranced by every word.
5 out of 5 Regency Stars
July 22, 2015
Wow! I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did. I don't know why exactly......I think the vampire angle threw me off. It ended up being different than that--thank goodness! I simply loved Sally and Lucian. They had humor, witty banter, they had chemistry......they were perfect. This one didn't really deal with spies like the others in the series, which worked quite well for this book. I loved the storyline (won't give anything away). Even Eloise and Colin didn't annoy me like they have in the last couple of books:) I will say--this is bold--I believe this is my favorite couple in the entire series. One more book left, so you never know, but I really did love these two.
November 15, 2015
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
I found this through a online digital service "hoopla" that goes through my local library. I was thrilled, because I have been searching for something different in a historical romance, and Lauren Willig is simply wonderful. Although this story was a bit different than any historical I have ever read/listened to. It has two story lines that are involved here. First we have Eloise who is a student in modern times, working on research for Pink Carnation and spending time with your British boyfriend Colin. Then we are taken back to Sally Fitshugh and The Duke of Belliston. London has been circling with rumors of Belliston being a vampire with a recent published work "Convent of Orshino" which is a gothic novel. Lucien left London when he was fifteen years old when his parents were killed, and he never believed that his mother killed his father. He knew that they were poisoned but no one believed him. So he left for New Orleans, but now he has returned to find the truth and find a place back with his family. But there is someone out to frame him and Sally joins forces with him to find out who is after him and why.
This was a wonderful story and I was captivated by the mystery and intrigue. Even though this is a installment toward the end of series, I didn't feel too lost or out of place. It only made me even more fascinated by the set of the series and Sally's family, whom I have a feeling are fully involved in other books of the series. What was most fun about this book was how it had depth and a sense of growth, unpredictable and unique characters. I became really impressed with this author, because lately I have been looking for more historical's that have more emotion and complex plots. This fit the ticket for exactly what I have been looking for. It is rich and lively and highly entertaining. I can't wait to delve deeper into this series that is packed with mystery, spies, and romance.
I found this through a online digital service "hoopla" that goes through my local library. I was thrilled, because I have been searching for something different in a historical romance, and Lauren Willig is simply wonderful. Although this story was a bit different than any historical I have ever read/listened to. It has two story lines that are involved here. First we have Eloise who is a student in modern times, working on research for Pink Carnation and spending time with your British boyfriend Colin. Then we are taken back to Sally Fitshugh and The Duke of Belliston. London has been circling with rumors of Belliston being a vampire with a recent published work "Convent of Orshino" which is a gothic novel. Lucien left London when he was fifteen years old when his parents were killed, and he never believed that his mother killed his father. He knew that they were poisoned but no one believed him. So he left for New Orleans, but now he has returned to find the truth and find a place back with his family. But there is someone out to frame him and Sally joins forces with him to find out who is after him and why.
This was a wonderful story and I was captivated by the mystery and intrigue. Even though this is a installment toward the end of series, I didn't feel too lost or out of place. It only made me even more fascinated by the set of the series and Sally's family, whom I have a feeling are fully involved in other books of the series. What was most fun about this book was how it had depth and a sense of growth, unpredictable and unique characters. I became really impressed with this author, because lately I have been looking for more historical's that have more emotion and complex plots. This fit the ticket for exactly what I have been looking for. It is rich and lively and highly entertaining. I can't wait to delve deeper into this series that is packed with mystery, spies, and romance.
August 19, 2024
Review from 2014
A for both content and narration.
The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla is the penultimate in Lauren Willig’s highly entertaining Pink Carnation series, and, as with the books that precede it, has a dual storyline which switches between the early nineteenth and twenty-first centuries as American grad student Eloise pursues her research into the life and times of the Pink Carnation as well as her relationship with her English boyfriend, Colin. While this book perhaps deviates somewhat from the series’ roots in the tales of the espionage and counter-espionage being practiced by the English and French during the Napoleonic Wars, it’s nonetheless a thoroughly enjoyable story which is brought vividly to life by the utterly splendid Kate Reading.
We first met Sarah – Sally – Fitzhugh in The Mischief of the Mistletoe, (Book 7 in the series). She is now in her second season, and the story opens at a soirée being held at a house next door to that of the Duke of Belliston – who, rumour has it, is a vampire.
Sally is a wonderfully no-nonsense young woman, and pooh-poohs that suggestion instantly. Since the publication of The Convent of Orsino, a gothic novel written by Lizzie’s stepmother (formerly Miss Gwendolyn Meadows, confidante of the infamous Pink Carnation), London has been overtaken by vampire fever, and even being a duke is not enough to avoid suspicion and gossip. Bored by the party – and by the season as a whole – Sally takes up her friends’ challenge to beard the supposed vampire in his den, and makes her way into the garden next door – only to be immediately accosted by the purported creature of the night himself. And the sparks start to fly.
Ms Reading’s delivery in passages such as this is one of the many highlights of her performance. She has a wonderful way of delivering dead-pan utterances without overdoing it, which is an excellent match for Ms Willig’s clever humour.
The duke is quite aware of his reputation and appears unaffected by it. But Sally is annoyed at the cruel gossip she continually hears being circulated about him, and is determined not only to learn more about him but to champion him.
Lucien, Duke of Belliston doesn’t want a champion, or even to integrate himself back into the society from which he fled twelve years ago. He has returned to England from Louisiana, where he has been living with his mother’s family, determined to discover the identity of the person who murdered both his parents when he was a boy. Dogged by gossip and haunted by his past, he’s a troubled young man who has finally come to realise that it’s time for him to stop running, find out the truth and bring the murderer to justice.
When someone tries to frame Lucien for murder, Sally becomes even more determined to help him to discover the truth about his parents’ murders as well as to find out who is attempting to stoke the frenzy of rumour and see him convicted of this latest killing.
The fact that his smile does funny things to her insides has nothing to do with her interest, of course.
Not a thing.
Before long, Sally and Lucien are on the trail of deadly spies, assailed by ghoulish bumps in the night and in denial about their attraction to one another.
