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Lady Emily Ashton Mysteries #9.5
Star of the East
From New York Times bestselling author Tasha Alexander comes STAR OF THE EAST, a Lady Emily holiday story that will enchant readers and keep them guessing until the very last page...
Emily and Colin Hargreaves make it a rule to spend as little time as possible with her parents in Kent, but are unable to refuse Lady Catherine Bromley's invitation to join them for a pre-Christmas party that includes the family of Ala Kapur Singh, a powerful Punjabi maharaja who has come to England after receiving the Order of the Star of India.
Lady Bromley, quite taken with the exotic beauty and spectacular jewels of the maharani and her daughter, Sunita, throws herself with abandon into her own version of Indian culture, planning a feast she is certain will be more spectacular than any seen on the sub-continent. When a priceless diamond maang tika and a simple gold bangle disappear from Sunita's room, a diplomatic incident seems imminent, particularly after the maang tika turns up in Emily's possession.
Emily may have what appears to be the more valuable of the two pieces, but the maang tika cannot be worn without the bangle, upon which is engraved the words necessary to ward off a curse placed on the set five hundred years ago by a princess forced to forsake the man she loved. Sunita must wear the maang tika at her wedding but cannot do so without the bangle. Can Emily convince the maharaja that she is not a thief? And, more important, can she and Colin find the bangle?
Emily and Colin Hargreaves make it a rule to spend as little time as possible with her parents in Kent, but are unable to refuse Lady Catherine Bromley's invitation to join them for a pre-Christmas party that includes the family of Ala Kapur Singh, a powerful Punjabi maharaja who has come to England after receiving the Order of the Star of India.
Lady Bromley, quite taken with the exotic beauty and spectacular jewels of the maharani and her daughter, Sunita, throws herself with abandon into her own version of Indian culture, planning a feast she is certain will be more spectacular than any seen on the sub-continent. When a priceless diamond maang tika and a simple gold bangle disappear from Sunita's room, a diplomatic incident seems imminent, particularly after the maang tika turns up in Emily's possession.
Emily may have what appears to be the more valuable of the two pieces, but the maang tika cannot be worn without the bangle, upon which is engraved the words necessary to ward off a curse placed on the set five hundred years ago by a princess forced to forsake the man she loved. Sunita must wear the maang tika at her wedding but cannot do so without the bangle. Can Emily convince the maharaja that she is not a thief? And, more important, can she and Colin find the bangle?
65 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2014
189 people are currently reading
1584 people want to read
About the author
Tasha Alexander
32 books2,590 followersThe daughter of two philosophy professors, I grew up surrounded by books. I was convinced from an early age that I was born in the wrong century and spent much of my childhood under the dining room table pretending it was a covered wagon. Even there, I was never without a book in hand and loved reading and history more than anything. I studied English Literature and Medieval History at the University of Notre Dame. Writing is a natural offshoot of reading, and my first novel, And Only to Deceive, was published in 2005. I'm the author of the long-running Lady Emily Series as well as the novel Elizabeth: The Golden Age. One of the best parts of being an author is seeing your books translated, and I'm currently in love with the Japanese editions of the Emily books.
I played nomad for a long time, living in Indiana, Amsterdam, London, Wyoming, Vermont, Connecticut, and Tennessee before settling down. My husband, the brilliant British novelist Andrew Grant (I may be biased but that doesn't mean I'm wrong) and I live in southeastern Wyoming. I still don't have a covered wagon, but a log house goes a long way toward fulfilling my pioneer fantasies. Andrew makes sure I get my English characters right, and I make sure his American ones sound American.
I played nomad for a long time, living in Indiana, Amsterdam, London, Wyoming, Vermont, Connecticut, and Tennessee before settling down. My husband, the brilliant British novelist Andrew Grant (I may be biased but that doesn't mean I'm wrong) and I live in southeastern Wyoming. I still don't have a covered wagon, but a log house goes a long way toward fulfilling my pioneer fantasies. Andrew makes sure I get my English characters right, and I make sure his American ones sound American.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
December 27, 2024
This was my introduction to Lady Emily and her people. . .a fun read for the season.
