What do you think?
Rate this book
Rannoch Fraser Mysteries #7
London Gambit
June 1818
On a moonlit London night, Suzanne Rannoch slips away from a glittering Mayfair party to assist a wounded man who has escaped Paris one step ahead of Royalist pursuit. In fever-wracked delirium, the man warns Suzanne of a plot to rescue Napoleon Bonaparte—a plot that could bring chaos to Suzanne's world, for though now married to the grandson of a British duke, she was once an agent for Bonaparte…Before she can ask more questions, the mysterious man disappears into the London night.
That same evening, Suzanne's husband Malcolm, a former spy for Britain, is summoned to the warehouse of a shipping company where a thief has been knifed to death. Beside the body is a secret compartment, but whatever the compartment contained is gone.
These two seemingly unconnected incidents prove to be the opening gambit in a deadly game that will test the Rannochs' skill, strain their divided loyalties to Britain and France, and entangle not only fellow agents and spymasters, but their friends and family as well. The stakes are their security, their marriage, their very lives.
On a moonlit London night, Suzanne Rannoch slips away from a glittering Mayfair party to assist a wounded man who has escaped Paris one step ahead of Royalist pursuit. In fever-wracked delirium, the man warns Suzanne of a plot to rescue Napoleon Bonaparte—a plot that could bring chaos to Suzanne's world, for though now married to the grandson of a British duke, she was once an agent for Bonaparte…Before she can ask more questions, the mysterious man disappears into the London night.
That same evening, Suzanne's husband Malcolm, a former spy for Britain, is summoned to the warehouse of a shipping company where a thief has been knifed to death. Beside the body is a secret compartment, but whatever the compartment contained is gone.
These two seemingly unconnected incidents prove to be the opening gambit in a deadly game that will test the Rannochs' skill, strain their divided loyalties to Britain and France, and entangle not only fellow agents and spymasters, but their friends and family as well. The stakes are their security, their marriage, their very lives.
501 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2016
46 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Grant
55 books177 followersTracy Grant studied British history at Stanford University and received the Firestone Award for Excellence in Research for her honors thesis on shifting conceptions of honor in late fifteenth century England. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her young daughter and three cats. In addition to writing, Tracy works for the Merola Opera Program, a professional training program for opera singers, pianists, and stage directors. Her real life heroine is her daughter Mélanie, who is very cooperative about Mummy’s writing. Tracy is currently at work on her next book chronicling the adventures of Malcolm and Mélanie Suzanne Rannoch.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 5, 2016
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
London Gambit is Tracy Grant’s latest Suzanne and Malcolm Rannoch historical adventure. In this outing, Suzanne and Malcolm are investigating a number of things. First, Malcolm is called to the scene of the murder, only to discover that the man found dead is a former military man and found in a warehouse connected with a previous investigation. Second, Suzanne learns of potential plot to free Napoleon, which could put her and her family at risk, considering that she is a former French spy. And if that wasn’t enough, it seems that the murder just might hit closer to home than Malcolm originally thought when a personal friend seems to be keeping secrets. Luckily, Malcolm and Suzanne have their trusted (and unofficial) band of investigators to help them discover the truth.
Since reading Vienna Waltz , I have been a huge fan of Grant’s series. I love the intersection of character driven drama and the integration of historical fact. While all of that is present in London Gambit, it is clear that this latest addition marks a shift in the series. I think the shift will prove to be a good one. It’s been a long time since Malcolm and Suzanne have left London, so I am inclined to be interested where their investigations will take them considering the ending of London Gambit. I think the shift in the series will also breath some fresh air into the series. As much as I have enjoyed the previous books, it seems that Malcolm and Suzanne have been struggling with the same issues over and over again. This is the second time that I have noticed a significant shift, the first being when Malcolm discovered that Suzanne was a spy for his country’s enemy. That first shift created some tension in the Rannoch’s marriage and I think this latest change will also challenge the characters as well as interest readers of the series.
London Gambit also offers a closer look at some of the characters that Grant has introduced over the course of the series, most notably Malcolm best friend David and his lover Simon. The inclusion of secondary characters’ perspectives is something that I have long enjoyed about Grant’s writing style, and her latest book is no exception. While some could claim that the multitude of narrative points of view hamper the plot, I actually think it helps to develop the characters of Malcolm and Suzanne. Through these other characters, readers get to learn how Malcolm and Suzanne are viewed, giving readers additional information. Not to mention that these are characters that readers have come to love in their own right (Harry and Cordelia, anyone?). Over the course of this series this list of characters has grown, but if you're a longtime fan of the series, this is something that you will enjoy.