The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla is an absolutely wonderful story, full of wit, humour and a strongly characterised supporting cast, all of it realised with great vivacity and tremendous insight by Ms Reading. Many familiar faces from previous books in the series make guest appearances, such as the formidable Miss Gwen and Sally’s brother “Turnip” and his family, but what makes this such a great listen are the fabulous interactions between the central couple. Sally reminds me somewhat of Miss Gwen, with her down-to-earth attitude and her sharp tongue, and Lucien is quite possibly the sexiest of all the Ms Willig’s heroes. He’s not showy or devilishly naughty, but his intelligence, dry wit and his protectiveness toward Sally make him very attractive.
The story and the performance are bubbling over with exuberance, and Ms Willig has struck just the right balance between erudition and good old-fashioned story-telling by weaving in references to cultural phenomena both old and new. She deftly takes a swipe at the early nineteenth century’s craze for dreadful gothic novels (in much the same way as Jane Austen does in Northanger Abbey) while also having a dig at the current craze for sparkly vampires and even getting in the odd Monty Python reference. And she does this in the context of a fast-paced romantic mystery featuring memorable characters and fabulous dialogue.
The words “Kate Reading narrates” should be enough by now to know that an excellent listen is guaranteed. Her performance here is a delight from beginning to end; her pacing is flawless and all the characters are clearly differentiated and skilfully realised through the use of a variety of tone and accent and a wide range of expression. The secondary characters receive just as much careful attention as the protagonists; Lucien’s former tutor, Sheridan, is given a lovely Irish lilt; bluff – and drunk – cousin Hal is a hoot; and Lucien’s scheming social-climber of an aunt is made to sound suitably hostile through the use of an unpleasant nasal tone. Ms Reading’s portrayal of the two principals is perfect, expertly capturing Lucien’s self-deprecating sense of humour and Sally’s sensible waspishness while also conveying the affection and kindness that lies beneath the witty banter.
By some standards, The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla may seem to be rather a lightweight book, but comedy isn’t easy to write, and to pull off something this good towards the end of a long-running series is an amazing feat.
A for both content and narration.
The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla is the penultimate in Lauren Willig’s highly entertaining Pink Carnation series, and, as with the books that precede it, has a dual storyline which switches between the early nineteenth and twenty-first centuries as American grad student Eloise pursues her research into the life and times of the Pink Carnation as well as her relationship with her English boyfriend, Colin. While this book perhaps deviates somewhat from the series’ roots in the tales of the espionage and counter-espionage being practiced by the English and French during the Napoleonic Wars, it’s nonetheless a thoroughly enjoyable story which is brought vividly to life by the utterly splendid Kate Reading.
We first met Sarah – Sally – Fitzhugh in The Mischief of the Mistletoe, (Book 7 in the series). She is now in her second season, and the story opens at a soirée being held at a house next door to that of the Duke of Belliston – who, rumour has it, is a vampire.
Sally is a wonderfully no-nonsense young woman, and pooh-poohs that suggestion instantly. Since the publication of The Convent of Orsino, a gothic novel written by Lizzie’s stepmother (formerly Miss Gwendolyn Meadows, confidante of the infamous Pink Carnation), London has been overtaken by vampire fever, and even being a duke is not enough to avoid suspicion and gossip. Bored by the party – and by the season as a whole – Sally takes up her friends’ challenge to beard the supposed vampire in his den, and makes her way into the garden next door – only to be immediately accosted by the purported creature of the night himself. And the sparks start to fly.
“I am not trespassing,” Sally said haughtily. “I was simply admiring your foliage.”
The Duke of Belliston arched one brow. “Has anyone warned you that strange plants might have thorns?”
If she had wanted a lesson in horticulture, she would have consulted a gardener. “Has anyone ever told you that it is exceedingly annoying to speak in aphorisms?”
For a moment, a flicker of something that might have been amusement showed in his dark eyes. Amusement, or merely the reflected light of the candle. “Yes,” he said. “It tends to truncate conversation quite effectively.”
Sally wasn’t accustomed to allowing herself to be truncated.
Ms Reading’s delivery in passages such as this is one of the many highlights of her performance. She has a wonderful way of delivering dead-pan utterances without overdoing it, which is an excellent match for Ms Willig’s clever humour.
The duke is quite aware of his reputation and appears unaffected by it. But Sally is annoyed at the cruel gossip she continually hears being circulated about him, and is determined not only to learn more about him but to champion him.
Lucien, Duke of Belliston doesn’t want a champion, or even to integrate himself back into the society from which he fled twelve years ago. He has returned to England from Louisiana, where he has been living with his mother’s family, determined to discover the identity of the person who murdered both his parents when he was a boy. Dogged by gossip and haunted by his past, he’s a troubled young man who has finally come to realise that it’s time for him to stop running, find out the truth and bring the murderer to justice.
When someone tries to frame Lucien for murder, Sally becomes even more determined to help him to discover the truth about his parents’ murders as well as to find out who is attempting to stoke the frenzy of rumour and see him convicted of this latest killing.
The fact that his smile does funny things to her insides has nothing to do with her interest, of course.
Not a thing.
Before long, Sally and Lucien are on the trail of deadly spies, assailed by ghoulish bumps in the night and in denial about their attraction to one another.
The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla is an absolutely wonderful story, full of wit, humour and a strongly characterised supporting cast, all of it realised with great vivacity and tremendous insight by Ms Reading. Many familiar faces from previous books in the series make guest appearances, such as the formidable Miss Gwen and Sally’s brother “Turnip” and his family, but what makes this such a great listen are the fabulous interactions between the central couple. Sally reminds me somewhat of Miss Gwen, with her down-to-earth attitude and her sharp tongue, and Lucien is quite possibly the sexiest of all the Ms Willig’s heroes. He’s not showy or devilishly naughty, but his intelligence, dry wit and his protectiveness toward Sally make him very attractive.
The story and the performance are bubbling over with exuberance, and Ms Willig has struck just the right balance between erudition and good old-fashioned story-telling by weaving in references to cultural phenomena both old and new. She deftly takes a swipe at the early nineteenth century’s craze for dreadful gothic novels (in much the same way as Jane Austen does in Northanger Abbey) while also having a dig at the current craze for sparkly vampires and even getting in the odd Monty Python reference. And she does this in the context of a fast-paced romantic mystery featuring memorable characters and fabulous dialogue.