September 8, 2015
This tweeny story was full of humor and holiday spirit alongside an engaging mystery. I enjoyed the time with Emily, Colin, their little boys, and a surprise guest at her mother's house party with the guests of honor being a maharajah and his family no less.
A treasured jewel and bracelet of the maharajah's daughter goes missing and the jewel ends up in Emily's possession. To avoid a potential diplomatic incident and trouble before the holidays for she and her family, the situation must be resolved.
The mystery was a cozy one and the focus was on relationships, family, and new acquaintances as much as finding the thief. It was enjoyable spending a little more time in the Lady Emily world during the Christmas holiday season.
A treasured jewel and bracelet of the maharajah's daughter goes missing and the jewel ends up in Emily's possession. To avoid a potential diplomatic incident and trouble before the holidays for she and her family, the situation must be resolved.
The mystery was a cozy one and the focus was on relationships, family, and new acquaintances as much as finding the thief. It was enjoyable spending a little more time in the Lady Emily world during the Christmas holiday season.
July 17, 2018
4,25 stars - English Ebook - I have dyslexia -
A dazzeling mystery in good old England, with a presious stone and visitors from England for the cellebrations of the jubilee of the Queen. Quite a different age and different vallius in that time. Did not know who was the "thief" untill the last pages. Had my thoughts do -
- Why did you notice him in particular? Because he was wearing a spectaculair saffron colored turban- 😁😅🍀🌺
A dazzeling mystery in good old England, with a presious stone and visitors from England for the cellebrations of the jubilee of the Queen. Quite a different age and different vallius in that time. Did not know who was the "thief" untill the last pages. Had my thoughts do -
- Why did you notice him in particular? Because he was wearing a spectaculair saffron colored turban- 😁😅🍀🌺
December 9, 2024
This is a fun Christmas novella set in Victorian era England at Lady Emily’s parents house. Emily takes her family there for the maharaja’s visit and has a mystery to solve when Princess Sunita’s jewels go missing. There are lots of shenanigans and Emily being the recipient of her mother’s disdain. It is a quick, festive read with a detective twist and a little bit of romance along the way. I am interested in reading a full length novel to dive into a typical Lady Emily mystery adventure.
May 30, 2015
I am infinitely entertained that Colin and Emily's children are Tom, Dick, and Harry. The mystery was fine.
October 13, 2021
Entertaining story. Haven't read the series, but it is worth looking into.
November 27, 2023
Her books seems to be to much the same as each other. The same story. The same type of characters. The same plot. My opinion of her being a copy cat Agatha Christie has not changed with this short novel. I'm sorry with anyone who love this author but she is not original. Lacks originality. This novel was okay but it was not great. It is not quite a Christmas story so should not be classified as one. Yes takes place at Christmas but it is not a Christmas story. I'm sorry but had little to high of hopes I guess for this. Clear I don't like her writing.
November 1, 2014
An excellent interlude between full-length Lady Emily novels! A return of one of my favorite characters midway through the story made me smile with delight and I throughly enjoyed the ornery presence of Emily's mother. Ms. Alexander certainly does know how to weave a delightful mystery while also throwing in romance and humor. I highly recommend it!
January 1, 2015
3.5 stars...
Nice Christmas novella. I always enjoy a Lady Emily story, even if occasionally I feel like rolling my eyes :)
I also don't specifically remember her disliking her Mom quite so much, but since I typically just read the new one each year, I easily forget smaller details.
Nice Christmas novella. I always enjoy a Lady Emily story, even if occasionally I feel like rolling my eyes :)
I also don't specifically remember her disliking her Mom quite so much, but since I typically just read the new one each year, I easily forget smaller details.
October 29, 2017
Short and sweet, but oh so good! I love Tasha Alexander's Lady Emily! This was a satisfying quickly solved mystery!