If you’re a reader of Grant’s series you wont want to miss out on the latest adventure featuring former spies, Malcolm and Suzanne Rannoch. If you’re a historical mystery fan, I suggest that you don’t jump into the series wherever. At this point in the series, there is so much that is dependent on the previous books that it’s a must to start at the beginning. Luckily the author has a handy guide to her series on her website to help you get started.
June 4, 2016
Before its publication, Tracy warned her fans that there would be a real game changer in the latest installment of her Malcolm and Suzanne Rannoch historical mystery series. That was indeed an understatement!
London Gambit opens with the discovery of a body by nine-year-old Teddy Craven who has run away from school and hidden in his deceased father's warehouse. Since Teddy is the nephew of one of Malcolm Rannoch's closest friends, Bow Street runner Jeremy Roth calls Malcolm to the scene. At the same time, Malcolm's wife Suzanne is summoned to the home of her dressmaker and fellow former French agent because of the expected arrival of a wounded French refugee. Matters get complicated when the seemingly delirious man mutters the code name for a plot to restore Bonaparte to power in France. Just another typical night in the life of Malcolm and Suzanne, both former agents working for opposing sides - Britain and France. While no longer working as spies, they both are often called in to help with investigations, a fact that sometimes tests their marriage, since Malcolm only found out about his wife's former occupation a few short months ago.
As usual, Tracy Grant weaves her mysteries in such a way that the reader is hard-pressed to solve the case before the killer and other vital information is revealed at the end of the book. Since London Gambit is a major game changer for the characters in this series, I will say no more about the storyline. Fans of this series will be pleased to return to Tracy's wonderful writing style that is filled with detailed setting description and character development. Tracy's writing makes readers believe they are participants in the story, drawn along with the characters into their conversations. Although this is a series, Tracy includes a great deal of backstory for most of her major characters in London Gambit, enough that it could probably be read as a stand alone. The characters discuss events and feelings from the previous books that fill in any gaps. Even so, I would encourage new readers not to deprive themselves of the previous books in this series.
Tracy is an author who is impeccable in her research, and writes with an ability to make the reader feel the emotions her characters generate. I found myself in tears often during the last two chapters, experiencing the same events as the characters, who have become old friends. I especially enjoy her portrayal of the young children in this series. Thank goodness Tracy will be continuing the story in her November novella.
London Gambit opens with the discovery of a body by nine-year-old Teddy Craven who has run away from school and hidden in his deceased father's warehouse. Since Teddy is the nephew of one of Malcolm Rannoch's closest friends, Bow Street runner Jeremy Roth calls Malcolm to the scene. At the same time, Malcolm's wife Suzanne is summoned to the home of her dressmaker and fellow former French agent because of the expected arrival of a wounded French refugee. Matters get complicated when the seemingly delirious man mutters the code name for a plot to restore Bonaparte to power in France. Just another typical night in the life of Malcolm and Suzanne, both former agents working for opposing sides - Britain and France. While no longer working as spies, they both are often called in to help with investigations, a fact that sometimes tests their marriage, since Malcolm only found out about his wife's former occupation a few short months ago.
As usual, Tracy Grant weaves her mysteries in such a way that the reader is hard-pressed to solve the case before the killer and other vital information is revealed at the end of the book. Since London Gambit is a major game changer for the characters in this series, I will say no more about the storyline. Fans of this series will be pleased to return to Tracy's wonderful writing style that is filled with detailed setting description and character development. Tracy's writing makes readers believe they are participants in the story, drawn along with the characters into their conversations. Although this is a series, Tracy includes a great deal of backstory for most of her major characters in London Gambit, enough that it could probably be read as a stand alone. The characters discuss events and feelings from the previous books that fill in any gaps. Even so, I would encourage new readers not to deprive themselves of the previous books in this series.
Tracy is an author who is impeccable in her research, and writes with an ability to make the reader feel the emotions her characters generate. I found myself in tears often during the last two chapters, experiencing the same events as the characters, who have become old friends. I especially enjoy her portrayal of the young children in this series. Thank goodness Tracy will be continuing the story in her November novella.
March 2, 2022
This was an exciting addition to the Rannoch Fraser mystery series. Two events set Malcolm and Suzanne in motion to uncover those involved in a death. The Rannochs are at their best in this one.
August 10, 2020
Don't read this review if you don't want to be spoiled. A clearly emotional review is to follow.