The words “Kate Reading narrates” should be enough by now to know that an excellent listen is guaranteed. Her performance here is a delight from beginning to end; her pacing is flawless and all the characters are clearly differentiated and skilfully realised through the use of a variety of tone and accent and a wide range of expression. The secondary characters receive just as much careful attention as the protagonists; Lucien’s former tutor, Sheridan, is given a lovely Irish lilt; bluff – and drunk – cousin Hal is a hoot; and Lucien’s scheming social-climber of an aunt is made to sound suitably hostile through the use of an unpleasant nasal tone. Ms Reading’s portrayal of the two principals is perfect, expertly capturing Lucien’s self-deprecating sense of humour and Sally’s sensible waspishness while also conveying the affection and kindness that lies beneath the witty banter.
By some standards, The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla may seem to be rather a lightweight book, but comedy isn’t easy to write, and to pull off something this good towards the end of a long-running series is an amazing feat.
March 24, 2022
Reread, March 2022
I stand by my original review, though Sally Fitzhugh has grown on me a lot. I'll forever be sad about the book we didn't get (Kat/Tommy 4eva), but despite the fact that this book has nothing to do with the main plot, it's a very fun read. And the Colin/Eloise stuff remains completely great.
Original review, August 2014
So first, this book has nothing to do with spies.
Which is okay, really, because I like what Willig does with more mystery based plots. I still question her choice of heroine, but I liked Lucien quite a bit, and in the end, I was mostly charmed by the historical portion of the novel.
If you have no interest in exploring a story outside the main spy thrust of these novels, you do not need to read this book.
HOWEVER.
If you enjoy Eloise and Colin, I would absolutely suggest picking up a copy and skimming for their parts. I love them very much and I thought Eloise's crisis of "what am I going to do with my life" particularly well done (I think that's semi-autobiographical? Maybe?), because sometimes, by the time you're dissertating, it's really just because you thought it was something you wanted six years ago.
(This can happen earlier too. Not that I speak from experience in dropping out of grad school or anything...) AND THE ENDING. I really just want you all to read this so we can talk about the ending and one other thing which is...
THAT FUCKING PREVIEW. OH MY GOD, THAT FUCKING PREVIEW.
I want Jack Reid and I want him now. Please read the preview so we can flail about it together, because guys, I think this is going to be the one we were waiting for.
I stand by my original review, though Sally Fitzhugh has grown on me a lot. I'll forever be sad about the book we didn't get (Kat/Tommy 4eva), but despite the fact that this book has nothing to do with the main plot, it's a very fun read. And the Colin/Eloise stuff remains completely great.
Original review, August 2014
So first, this book has nothing to do with spies.
Which is okay, really, because I like what Willig does with more mystery based plots. I still question her choice of heroine, but I liked Lucien quite a bit, and in the end, I was mostly charmed by the historical portion of the novel.
If you have no interest in exploring a story outside the main spy thrust of these novels, you do not need to read this book.
HOWEVER.
If you enjoy Eloise and Colin, I would absolutely suggest picking up a copy and skimming for their parts. I love them very much and I thought Eloise's crisis of "what am I going to do with my life" particularly well done (I think that's semi-autobiographical? Maybe?), because sometimes, by the time you're dissertating, it's really just because you thought it was something you wanted six years ago.
(This can happen earlier too. Not that I speak from experience in dropping out of grad school or anything...) AND THE ENDING. I really just want you all to read this so we can talk about the ending and one other thing which is...
THAT FUCKING PREVIEW. OH MY GOD, THAT FUCKING PREVIEW.
I want Jack Reid and I want him now. Please read the preview so we can flail about it together, because guys, I think this is going to be the one we were waiting for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2014
This latest installment in the Pink Carnation series reminded me of what I love about this series so much. It's intellectual, funny, and just plain entertaining. This one is zany and it tackles the absurd with wit and sly historical references. It may not show the true experience of spies during the Napoleonic Wars, but if it did, I doubt I would be reading it. I like history, but it needs to be captured in an engaging way for me to enjoy it, and that is certainly true of this book.
The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla is Sally Fitzhugh's story. Readers of the series will remember Sally from The Mischief of the Mistletoe, where her brother, Turnip, routed out some spies at a young ladies academy while falling in love with one of the teachers, Arabella. Sally made her debut a year ago, and now into her second season, she's, well, she's bored. Luckily, excitement ripples through the ton with the return of the Duke of Belliston, reputed vampire.
Naturally, Sally doesn't believe that nonsense about Lucien being a vampire, but she is certain that he needs some assistance in making his way in the ton:
What she needed was a project.
Such as a duke.
The duke was standing all by himself at the back of the room, doing his best to look brooding and mysterious, or as brooding and mysterious as one could in a well-lit ballroom with footmen pestering people by pushing champagne at them.
The man was in dire need of a little friendly advice - and who better than Sally to deliver it? Really, it would be a kindness, not to mention a shot in the eye to Delia Cathcart and Lucy Ponsonby and all the others whispering and gossiping and spreading their ridiculous rumors (p. 123).
Brooding and mysterious though he may appear, Lucien, in fact, does not require Sally's help, at least not with ingratiating himself with the ton. No, Lucien's mission on his return to society is to find the real person responsible for the death of both of his parents. And once he starts investigating the more it seems that....spies are involved. One fake betrothal and a gifting of a stoat later, Lucien and Sally are on the trail of potential spies and fighting their attraction to one another. Just how fake is this betrothal?
This was a seriously awesome set up and the witty banter between Sally and Lucien reminded me what I liked about this series in the first place: it's smart while still being entertaining. Sally and Lucien's interactions with one another are hilarious, Sally especially brings so much fun to this story with her bustling personality. Sally is determined to become involved in the mystery and will not take "no" for an answer.
"You see, I told you we had experience with this sort of thing. Really, it's quite fortunate that I wandered into your garden. I can't imagine what you would have done without me."