July 2, 2025
Lady Emily series 09.5 Star of the East by Tasha Alexander
challenging emotional funny informative lighthearted mysterious reflective tense
Fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0 Stars
I was really surprised at the depth of this story, especially since it is a novella.
I'm not usually a fan of this length of story. I am usually more happy with a book when it is longer. Most of the time, I feel that short stories and novellas should've been given more space to breath. This one was nearly perfect (in length and what it said).
Obviously, I love reading Lady Emily's adventures with her husband, Colin...and the children.
I'm curious what is going to happen...as the series progresses (with regards to their children). They seem to be setting them up for grand adventures.
Sebastian is also a great character, along with Lady Emily's mother and father.
The guest of the house were interesting, too. I have to say...that I saw the reveal BEFORE it was revealed.
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks" is a line from the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare (Act 3, Scene 2). This came to mind, while reading this novella, and I think it was born out. Ha!
Now, on to Lady Emily 10 The Adventuress.
challenging emotional funny informative lighthearted mysterious reflective tense
Fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0 Stars
I was really surprised at the depth of this story, especially since it is a novella.
I'm not usually a fan of this length of story. I am usually more happy with a book when it is longer. Most of the time, I feel that short stories and novellas should've been given more space to breath. This one was nearly perfect (in length and what it said).
Obviously, I love reading Lady Emily's adventures with her husband, Colin...and the children.
I'm curious what is going to happen...as the series progresses (with regards to their children). They seem to be setting them up for grand adventures.
Sebastian is also a great character, along with Lady Emily's mother and father.
The guest of the house were interesting, too. I have to say...that I saw the reveal BEFORE it was revealed.
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks" is a line from the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare (Act 3, Scene 2). This came to mind, while reading this novella, and I think it was born out. Ha!
Now, on to Lady Emily 10 The Adventuress.
January 29, 2019
This was a novella, which I listened to as an audio book while waiting for a full-length audio book to arrive from the library. The Lady Emily series is one of my favourites, and rarely disappoints. This installment, although short, was still fun and had all the things I love in this series.
This is a Christmas short in the series and was fun because Emily, Colin and their three boys were summoned to her Mother's home to help entertain a Maharajah visiting from India with his family. A priceless diamond necklace goes missing from the Maharajah's daughter's room, and Lady Bromley demands Colin find it.
The usual shenanigans ensue, and Emily and her mother get on one another's nerves throughout.
This was a very short [2 hours listening time] audio novella, but it was enjoyable and whet my appetite for the next full-length book in this series. I like Lady Emily best when she is in the British environment, because she continues to thumb her nose at the ridiculous rules about what she "should" and "should not" do. She is a great character and I very much enjoy her adventures in crime solving with her handsome clever husband Colin.
This is a Christmas short in the series and was fun because Emily, Colin and their three boys were summoned to her Mother's home to help entertain a Maharajah visiting from India with his family. A priceless diamond necklace goes missing from the Maharajah's daughter's room, and Lady Bromley demands Colin find it.
The usual shenanigans ensue, and Emily and her mother get on one another's nerves throughout.
This was a very short [2 hours listening time] audio novella, but it was enjoyable and whet my appetite for the next full-length book in this series. I like Lady Emily best when she is in the British environment, because she continues to thumb her nose at the ridiculous rules about what she "should" and "should not" do. She is a great character and I very much enjoy her adventures in crime solving with her handsome clever husband Colin.
September 13, 2021
A manor house, aristocracy from both England and India, missing jewels and a mystery to be uncovered. A female sleuth at a time when this was totally frowned upon.
Much to like and enjoy in the very descriptive writing. Unusual characters for the time which added interest.
Very interesting, light reading.
Much to like and enjoy in the very descriptive writing. Unusual characters for the time which added interest.
Very interesting, light reading.
February 15, 2018
A beautiful story!
October 28, 2020
great little read
Definitely 5* read. Lovely written short story for anyone who loves bit of detective and bit of romance in their reads.
Definitely 5* read. Lovely written short story for anyone who loves bit of detective and bit of romance in their reads.