I'm literally so annoyed at the end of this story. Like Malcolm should have just thrown it in David's face that his own father is no better. Like at this point I hope that Malcolm and Melanie take him down. Like I don't want to go to Italy. I like England with all their friends, esp. Harry and Cordelia. I don't want to learn about new friends. Lord Carfax has clearly upended my life as well. I literally have no idea how they will ever end up back in England in their lovely house unless they get some Big Bargaining Chip against Carfax, or he's DEAD.
I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 because for the main mystery, I didn't feel there was resolution. Like we knew why it happened, but everyone just gets to go along, exchange papers, and then there's Ben Coventry dead. The End.
And this is why I wait a week to write a review. *takes a bow*
I'm literally so annoyed at the end of this story. Like Malcolm should have just thrown it in David's face that his own father is no better. Like at this point I hope that Malcolm and Melanie take him down. Like I don't want to go to Italy. I like England with all their friends, esp. Harry and Cordelia. I don't want to learn about new friends. Lord Carfax has clearly upended my life as well. I literally have no idea how they will ever end up back in England in their lovely house unless they get some Big Bargaining Chip against Carfax, or he's DEAD.
I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 because for the main mystery, I didn't feel there was resolution. Like we knew why it happened, but everyone just gets to go along, exchange papers, and then there's Ben Coventry dead. The End.
And this is why I wait a week to write a review. *takes a bow*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2018
Think I'm going to abandon this series. Although I like the premise, and the characters are interesting, the actual writing is getting less so with each book: the main character (Melanie/Suzanne) spends most of her time being "torn in two" by the story line, even after the primary secrets between her and her husband have been revealed and resolved. If the writer could get past that, what remains might be more engaging.
May 3, 2025
The narrative is populated with vividly crafted characters, each bringing depth and nuance to a rich and intricate historical tale set in the tumultuous aftermath of Napoleon's defeat. The story unfolds with an abundance of intrigue, weaving threads of mystery and covert espionage that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Full review you can find on my blog: https://poetryofreading.blogspot.com
May 11, 2016
Oh, I'm utterly gobsmacked by thus book. It gave me ALL THE FEELS!
How am I going I got to wait until the next book to see what happens?!!!
How am I going I got to wait until the next book to see what happens?!!!
May 22, 2018
Pure and simple - this book is just plain too long. In the middle there is way too much emotional talking in circles, wallowing, and self-accusation. The mystery was too complicated for me, but part of that may be because of memories of the Fraser books which almost follow the same history, but not quite and so I got mixed up with where different characters, common in both series, fit in. Even so, it seemed like certain facts, and even characters, were held back and inserted by surprise just as those involved in the murder were revealed.
Like other books in the larger series, this book is like two different stories. There is the mystery, and there is the personal life of several characters, not just the Rannoches. There are times when there is really good exploration of these personal lives, but there are others where it was just too much babble.
And the climax is the same way. There is a section that is excellent at the real climax of the book, but then the book just keeps going with too much wrapping up.
This book doesn't have all the pertinent references to Shakespeare and other classics which were juxtaposed with the lives of the main characters.
There is some deep exploration of loyalty vs. betrayal and what does each of those words mean especially in a world that is not black and white, but an ugly shade of bloody gray.
I have read this series totally wrong in terms of order. I read the three Fraser books prior to this one. As I mentioned above, many details are the same, but there are a few that are different. There are things in Charles Fraser's backstory that have no parallel in Malcolm's and for me make him a different man. That was brought home to me again by just how affectionate and loving Malcolm is for Suzanne/Melanie. Charles has a much harder edge, especially after the betrayal.
Don't do what I did. Either read all the Rannoch books first and save Beneath a Silent Moon, Secrets of a Lady, and The Mask of Night for last, or vice versa, but don't mix them. The former is probably the best. Tracy Grant provides this recommendation on her website FAQ (https://tracygrant.wordpress.com/faq/), but it looks like she hasn't updated it for at least a couple of the last books published.
Other than the obligatory murder, there are really no mature themes.
Like other books in the larger series, this book is like two different stories. There is the mystery, and there is the personal life of several characters, not just the Rannoches. There are times when there is really good exploration of these personal lives, but there are others where it was just too much babble.
And the climax is the same way. There is a section that is excellent at the real climax of the book, but then the book just keeps going with too much wrapping up.
This book doesn't have all the pertinent references to Shakespeare and other classics which were juxtaposed with the lives of the main characters.
There is some deep exploration of loyalty vs. betrayal and what does each of those words mean especially in a world that is not black and white, but an ugly shade of bloody gray.