Lucien felt a reluctant smile tweak the corners of his lips. "I can't imagine either."
Ever since Miss Fitzhugh had traipsed into his life, he felt as though he'd been standing at the center of a whirlwind. What would he have done without her? (p. 262)
As to what I mean about the "smartness" of these books, you have to admire how the author slyly includes historical details, making something that at first glance appears fluffy, into something so much more richly layered. For example, Lucien's mother is suspected of spying for her home country of Martinique, which France had granted it's black slaves' freedom for a short period of time. Lucien's mother was fighting to keep this independence alive. Typically this kind of detail would have slipped past me, but having recently read The Black Count , the story of Alexandre Dumas' father, I actually knew about the Martinique situation. The level of detail that this author includes in this series about the surrounding events is fantastic and I think it's something that makes a book that so easily could be stereotyped as a "romance" so unique and appealing to such a wide range of readers.
Alongside the historical setting, readers also have the usual adventures of doctoral student, Eloise. Eloise, if you're unfamiliar with the series, frames all of these spy adventures as her thesis that revolves on this particular spy ring. In this book, Eloise is back in the States, missing her Englishman boyfriend, Colin. When Colin does visit, he's acting a little off, is a break-up in the works?
While I do enjoy the Eloise and Colin drama, I can't say that it's a big draw for me with this series. I will say I'm glad that their narrative is kept to a minimum, but as a result I don't really feel as interested in what's happening to them. Framing these books this way works and I think the author excels in not making the dual timeline distracting or disruptive to the main plot that is the historical content.
Ultimately, if you're looking for something light and entertaining, this is a great go to choice for many. While I think this series is one that will draw many historical romance fans, I love that it could serve as a bridge for many readers into different genres. I can see a historical romance fan picking this up and moving into more standard historical fiction.
A great read! And officially one of my favourites in the series to date.
For similar reads, see The Book Adventures.
November 13, 2017
This was the book I was least excited about reading in the series. It sounded completely out of Willig’s usual formula….like so far removed from her usual style that I just wasn’t thrilled about it.
Vampires? In this series. No, no, and just no.
Plus the heroine, Sally Fitzhugh, is not one that has even been on the fringes of the series up until like the last book and even then it was minimal.
However, as I have said before, I am continually impressed with her ability to hook me into a believable romance and prove all my misconceptions wrong. So I tried to keep an open mind when I started reading.
Let’s just get the fangirl moment out of the way first shall we……I LOVED THIS BOOK. I read it almost in one sitting. It surprised me in so many ways. This book read different than any go the others in the series but yet managed to maintain the familiarity of the Pink Carnation series as a whole. Yes I started it about a week before Halloween and the ‘vampire’ elements fit right into the whole holiday feel and this book had an actual murder mystery where as the others don’t have that. It was such a perfect Halloween read.
Sally, while high handed at times, was extremely likable. Some might argue that she was a little flat and forgettable when compared to other characters like Miss Gwen, but I found her witty and more like a younger version of Miss Gwen. I loved how she was so protective of Lucien even when she hardly knew him. She was his champion from the beginning.
Lucien was the perfect brooding hero. He has a complicated and dark past that we only seem to scratch the surface of in this book. It becomes apparent from the beginning that he’s had a hard life and readers can’t help but feel sorry for him and hopeful that he will find the family he has always been looking for when he meets Sally. In some ways he’s a little on the sad puppy dog side, but the way that Sally comes in and gives him strength throughout the story is touching and beautiful. I loved their romance.
While this book was an easy 5 star for me, there were parts of the plot that felt unfinished. For instance, the relationship between Hal, Clarissa, and Lucien seemed completely unresolved and left me wondering what happened to those plot points that Willig seemed to spend so much time on. They weren’t that important to the overall story in retrospect but I felt like she spent a lot of time introducing the characters and then didn’t really do anything with them. So in that sense I wanted more.
Overall though, I loved this book, flaws in the characters, romance, plot and all. It had a Gothic feel which we all know that I love and the romance was brooding and sensual in a way that the other books just aren’t.
See my full review here
Vampires? In this series. No, no, and just no.
Plus the heroine, Sally Fitzhugh, is not one that has even been on the fringes of the series up until like the last book and even then it was minimal.
However, as I have said before, I am continually impressed with her ability to hook me into a believable romance and prove all my misconceptions wrong. So I tried to keep an open mind when I started reading.
Let’s just get the fangirl moment out of the way first shall we……I LOVED THIS BOOK. I read it almost in one sitting. It surprised me in so many ways. This book read different than any go the others in the series but yet managed to maintain the familiarity of the Pink Carnation series as a whole. Yes I started it about a week before Halloween and the ‘vampire’ elements fit right into the whole holiday feel and this book had an actual murder mystery where as the others don’t have that. It was such a perfect Halloween read.
Sally, while high handed at times, was extremely likable. Some might argue that she was a little flat and forgettable when compared to other characters like Miss Gwen, but I found her witty and more like a younger version of Miss Gwen. I loved how she was so protective of Lucien even when she hardly knew him. She was his champion from the beginning.
Lucien was the perfect brooding hero. He has a complicated and dark past that we only seem to scratch the surface of in this book. It becomes apparent from the beginning that he’s had a hard life and readers can’t help but feel sorry for him and hopeful that he will find the family he has always been looking for when he meets Sally. In some ways he’s a little on the sad puppy dog side, but the way that Sally comes in and gives him strength throughout the story is touching and beautiful. I loved their romance.
While this book was an easy 5 star for me, there were parts of the plot that felt unfinished. For instance, the relationship between Hal, Clarissa, and Lucien seemed completely unresolved and left me wondering what happened to those plot points that Willig seemed to spend so much time on. They weren’t that important to the overall story in retrospect but I felt like she spent a lot of time introducing the characters and then didn’t really do anything with them. So in that sense I wanted more.
Overall though, I loved this book, flaws in the characters, romance, plot and all. It had a Gothic feel which we all know that I love and the romance was brooding and sensual in a way that the other books just aren’t.
See my full review here
December 29, 2022
English society has turned Gwendolyn Reid’s gothic story into a sensation and a new arrival has them whispering behind their fans that there is a vampire haunting the aristocracy. When a dead body is found with puncture wounds in the neck, the latest Pink Carnation heroine finds herself solving a murder mystery next to the accused rather than gallivanting after spies. What a perfect historical romantic fit for the spooky season.
The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla is the eleventh in the Pink Carnation series loaded with romance and espionage. While this could be read standalone in a pinch, the references to early scenes and the appearances of several familiar faces makes it read best in order- particularly for the shorter contemporary time line scenes.
Sally Fitzhugh, the younger sister to Turnip Fitzhugh is now going about London for the Season. Unimpressed with the glitz and glitter of high society functions, she is more interested in satisfying her curiosity about the long-lost Duke of Elliston’s return and the rumors that he had something to do with his parents’ deaths and he is, in fact, a vampire. Miss Gwen’s book has caught on like wildfire and Sally is not impervious. Instead of a romantic vampire, she uncovers an attractive man who needs her help, though he would never admit it, when he is framed for a lady’s murder in a way that stirs the vampire fervor captivating all London with each succeeding ‘vampire’ murder.
With the assistance of other familiar faces including Lord and Lady Vaughn, Turnip, Miss Gwen, her school pals, Sally and Lucien turn the tables on the murderer and start the hunt that will connect back to the death of Lucien’s parents.
I was not expecting a murder mystery nor a fun gothic-toned plot, but I was all on board once the story got under way. Sally was a fabulous heroine and played a good foil to Lucien’s personality that resonates as a gothic hero. The murderer and motive were easy to spot, but that barely dinted my enjoyment for the story because I enjoyed the characters and tracking along with them so much. The repartee and humor kept this on the light side even with the murder count.
The modern plot line involved Colin coming to Cambridge, MA for Eloise’s birthday right when she caught research fever after her teaching pal Megan mentioned Miss Gwen’s book and the vampire crazy that sprung from it. They both struggled with the long-distance relationship and now feel awkward and fearful. I’ve felt their time line has gotten better over the course of the series, but confess I was so hooked into Sally and Lucien’s adventures that I was impatient to get back to the past though the end was a surprise.
All in all, this was an entertaining and engaging installment in the series leading to the final book featuring the Pink Carnation herself. This series blends historical mystery with romantic suspense and comedy in a successful way that I can definitely recommend to others.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Dec 28th
The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla is the eleventh in the Pink Carnation series loaded with romance and espionage. While this could be read standalone in a pinch, the references to early scenes and the appearances of several familiar faces makes it read best in order- particularly for the shorter contemporary time line scenes.
Sally Fitzhugh, the younger sister to Turnip Fitzhugh is now going about London for the Season. Unimpressed with the glitz and glitter of high society functions, she is more interested in satisfying her curiosity about the long-lost Duke of Elliston’s return and the rumors that he had something to do with his parents’ deaths and he is, in fact, a vampire. Miss Gwen’s book has caught on like wildfire and Sally is not impervious. Instead of a romantic vampire, she uncovers an attractive man who needs her help, though he would never admit it, when he is framed for a lady’s murder in a way that stirs the vampire fervor captivating all London with each succeeding ‘vampire’ murder.
With the assistance of other familiar faces including Lord and Lady Vaughn, Turnip, Miss Gwen, her school pals, Sally and Lucien turn the tables on the murderer and start the hunt that will connect back to the death of Lucien’s parents.
I was not expecting a murder mystery nor a fun gothic-toned plot, but I was all on board once the story got under way. Sally was a fabulous heroine and played a good foil to Lucien’s personality that resonates as a gothic hero. The murderer and motive were easy to spot, but that barely dinted my enjoyment for the story because I enjoyed the characters and tracking along with them so much. The repartee and humor kept this on the light side even with the murder count.
The modern plot line involved Colin coming to Cambridge, MA for Eloise’s birthday right when she caught research fever after her teaching pal Megan mentioned Miss Gwen’s book and the vampire crazy that sprung from it. They both struggled with the long-distance relationship and now feel awkward and fearful. I’ve felt their time line has gotten better over the course of the series, but confess I was so hooked into Sally and Lucien’s adventures that I was impatient to get back to the past though the end was a surprise.
All in all, this was an entertaining and engaging installment in the series leading to the final book featuring the Pink Carnation herself. This series blends historical mystery with romantic suspense and comedy in a successful way that I can definitely recommend to others.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Dec 28th
August 18, 2014
I never get tired of this series :)
Sally is the sister of our beloved "Turnip" Fitzhugh... it was nice seeing Arabella/Turnip/Sally and "Parsnip" (aka Jane)'s family life, their daughter was so adorable! A loving, sometimes chaotic family.
Sally, a strong/sensible/determined/kind-hearted girl, can hold her own.. whether in a ballroom with suitors, her family, or Lucien's LOVELY relations.
Lucien: A good man who's been dealt a bad hand in life...his parents were 'murdered' when he was young, though everyone believes the Duchess killed her husband than herself. It's haunted Lucien all these years, and now he's come back to avenge their deaths... his family's reception of his return is chilly and grudgingly accepted at best though you understand why (Still want to smack his aunt though).
There where twists and turns Lucien did not expect and it makes him question what he knew of his parent's... my heart broke for him.
It made me proud as he slowly came to terms that he couldn't run away from his responsibilities anymore, he was still nervous/apprehensive but he stepped up to the plate.
Even though you could guess the ending with the romance, it wasn't predictable at all... Loved watching Lucien and Sally's transition from allies/friends/in love. Miss Willig built it up slowly, stoking the fire so to speak, and let the characters drive everything themselves.
One character whom Lucien suspects of killing his parents was on the up and up after all while another, well:
The identity of the culprit I didn't expect, yet at the same time made sense. I had a couple guesses but I was way off the mark haha. It was hard to feel sorry for him, all the trouble he went to to damage Lucien. The ending with Agnes/Lizzy/Miss Gwen was hilarious, wish I had a picture of that, I would proudly hang it on the wall ;-) (I can hear Miss Gwen snorting about that from here ).
I would have loved to see what happened in the aftermath with those connected to the culprit (and Sir Matthew suspended from duty for at least a bit but its a small quibble.
~~~~
The final scene between Colin and Eloise was so sweet and perfect! *happy sigh* I was relieved he wasn't leaving Selwick Hall and that Jeremy is still behaving himself. Mrs Selwick-Alderely will be pleased :).
Eloise and Colin fit so well together, one of my favorite book couples <3
I'm eager along with Eloise to find out what happened with Jane after 1806.. "Lure of the Moonflower" gives a tingling hint, pity we have to wait till 2015 though *pouts* Miss Willig has hinted at possible spinoff book(s) as well :-D.
Sally is the sister of our beloved "Turnip" Fitzhugh... it was nice seeing Arabella/Turnip/Sally and "Parsnip" (aka Jane)'s family life, their daughter was so adorable! A loving, sometimes chaotic family.
Sally, a strong/sensible/determined/kind-hearted girl, can hold her own.. whether in a ballroom with suitors, her family, or Lucien's LOVELY relations.
Lucien: A good man who's been dealt a bad hand in life...his parents were 'murdered' when he was young, though everyone believes the Duchess killed her husband than herself. It's haunted Lucien all these years, and now he's come back to avenge their deaths... his family's reception of his return is chilly and grudgingly accepted at best though you understand why (Still want to smack his aunt though).
There where twists and turns Lucien did not expect and it makes him question what he knew of his parent's... my heart broke for him.
It made me proud as he slowly came to terms that he couldn't run away from his responsibilities anymore, he was still nervous/apprehensive but he stepped up to the plate.
Even though you could guess the ending with the romance, it wasn't predictable at all... Loved watching Lucien and Sally's transition from allies/friends/in love. Miss Willig built it up slowly, stoking the fire so to speak, and let the characters drive everything themselves.
One character whom Lucien suspects of killing his parents was on the up and up after all while another, well:
The identity of the culprit I didn't expect, yet at the same time made sense. I had a couple guesses but I was way off the mark haha. It was hard to feel sorry for him, all the trouble he went to to damage Lucien. The ending with Agnes/Lizzy/Miss Gwen was hilarious, wish I had a picture of that, I would proudly hang it on the wall ;-) (I can hear Miss Gwen snorting about that from here ).
I would have loved to see what happened in the aftermath with those connected to the culprit (and Sir Matthew suspended from duty for at least a bit but its a small quibble.
~~~~
The final scene between Colin and Eloise was so sweet and perfect! *happy sigh* I was relieved he wasn't leaving Selwick Hall and that Jeremy is still behaving himself. Mrs Selwick-Alderely will be pleased :).
Eloise and Colin fit so well together, one of my favorite book couples <3
I'm eager along with Eloise to find out what happened with Jane after 1806.. "Lure of the Moonflower" gives a tingling hint, pity we have to wait till 2015 though *pouts* Miss Willig has hinted at possible spinoff book(s) as well :-D.
October 5, 2014
So I ended up really enjoying this! I think it helped that I ended up basically reading it as a historical romance rather than a Pink Carnation book.
August 11, 2014
“They say he’s a vampire.” With a bang this opening sentence throws open the doors on what I dub as “Thriller # 11.” Part Sherlock Holmes, part Northanger Abbey and all Pink Carnation, The author subjects the unsuspecting reader to a regency murder mystery/romance that includes all of the classic gothic elements for a tale steeped in superstition.
This is Miss Sally Fitzhugh’s story and her entanglement with the sinister Lucien, Duke of Belliston. Sally’s initial encounter with the menacing duke is the author at her best in setting a suitably ‘horrid’ mood. Bored at her latest ball, she learns the reclusive duke inhabits the neglected townhouse next door. Being Sally, with her penchant for curiosity and daring, she snoops onto the Duke’s property and comes upon a fearsome spector and yells.....
......."Show yourself.” A man swept aside the fronds of a weeping willow tree. “Show myself?” The man’s voice was well-bred, and distinctly incredulous. “I should ask the same of you.” For a moment Sally froze, wildly recalling all the tales Agnes had recounted. The man’s face was marble pale against the dark leaves, his features chiseled as if from stone, beautiful and stern. The only sign of color was the single splotch of blood that marred the snowy whiteness of his cravat........
Due to the wild popularity of The Convent of Orsino, a gothic novel written by none other than Mrs. Gwendolyn Reid, (nee Meadows) fear strikes the ton who speculate whether Lucien is actually human. Rumors reach hysterical proportions at the next ball where a dead woman is discovered on a balcony bench with blood streaks on her gown and what look like fang marks on her neck.
In Sally Fitzhugh, the author has fashioned a lovely heroine who is charming, engaging, curious, and always there to help her family and friends. The all-too-reclusive Lucien would otherwise find Sally nosey and controlling. In Lucien, Sally discovers a secretive, refined, protective individual with latent erotic sexuality that attracts her like no other man.
It seems the duke’s late parents were both murdered on the family estate many years ago and because of his sudden disappearance he has been implicated in that crime. Now, once again, someone is trying to frame him for the mysterious woman’s death as well. The duke has returned to reclaim rightful ownership of his ancestral estate and clear his tarnished reputation. Against his will, Sally stubbornly refuses to abandon him and the duke misinterprets her kind, non-judgmental nature for being just plain snoopy.
Cameo appearances by several Pink Carnation favorites from past episodes are featured as they try to help Sally discover the murderer and restore Lucien’s reputation. In contrast to her buttoned-down sister Sally, we are treated to loveable brother Turnip’s inappropriate comments, a prickly Mrs. Gwen, Lord and Lady Vaughn, schoolmates Agnes and Lizzy, and Sally’s pet stoat Lady Florence. It is this close relative to a ferret that plays a pivotal role in the climactic events to follow.
I found the story of Lucien and Sally so absorbing that the current day romance of Eloise and Colin became almost a distraction. That is until the conclusion when the author finally drops the other shoe and unveils a shocking zinger in their relationship!
After 11 Pink Carnations and 2 stand-alone novels, what are the superlatives about Lauren Willing that draw this reader back to her every written word? Here are just a few: Her brilliant shuttling back and forth between “then” and “now” which is the hallmark of her literary technique. As a former attorney, her impeccable historical research. Her ability to swing between wild humor and teary-eyed sentiment at a moment’s notice. Her unparalleled mastery of the English language. (More than once I was grateful for my Kindle’s instant dictionary application as I struggled to comprehend many of her fifty dollar words.)
Not many authors appreciate and enjoy their readers as much as does Lauren Willig. So, along with her novel, she includes an interview with herself, historical notes, reading group study questions and a brief but riveting preview from “Pink 12, Miss Jane Wooliston’s (AKA The Pink Carnation) own story due in 2015. Bring it on!
This is Miss Sally Fitzhugh’s story and her entanglement with the sinister Lucien, Duke of Belliston. Sally’s initial encounter with the menacing duke is the author at her best in setting a suitably ‘horrid’ mood. Bored at her latest ball, she learns the reclusive duke inhabits the neglected townhouse next door. Being Sally, with her penchant for curiosity and daring, she snoops onto the Duke’s property and comes upon a fearsome spector and yells.....
......."Show yourself.” A man swept aside the fronds of a weeping willow tree. “Show myself?” The man’s voice was well-bred, and distinctly incredulous. “I should ask the same of you.” For a moment Sally froze, wildly recalling all the tales Agnes had recounted. The man’s face was marble pale against the dark leaves, his features chiseled as if from stone, beautiful and stern. The only sign of color was the single splotch of blood that marred the snowy whiteness of his cravat........
Due to the wild popularity of The Convent of Orsino, a gothic novel written by none other than Mrs. Gwendolyn Reid, (nee Meadows) fear strikes the ton who speculate whether Lucien is actually human. Rumors reach hysterical proportions at the next ball where a dead woman is discovered on a balcony bench with blood streaks on her gown and what look like fang marks on her neck.
In Sally Fitzhugh, the author has fashioned a lovely heroine who is charming, engaging, curious, and always there to help her family and friends. The all-too-reclusive Lucien would otherwise find Sally nosey and controlling. In Lucien, Sally discovers a secretive, refined, protective individual with latent erotic sexuality that attracts her like no other man.
It seems the duke’s late parents were both murdered on the family estate many years ago and because of his sudden disappearance he has been implicated in that crime. Now, once again, someone is trying to frame him for the mysterious woman’s death as well. The duke has returned to reclaim rightful ownership of his ancestral estate and clear his tarnished reputation. Against his will, Sally stubbornly refuses to abandon him and the duke misinterprets her kind, non-judgmental nature for being just plain snoopy.
Cameo appearances by several Pink Carnation favorites from past episodes are featured as they try to help Sally discover the murderer and restore Lucien’s reputation. In contrast to her buttoned-down sister Sally, we are treated to loveable brother Turnip’s inappropriate comments, a prickly Mrs. Gwen, Lord and Lady Vaughn, schoolmates Agnes and Lizzy, and Sally’s pet stoat Lady Florence. It is this close relative to a ferret that plays a pivotal role in the climactic events to follow.
I found the story of Lucien and Sally so absorbing that the current day romance of Eloise and Colin became almost a distraction. That is until the conclusion when the author finally drops the other shoe and unveils a shocking zinger in their relationship!
After 11 Pink Carnations and 2 stand-alone novels, what are the superlatives about Lauren Willing that draw this reader back to her every written word? Here are just a few: Her brilliant shuttling back and forth between “then” and “now” which is the hallmark of her literary technique. As a former attorney, her impeccable historical research. Her ability to swing between wild humor and teary-eyed sentiment at a moment’s notice. Her unparalleled mastery of the English language. (More than once I was grateful for my Kindle’s instant dictionary application as I struggled to comprehend many of her fifty dollar words.)
Not many authors appreciate and enjoy their readers as much as does Lauren Willig. So, along with her novel, she includes an interview with herself, historical notes, reading group study questions and a brief but riveting preview from “Pink 12, Miss Jane Wooliston’s (AKA The Pink Carnation) own story due in 2015. Bring it on!
November 1, 2015
Poor Penelope Deveraux. She has been usurped as my favorite Pink character by none other than Sally Fitzhugh. To be fair, I've loved Sally since her appearances as Turnip's fairly reasonable, levelheaded sister. I really enjoyed her evolution through the book, and now I want a stoat of my own. A stuffed one, of course.
May 13, 2014
I will never be able to say enough about Lauren Willig and her writing. This was mysterious, hilarious, and heartwarming, and it reminds me very much like an Austen, where all things end as they should.
July 30, 2019
I skipped Turnip's book so I literally had no idea who Sally Fitzhugh was supposed to be because I skipped it really fast ansdaijskf anyway; it was fantastic. Sally was such a fun heroine and I liked how Lucien had his own hangups but they weren't like, dumb things but rather because of how his extended family treated his mom that in turn made him a bit of a pushover in dealing with his family and their cruelties. But I also liked that he stands up for himself when it seems that Sally keeps overwhelming his plan with her own ideas. That Sally has to push him to take up his title but also works with him as a united front by either fending off the magistrate or being an outside pov to bring up how odd his family acts as he tries to find out his parents' murders was very sweet and a good dynamic. Sally's relationship to Agnes and Lizzy was so cute, and also a bit sad when she brought up feeling like an outsider when those two literally skipped their school to go on the run with jewels in plain hiding. I'd totally read something with Agnes and Lizzy in the future if Willig ever wanted to return to this series, but they were darlings in this book. Lucien was also a delight and I loved how much he loved Sally and her company and how she brought lightness into his brooding stuff. Also Lady Florence was the greatest addition, every novel should have an animal companion for the heroine. The ending with Eloise and Colin is like, absolutely everything I wanted and it's so much! I love those modern morons!
July 9, 2018
There were several things about this 11th entry in the Pink Carnation that I didn't care for:
*the connection between the historical and contemporary sections was much weaker than in previous books in the series
*the solution to the mystery was exceedingly obvious (I figured it out at about 1/4 the way through)
*too many instances of repetition (saying basically the same thing within the same chapter, sometimes only a sentence or two after saying it for the first time); felt like very poor quality filler
One plus: . Sally & Belliston have a much more believable romance than many of the previous ones...
*the connection between the historical and contemporary sections was much weaker than in previous books in the series
*the solution to the mystery was exceedingly obvious (I figured it out at about 1/4 the way through)
*too many instances of repetition (saying basically the same thing within the same chapter, sometimes only a sentence or two after saying it for the first time); felt like very poor quality filler
One plus: . Sally & Belliston have a much more believable romance than many of the previous ones...
April 16, 2017
(Je ne suis pas certaine des dates mais bon tant pis je l'ai eu en avril)
Bref, c'est toujours bien écrit mais ici pour moi l'histoire a perdu de son originalité. Je lis de la romance depuis plus de 20 ans et je peux dire que c'était du déjà-vu et la grande partie du temps je me suis ennuyée 😔
Bon point cependant pour l'histoire contemporaine dont j'aime beaucoup la tournure !
Bref, c'est toujours bien écrit mais ici pour moi l'histoire a perdu de son originalité. Je lis de la romance depuis plus de 20 ans et je peux dire que c'était du déjà-vu et la grande partie du temps je me suis ennuyée 😔
Bon point cependant pour l'histoire contemporaine dont j'aime beaucoup la tournure !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2021
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this brisk and breezy Regency mystery/romance. The major criticism is that the Regency portion is narrated alongside a modern romance that is boring. I had no interest in Eloise and Colin’s relationship issues.
June 28, 2016
As the Pink Carnation series is winding down, these books are hit or miss. This one (for me) was a miss. For one thing, the heroine, Sally Fitzhugh was really annoying. It doesn't help that on audio, narrated by Kate Reading, she makes Sally sound like a first class, bratty, little bitch. Of course, after you're half way into the book, you realize she's not really, but still! Lucien isn't that great as a hero and I never detected any chemistry between the two of them (I find it hard to fathom why he would even be interested in her at all!) But, they have to pretend they are engaged for various reasons and during this phase they have a sort of courtship and warm to one another. I guessed early on who was the villain, it wasn't too difficult. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series and see how it's all wrapped up, should be good! Though, I think I will read it, instead of listen for Kate Reading does no favors for her heroines, they all sound a little like Miss Gwen now (and that's not a good thing.) On the modern side of the story, finally, finally! Still, both of them are incredibly drippy, this couple needs some pizzazz!
3.5/5
3.5/5
February 7, 2022
It's October and talk of vampires is in the air as Lucien, Duke of Belliston has returned home to deal with scandal surrounding the deaths of his parents. Sally Fitzhugh meets him at a ball at Belliston House and is determined to uncover the truth about strange rumors involving the duke. He is not what she expects, so Sally is determined to help him when a murder occurs, casting suspicions on him. I really enjoyed the new character of Lucien and the extended development of Sally's character. Great mystery!
August 22, 2014
I liked this a lot more than I'd anticipated. Not so much for the actual plotline (I could really have done without the entire ridiculous vampire business, to be quite honest) but I was very much invested in the romance.
That just worked for me.
And yay, I finished a book. Now I really need to show some self-restraint and not start anything new until I've finished one of the other ones.
That just worked for me.
And yay, I finished a book. Now I really need to show some self-restraint and not start anything new until I've finished one of the other ones.
November 30, 2014
This isn't a critical review, but an observation: Despite the fact that this story, aside from some adjacent characters, had nothing to do with the League of the Pink Carnation, it is one of my favorites of the series! I loved Mistletoe and I love the Fitzhugh family, so the return of Sally was a treat.
August 10, 2014
1. Where were the spies?
2. As far as this book's actual plot goes: derivative and boring, and yet there were glimpses of potential, mostly with regard to Lucien's backstory. Even that is wasted, though, or overblown.
3. The best part of this book was the preview for the next book.
2. As far as this book's actual plot goes: derivative and boring, and yet there were glimpses of potential, mostly with regard to Lucien's backstory. Even that is wasted, though, or overblown.
3. The best part of this book was the preview for the next book.
September 1, 2014
I didn't love Blood Lily, or Garden Intrigue, so I was a bit nervous about where this series was headed.
But I have LOVED the last two -- Purple Plumeria & Midnight Manzanilla are both tons of fun. I especially enjoyed Sally Fitzhugh's delightfully determined character in this one.
But I have LOVED the last two -- Purple Plumeria & Midnight Manzanilla are both tons of fun. I especially enjoyed Sally Fitzhugh's delightfully determined character in this one.
April 10, 2024
I loved it. The history. The drama. The sleuths. The spies. I love this series.
January 23, 2018
3.75.... I liked it, but because I really loved Sally since TMotM... I was looking for MORE. It seemed really short in story compared to others in the series.
I hate that I'm slightly let down by this book. Dang it.
I hate that I'm slightly let down by this book. Dang it.
April 13, 2017
I adore this series. This one centres on Sally, Turnip's little sister, and Turnip makes an appearance. In my book, that's a win! Hilariously dysfunctional and loving characters take you fir another wild ride of intrigue. What could be better?
June 10, 2017
I keep trying with the Pink Carnation series, and they just aren't my thing. They should be, but they feel too Harlequin romance for me.
Read
March 25, 2024Did not finish. Parts that I missed and just don’t have the heart to go back to
April 23, 2019
Regency espionage + mysterious vampires = charming fiction! Would have loved a bit more sexy depth to our main characters but the plot keeps pace with their challenges. And..another peek at the delightful Turnip Fitzhugh! Love him and Miles Torrington! Such a great read!
November 26, 2020
It’s a light and easy start. I do love that I have read two others from this series, including the first one - the pink carnation, and it’s easy to dive into any of them and not have to read them in order.
I will say with this being the 11th book in the pink carnation series, the author has improved her pacing and writing. The story starts to take off after the ball and it was a fast read after that.
I will say with this being the 11th book in the pink carnation series, the author has improved her pacing and writing. The story starts to take off after the ball and it was a fast read after that.
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