December 16, 2023
A fun story to listen to during Christmas time. Excellent narrator for the audiobook.
December 15, 2023
Pretty good for a novella. Main character was fun, mystery was so-so. But, a fun little Christmas book.
January 15, 2015
Christmas and a Curse !
As this is the Christmas season, reading about Christmas, traditions, and company is enjoyable for me. The Lady Emily mysteries is also enjoyable for me. Putting all of that together provides readers and me with a great Christmas story. The author's characters come to life in this story as in the other novels of Lady Emily's mysteries that I have read. Lady Emily has her hands full with her mother. Her mother, I think, is not a very happy person, and she appears to take this out on Lady Emily. Although this hurts Lady Emily, she has her loving husband to 'even out' the feelings. I like Lady Emily, her husband, Colin, and their sweet sons. Christmastime is for children of all ages, and this is shown in this story. The love Lady Emily and Colin show their sons is delightful. The fact that seems to horrify Lady Emily's mother makes it all the better especially during Christmas because Christmas is not just about decorations, fine meals, and entertaining company. Those things Lady Emily's mother does well. Christmas is about family and love of family. In these areas 'mom' needs to improve, and the sooner she does so, all curses, I feel, will disappear. I would recommend this story to those who enjoy a holiday mystery. This story definitely made my holiday a better one. Thanks, Lady Emily, and , of course, Ms. Alexander!
As this is the Christmas season, reading about Christmas, traditions, and company is enjoyable for me. The Lady Emily mysteries is also enjoyable for me. Putting all of that together provides readers and me with a great Christmas story. The author's characters come to life in this story as in the other novels of Lady Emily's mysteries that I have read. Lady Emily has her hands full with her mother. Her mother, I think, is not a very happy person, and she appears to take this out on Lady Emily. Although this hurts Lady Emily, she has her loving husband to 'even out' the feelings. I like Lady Emily, her husband, Colin, and their sweet sons. Christmastime is for children of all ages, and this is shown in this story. The love Lady Emily and Colin show their sons is delightful. The fact that seems to horrify Lady Emily's mother makes it all the better especially during Christmas because Christmas is not just about decorations, fine meals, and entertaining company. Those things Lady Emily's mother does well. Christmas is about family and love of family. In these areas 'mom' needs to improve, and the sooner she does so, all curses, I feel, will disappear. I would recommend this story to those who enjoy a holiday mystery. This story definitely made my holiday a better one. Thanks, Lady Emily, and , of course, Ms. Alexander!
May 25, 2018
Delightful Georgette Heyer meets Miss Marple
A great read. Wonderful atmosphere and the characters are superb. A visit to her mother and family home is never a delight. Especially when you have a husband and 3 small children with you. However as this was issued as more or less a royal command there is nothing she can do. But when a guest has a famous diamond and bracelet stolen things go from bad to worse. Can the husband and wife team solve the mystery and still keep their sanity? Alright the main culprit was obvious but it still remains a cracking read.
A great read. Wonderful atmosphere and the characters are superb. A visit to her mother and family home is never a delight. Especially when you have a husband and 3 small children with you. However as this was issued as more or less a royal command there is nothing she can do. But when a guest has a famous diamond and bracelet stolen things go from bad to worse. Can the husband and wife team solve the mystery and still keep their sanity? Alright the main culprit was obvious but it still remains a cracking read.
December 18, 2016
Short, sweet, and fun to see these characters in a different setting.