I have read this series totally wrong in terms of order. I read the three Fraser books prior to this one. As I mentioned above, many details are the same, but there are a few that are different. There are things in Charles Fraser's backstory that have no parallel in Malcolm's and for me make him a different man. That was brought home to me again by just how affectionate and loving Malcolm is for Suzanne/Melanie. Charles has a much harder edge, especially after the betrayal.
Don't do what I did. Either read all the Rannoch books first and save Beneath a Silent Moon, Secrets of a Lady, and The Mask of Night for last, or vice versa, but don't mix them. The former is probably the best. Tracy Grant provides this recommendation on her website FAQ (https://tracygrant.wordpress.com/faq/), but it looks like she hasn't updated it for at least a couple of the last books published.
Other than the obligatory murder, there are really no mature themes.
December 1, 2020
I really enjoy this series! This particular installment felt like one of the best so far!
The characters in this series is, I think, what brings me back book after book, although there is much to enjoy in the series. I love that all the characters are complicated, flawed people with difficult motivations and hard choices to make, but they are all so likable that it really draws a reader in to visit their world and go along on their adventures.
This book really ramped up the drama and suspense for the Rannochs, and while I won't give details to avoid spoilers, the ending of this book was a surprise that opens up new opportunities for plot development and new adventures. That said, it was still highly intense and a little sad, but it definitely makes me want to read the next book to see what happens next!
This author is great at melding actual historical events and people with her fictional plot and characters. I am not super-knowledgeable about Waterloo and its aftermath, so I just enjoy the story as it happens and don't need to worry about how accurate the details are.
This is a really well-written series, with lots of suspense and drama, and well-written characters who are easy to like and care about. I will definitely be continuing with the series!!
The characters in this series is, I think, what brings me back book after book, although there is much to enjoy in the series. I love that all the characters are complicated, flawed people with difficult motivations and hard choices to make, but they are all so likable that it really draws a reader in to visit their world and go along on their adventures.
This book really ramped up the drama and suspense for the Rannochs, and while I won't give details to avoid spoilers, the ending of this book was a surprise that opens up new opportunities for plot development and new adventures. That said, it was still highly intense and a little sad, but it definitely makes me want to read the next book to see what happens next!
This author is great at melding actual historical events and people with her fictional plot and characters. I am not super-knowledgeable about Waterloo and its aftermath, so I just enjoy the story as it happens and don't need to worry about how accurate the details are.
This is a really well-written series, with lots of suspense and drama, and well-written characters who are easy to like and care about. I will definitely be continuing with the series!!
June 14, 2019
This story is set in London in June,1818. The main characters are Malcolm Rannoch and his wife, Suzanne(Melanie)Rannoch. Both are former spies but for different countries - Malcolm for England while Suzanne worked for France. Neither is still in the business but Malcolm continues to do investigations for his former boss. A man is killed and discovered by a young boy who is known to Malcolm and Suzanne so they begin to look into the death. It soon becomes clear that very few people are telling the truth and the question is why all the lies. The book was an easy read.
April 7, 2018
4.0 stars
April 27, 2018
Started off well, dragged the rest of the way. Expected more, maybe you will feel differently. Enjoy!
July 22, 2018
No One Wins
Malcolm and Suzanne are on another case but the outcome is far different than anyone was able to see the outcome or the people that it would affect.
Malcolm and Suzanne are on another case but the outcome is far different than anyone was able to see the outcome or the people that it would affect.
May 15, 2024
She just fails to meet the potential that I saw
May 1, 2016
I did not know this was part of a series but this was very good as a stand alone as well.
Set in the period of Napoleon and his arrest and covering the entire gamut of French English relations which was not cordial at the best of times, we are dealing with a bunch of present and ex spies on both sides of the fence. To make matters more complicated the opposing sides are in several cases married to each other, have built up lives and families and been on the straight and narrow - upto now.
A sudden incident puts Malcolm and Suzanne's lives at high risk along with their children. It also touches the lives of all of those within their circle. No small thing as all are highly connected and a fall from grace would be distinctly unpleasant for all.
With ramifications going out in every direction, the story is succinctly told very descriptive of both the process of spying and how it works as well as the period and the way lives were lived. It was also good as it gave details of both the aristocracy as well as more ordinary folk.
It was my first read of Tracy Grant and I am presently looking for more books by her in the Melbourne library. Havent been able to track down any but I am not giving up.
Set in the period of Napoleon and his arrest and covering the entire gamut of French English relations which was not cordial at the best of times, we are dealing with a bunch of present and ex spies on both sides of the fence. To make matters more complicated the opposing sides are in several cases married to each other, have built up lives and families and been on the straight and narrow - upto now.
A sudden incident puts Malcolm and Suzanne's lives at high risk along with their children. It also touches the lives of all of those within their circle. No small thing as all are highly connected and a fall from grace would be distinctly unpleasant for all.
With ramifications going out in every direction, the story is succinctly told very descriptive of both the process of spying and how it works as well as the period and the way lives were lived. It was also good as it gave details of both the aristocracy as well as more ordinary folk.
It was my first read of Tracy Grant and I am presently looking for more books by her in the Melbourne library. Havent been able to track down any but I am not giving up.
July 16, 2016
Phoenix plot. Murder. Counterplot. End game? What calamities has Grant not imagined for us yet? It’s what we’ve seen coming for several installments, ever since Waterloo. Suzanne has watched the threat rising. O’Roarke has contemplated the outcomes. Malcolm has provided a solution. Grant gathers all the threads into four complex minds. Oh, did I leave out Carfax? He looms over the plots like the pendulum in the pit, swinging ever lower toward the victims’ most vulnerable spot. How can evisceration be avoided when our beloveds are simply the collateral damage that the master of spies has decided to accept if he can reach his goal? And all the while “The preciousness of life sneaked up on one, not so much in times of danger, when one would expect it, but in seemingly trivial moments. The sort of moments that went to make up a life and a marriage and a family.”
July 20, 2016
Always enjoy this series. It is three years after Waterloo. It is six months since Malcolm learned Suzette's secret. Things are getting back to normal. A dead body is found in a warehouse owned by Carfax's dead son in law next to an empty previously hidden drawer. No one knows what is missing. The same night Suzette is called to help with a smuggled in émigré who is injured. He mentions a plot to free Napoleon from exile. Suzette is torn as to whether to tell Malcolm or find out more first to protect both her old friends and Malcolm from having to choose. Raoul is summoned. Soon it is obvious these events are linked. Major secrets are revealed. Nasty plots are unraveled. Big changes in the future.
May 15, 2016
I loved the way the plot finally unraveled, finally being the operative word here. It took way too long for the plot to gel. The "who said what" portions of the book became tedious and until the final third of the book I was completely bored, not caring who said what. This book could have been half as long, sparing the reader the endless conversations. That being said, I still love the characters and the story being told. It makes for a thoughtful, yet spontaneous storyline. The author does embroil you in the lives of Suzanne and Malcolm and I find myself looking forward to the next installment.
July 27, 2016
Tracy Grant excelled herself with LONDON GAMBIT. It is full of twists that makes the reader catch his or her breath. The book is marked by her trademark elegant writing style. Her words propel the story forward and touch the reader's emotions. The reader cares about all the characters, no matter which side of the spying game they are on.
Each of Tracy Grant's books is better than the previous one. I cannot wait to see what happens next with Malcolm and Suzanne, Laura and Raoul, Harry and Cordelia, and David and Simon.
Each of Tracy Grant's books is better than the previous one. I cannot wait to see what happens next with Malcolm and Suzanne, Laura and Raoul, Harry and Cordelia, and David and Simon.
August 25, 2016
I am huge fan of this series and enjoy seeing the characters created for this series in each story, this outing was no exception. In this story the scene with Malcolm and Rauol was touching and I am glad it was part of the story. Watching each of the couples interact with each other and the group is always interesting to read. While I love London as a setting for books new places are good as well so I will eagerly await the next in the series.
August 9, 2016
Disappointing. I've enjoyed this series but I fear the plots are getting rather redundant and the characters now do little more than obsess incessantly over the state of their relationships. In addition there seems to be more spies running around than regular citizens which stretches belief. I hope future installments will bring back more intriguing mysteries and return to the strengths of earlier releases.
November 12, 2025
This Rannoch adventure furthers our knowledge of them. The Rannochs are tasked with finding out who killed Ben Coventry, a former member of the 95th Rifles and now a thief. He broke into Whately’s warehouse in search of something. We learn more about Carfax’s labyrinth spy network and about a possible Bonapartist plot, the Phoenix Plot, to free Napoleon from St. Helena.
August 12, 2016
Oh, a fantastic read and very involving with a couple of investigations into mysteries. I sincerely hope this is not the end of the series!! I really am enjoying this series. Hopefully there will be more investigations to come in Italy and all their best friends will come for a visit.
December 10, 2016
Thanks NYLA and netgalley for this ARC.
This series is ramping up again with lots of action and change coming! Love this web Tracy Grant weaves.
This series is ramping up again with lots of action and change coming! Love this web Tracy Grant weaves.
October 7, 2018
This novel was a bit shorter than the other books in the series, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I have always loved this series and look forward to the new ones each year.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews