The Riddle of the Reluctant Rake

Riddle Saga #3

by Patricia Veryan

The Regency series continues as Hastings Adair wakes up to find himself with a unwed noblewoman, which sends him both on a quest to make things right as well as straight into a mysterious government conspiracy.

Genres: Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Romance, Regency Romance

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Patricia Valeria Bannister was born in London. After World War II, she married Allan Louis Berg and moved to the United States; she lived on the West Coast and was the author of many historical novels from 1978 until 2002, using the pen names Patricia Veryan and Gwyneth Moore.

At the time of her death, she was living in Bellevue, Washington, USA.

Reviews

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I believe I am innocent, Mama. I cannot prove it. At the moment. But ... it would have been nice if one or two of you could have stood by me."

"Your arm! Oh, mercy, I shall swoon! No - I haven't the time!"

After reading the first two in her 'Riddle" series, I was not anxious to read the last two books. I was very disappointed in Jack Vespa's adventures and kind of thought Patricia had lost her magic. 20 years later, I decided to finish reading all of her books at last (after reading her earlier books several time each.) I am happy to report that #3 in the series largely restores Veryan's magic in my eyes.

It's not the best book she ever wrote but it is very good. It contains all of the ingredients Patricia is known for and does so well. A cracking good duel, an exciting ride ventre a terre across the English countryside on a mission of life or death, A maligned and humiliated hero searching to restore his good name, Loyal friends who alone support him, etc. etc. This book, like some of her best, features some good humor, a load of Interesting and amusing characters, a likable love interest, a good who-dun-it and why, and some truly hiss-worthy villains. As always her hero has to hit bottom before things start to look up. This occurs at about the 40% mark, and it is truly painful. Veryan is adept at raising her heroes from near dead in the water before they emerge triumphant. Once Hastings Adair gets some important allies, the book becomes very enjoyable. I can only endure so much pain and frustration!
This book has lots of action and adventure, a nice romance, Political machinations, and many characters that I'd love to meet again but probably won't in the last two books in the series I have yet to read. Oh, and we have a nice shout out to Camille Damon the hero of one of her first novels, Love's Duet, His story will follow a year later, in 1815. I love the way she ties all of her books together and puts them in the same universe. I know the next book,The Riddle of the Shipwrecked Spinster features at least 2 old friends from the Golden Chronicles, The Cranford Twins. So cool.

[Gay Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this book twice, and that indicates I enjoyed it. The story is 18th century England. Hastings Adair is accused of ruining a young woman's reputation and sets out to prove his innocence. Of course he falls in love along the way....with the victim's cousin.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read for this genre. Patricia Veryan is one of the top Regency writers, and that has not changed since she began her books

[Flora Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I had hoped someone might have asked me- whether I was guilty, and-"
Lady Esterwood leaned forward. "Do you deny it, then?"
"I believe I am innocent, Mama. I cannot prove it. At the moment. But...it would have been nice if one or two of you could have stood by me." (pg. 21)

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance.

[Gloria]

patricia veryan - I guess she is just a book by book author. Maybe I'll avoid the “Riddle” books. She just writes to a more mature audience than me. I know she isn’t awful, but she has enough words thrown in here and there that she makes me uncomfortable. And I don’t read to be uncomfortable…not in a hesitant way.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

So it was about the same as the Riddle of Alabaster Royal. Of course a different mystery. Its a period romance just a little longer than necessary. I found that I enjoyed it, but skimmed alot. I'm not sure if I will read another Patricia Veryan.

[Ngdecker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun read that has some of the same characters as Alabaster Royal. I guess I missed the 2nd book in the series. I'm not sure if I'll get it. These are light and action-filled, but not the great humor that Georgette Heyer has in the same sort of book.

[Audra · Rating 3 out of 5]

fluffy, fun read

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hahaha, I read all these books when I was what... 14? 15? :D

[Marian.brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun adventure/mystery/romance. One of my favorite authors.

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Regency