November 8, 2018
*Special Content only on my blog, Strange and Random Happenstance during Alexander Autumn (October-November 2018)
Emily prefers to avoid her mother as much as possible. As the holidays near her and Colin are of a mind to stay as far away from Kent and Darnley House as possible. Only this time Countess Catherine Bromley’s invitation is backed by the weight of the Queen who has requested Colin to go and that causes Colin concern. Emily's mother is hosting the Maharaja Ala Kapur Singh and his family. The maharaja was recently awarded the Order of the Star of India from Queen Victoria and will be spending Christmas itself with the Queen at Osborne House. So why would the Queen want Colin at Darnley House? Emily and Colin dutifully pack themselves and all three of their boys off to Kent. The house party, despite being a lavish affair with Christmas trees in every room and a feast the Countess views as worthy of the subcontinent, is rather small, being made up of the maharaja, his maharani Parsan, his two children, 18 year old marriage obsessed Sunita, and Oxford student Ranjit who brings his best friend Ned, and a few select neighbors. Everything seems to be perfect, even the fresh blanket of snow outside. Though that night the valuable, and cursed, diamond maang tika, the Star of the East, and it's companion golden bangle engraved with words of a spell of protection is taken from Sunita's room. Could the Queen have predicted this and sent Colin to avoid a scandal? Or is there another reason he and Emily were needed at Darnley House?
Tasha knows how to spin the perfect Christmas yarn for the anglophile in us all. A missing jewel, a narrow suspect pool, and all the possible culprits gathered around a Christmas tree in the proper drawing room waiting for Emily to do her version of the Agatha Christie denouement. But it's that cursed jewel that really has my heart going pitter-patter. Tasha has always included literature and authors of the day in Emily's stories, from Mary Elizabeth Braddon to Charles Dickens. In fact I've always felt that her work holds a bit of a debt to a friend of Dickens, Wilkie Collins, especially in Emily's second adventure, A Poisoned Season. Therefore to have Tasha do a full out homage to Collins's The Moonstone while also bringing back my favorite thief introduced in Emily's second adventure, Sebastian Capet, I couldn't have been happier. Though it's not just the fascinating story of how the Star or the East was cursed and then made wearable by it's companion bangle alone that made me so happy while simultaneously giving me a chill down my spin. Oh no, I have always had a love of India. I don't know it this is an offshoot of me being such an anglophile, but there's something about India that has always drawn me in. Therefore seeing the maharaja's family talking about their culture and heritage while set in a very traditional British tale made me happier than I could have thought. But isn't Christmas all about happiness?
Well, we hope Christmas is all about happiness, usually it's about familial guilt trips and bad memories. While Emily's struggles with her mother have been a continuing theme throughout this series I think that Star of the East, being set at her family's estate, gives us much more insight in one go then we've been able to string together over the course of the previous nine volumes. The story about how when her mother learned of Emily's terror of the "Chinese" bedroom that she vowed that Emily would be placed there once out of the nursery shows how controlling the Countess is. That she would be willing to scar a child to make them stronger makes me shudder. Luckily for Emily she had her father on hand, who is the Mr. Bennet of the lot. He was able, through the clever placement of his mother in the Chinese bedroom, to help Emily without incurring too much of his wife's wrath. You can see why Emily clings to the love and life she has formed with Colin. The joy her children give her, even Henry who is a bit of a troublemaker, is wonderful. She has created the life and family she wanted despite her upbringing. Contrasting Emily's past with Sunita's future is almost heartbreaking. For Emily to see a family, one who is very traditional, willing to embrace their daughter and her dreams once they realize how much it matters? Well, it's wonderful for Sunita, and more than a little sad for Emily.
Emily prefers to avoid her mother as much as possible. As the holidays near her and Colin are of a mind to stay as far away from Kent and Darnley House as possible. Only this time Countess Catherine Bromley’s invitation is backed by the weight of the Queen who has requested Colin to go and that causes Colin concern. Emily's mother is hosting the Maharaja Ala Kapur Singh and his family. The maharaja was recently awarded the Order of the Star of India from Queen Victoria and will be spending Christmas itself with the Queen at Osborne House. So why would the Queen want Colin at Darnley House? Emily and Colin dutifully pack themselves and all three of their boys off to Kent. The house party, despite being a lavish affair with Christmas trees in every room and a feast the Countess views as worthy of the subcontinent, is rather small, being made up of the maharaja, his maharani Parsan, his two children, 18 year old marriage obsessed Sunita, and Oxford student Ranjit who brings his best friend Ned, and a few select neighbors. Everything seems to be perfect, even the fresh blanket of snow outside. Though that night the valuable, and cursed, diamond maang tika, the Star of the East, and it's companion golden bangle engraved with words of a spell of protection is taken from Sunita's room. Could the Queen have predicted this and sent Colin to avoid a scandal? Or is there another reason he and Emily were needed at Darnley House?
Tasha knows how to spin the perfect Christmas yarn for the anglophile in us all. A missing jewel, a narrow suspect pool, and all the possible culprits gathered around a Christmas tree in the proper drawing room waiting for Emily to do her version of the Agatha Christie denouement. But it's that cursed jewel that really has my heart going pitter-patter. Tasha has always included literature and authors of the day in Emily's stories, from Mary Elizabeth Braddon to Charles Dickens. In fact I've always felt that her work holds a bit of a debt to a friend of Dickens, Wilkie Collins, especially in Emily's second adventure, A Poisoned Season. Therefore to have Tasha do a full out homage to Collins's The Moonstone while also bringing back my favorite thief introduced in Emily's second adventure, Sebastian Capet, I couldn't have been happier. Though it's not just the fascinating story of how the Star or the East was cursed and then made wearable by it's companion bangle alone that made me so happy while simultaneously giving me a chill down my spin. Oh no, I have always had a love of India. I don't know it this is an offshoot of me being such an anglophile, but there's something about India that has always drawn me in. Therefore seeing the maharaja's family talking about their culture and heritage while set in a very traditional British tale made me happier than I could have thought. But isn't Christmas all about happiness?
Well, we hope Christmas is all about happiness, usually it's about familial guilt trips and bad memories. While Emily's struggles with her mother have been a continuing theme throughout this series I think that Star of the East, being set at her family's estate, gives us much more insight in one go then we've been able to string together over the course of the previous nine volumes. The story about how when her mother learned of Emily's terror of the "Chinese" bedroom that she vowed that Emily would be placed there once out of the nursery shows how controlling the Countess is. That she would be willing to scar a child to make them stronger makes me shudder. Luckily for Emily she had her father on hand, who is the Mr. Bennet of the lot. He was able, through the clever placement of his mother in the Chinese bedroom, to help Emily without incurring too much of his wife's wrath. You can see why Emily clings to the love and life she has formed with Colin. The joy her children give her, even Henry who is a bit of a troublemaker, is wonderful. She has created the life and family she wanted despite her upbringing. Contrasting Emily's past with Sunita's future is almost heartbreaking. For Emily to see a family, one who is very traditional, willing to embrace their daughter and her dreams once they realize how much it matters? Well, it's wonderful for Sunita, and more than a little sad for Emily.
March 19, 2022
Never,ever disappointed in these series of books!! I did the audio version from my local library and it went very fast was able to listen to in about two hours...took a break!!! Anyway, Lady Emily,her husband,Colin and the family with her twin boys in this story at Christmas find themselves looking for stolen jewelry..only to find out that this valuable India bangle has a matching part and if not together the belief is a curse...Someone planted the missing jewelry among Emily's own box jewelry and here lies the mystery..who would do such a thing to her especially in her own family home with her parents looking on.. Guest for Christmas was it one of them,the staff..a outsider who broke in?? I love these mysteries and as you read or listen to them you will also... Most of these if you want can read them out of order because the author gives you a fast review on past things that have happened if tells a fast history on a person...I have tried to read in order because that way you begin to know some of the main characters and their friends where like me they have become real people....makes it so much more exciting..as I have followed Emily and Colin before they knew each other and then their romance,their marriage and then the birth of their twin boys..that is what makes them become real to me plus their friends and then their own separate families before and after the two met!!! I will tell you Emily,she has a like and not like relationship with her mother and that in itself is so different and it's one of the ways you see Emily change from a girl to a woman and what has made her grow in her character...off to another adventure!!!
January 18, 2022
Nice "Christmas" Novella
This is a novella set during Christmas time (I think Christmas of 1897, as it is listed as book 9.5). Christmas doesn't take much hold in the story, however, other than the mention of trees and the maharaja and his family staying at the Bromley's household before staying with Queen Victoria.
The plot is short and sweet, the crime nothing so dire as that of the usual novels. Just some stolen cursed jewels. Cute, happy ending.
Lady Bromley is definitely wearing more on me. She seems to hate Lady Emily for merely existing. Ah well, perhaps it is as a character says and it is Lady Bromley not having control and wanting the best for her daughter and not seeing any other way for her to be happy than in the way that she would be... Still. It does not excuse her behavior and does not make it anymore irritating.
This is a novella set during Christmas time (I think Christmas of 1897, as it is listed as book 9.5). Christmas doesn't take much hold in the story, however, other than the mention of trees and the maharaja and his family staying at the Bromley's household before staying with Queen Victoria.
The plot is short and sweet, the crime nothing so dire as that of the usual novels. Just some stolen cursed jewels. Cute, happy ending.
Lady Bromley is definitely wearing more on me. She seems to hate Lady Emily for merely existing. Ah well, perhaps it is as a character says and it is Lady Bromley not having control and wanting the best for her daughter and not seeing any other way for her to be happy than in the way that she would be... Still. It does not excuse her behavior and does not make it anymore irritating.
July 10, 2023
Star of the East is by far the more interesting of the the two Lady Emily holiday stories I’ve read. A short-ish novella (read time ~30 min), it details Emily and her family’s stay with her parents at Christmas, where her mother and father are hosting visiting Indian royalty. The Star of the East and its accompanying gold bangle have been stolen from the maharaja’s daughter. The solution is neither obvious nor farfetched. Alexander doesn’t invite controversy with her simple characterization of late-Victorian English-Indian relations.
December 30, 2017
I love lady Emily books. This one is a mystery about a missing gem, and family relationships. This is an older book when her mother, and her were at odds , quite a bit. Colin helped , in that respect. It was an enjoyable Christmas inspired story, and I enjoyed it.. It could have been a little longer, but everything was all tied up in the end. It also took place during the Jubilee of Regina Victoria, of England.
May 25, 2019
I love the books that have Emily's mother in them. She is one of those characters that I just love to hate. The scenes where Emily and Colin get their chances to stand up to her, even if it's in a small way, feel like such awesome victories. The plot here was so interesting that I actually wish it was one of the full length books instead of a novella. The tika and the legend behind its curse and disappearance would have made for a great book.
March 5, 2024
All over the place. Quick-paced, which was fine. Although the story took a long time to make sense, or become interesting, it did finally come together.
When the action started, tho, it just steamrolled.
Everything happened within a few chapters. The spy story ran, the family issues were presented, then came
to a head--and then--it was all over, very suddenly.
I feel like I blew through a book of short stories. Very unsatisfying.
When the action started, tho, it just steamrolled.
Everything happened within a few chapters. The spy story ran, the family issues were presented, then came
to a head--and then--it was all over, very suddenly.
I feel like I blew through a book of short stories. Very unsatisfying.
September 15, 2017
Novella
Maharaja and family visiting England during Queen Victoria's Jubeliee visit Lady Emily 's parents estate. As Christmas approaches a valuable diamond disappears. Colin and Emily are pressed into service by her distraught Mother. Nice little mystery without a dead body.
Maharaja and family visiting England during Queen Victoria's Jubeliee visit Lady Emily 's parents estate. As Christmas approaches a valuable diamond disappears. Colin and Emily are pressed into service by her distraught Mother. Nice little mystery without a dead body.
February 15, 2019
Not enough substance in this story. Discovering at the end that no crime had actually been committed made the whole affair rather innocuous. Emily & Colin are capable of so much more interesting investigation & pondering. This all seemed to be worked out without taking the reader along step by step.
July 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this short historical mystery when i first found it on libby app I didn't know it was part of a series. I will have to go back and read all the others in order. The author did a great job writing it had me guessing the whole time thru. Its very engaging as well!!! A historical read w a twist of mystery that leaves you wanting more!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews